QODC

Tooth Infection? Visit A Dentist Right Away!

Whether you are 8 or 80, your oral health is essential. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental diseases, but there are about 100 million Americans who do not schedule routine appointments with their dentists! Whether you have dentophobia (fear of going to the dentist), lack of insurance, or a busy schedule, professional dental care should not be avoided for a long period. 

The mouth is the gateway to the body, and oral health problems indicate that your overall health may be in jeopardy. Like any infection, tooth infections can be dangerous and should not be ignored. While a dental abscess, aka tooth infection, can be quite painful, they typically resolve quickly with immediate and proper treatment. On the other hand, untreated dental abscesses can destroy the affected tooth, spread to other areas of the mouth, and even cause life-threatening complications. 

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

If you have a tooth abscess, you might describe your pain as:

• Gnawing or throbbing
• Sharp or shooting
• Continuous or only when chewing
• Radiating to your jawbone, neck or ear

Other tooth abscess symptoms may include:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Bitter taste in your mouth
• Swollen area in your upper or lower jaw
• Open, draining sore on the side of your gums
• Bad breath 

You might also experience more generalized symptoms, like:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling

Can A Tooth Abscess Go Away By Itself?

Tooth infections won't go away on their own. If you have tooth abscess symptoms, prompt care is necessary. If the abscess doesn't drain properly, the infection may spread to your surrounding jawbone tissue, gum tissues, or even the soft tissues inside your cheek or other areas of your head and neck. In more severe cases, the infection may spread to your sinus cavity if the abscess is in the back of your mouth. If your tooth infection is untreated and spreading, you're at risk of sepsis, a widespread inflammatory response that can endanger your life without immediate treatment.

How To Prevent A Tooth Abscess?

Knowing how to avoid tooth infection is just as important as knowing the symptoms of one that's spreading. So be sure to maintain good oral health habits like these:

• Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
• Daily flossing
• Eating healthy
• Regular dental visits

Do yourself a favor. Watch out for symptoms of an abscessed tooth and get immediate care. At Quince Orchard Dental Care, our highly trained dental team is dedicated to ensuring that you have the best dental care in the most comfortable setting. Contact us to schedule an appointment.