What Causes Tooth Infections?
Tooth infections occur when foreign substances find their way into the tooth and reach the pulp. Infections can happen when cavities, broken teeth, or cracked teeth expose the tooth center.
If your tooth structure or outer protective enamel is breached, food particles and bacteria can penetrate deep within the tooth. In some cases, your body’s natural immune system cannot effectively fight the foreign substance without building up an infection.
Another possible source of a dental infection occurs when dead cells and tissues are blocked or trapped within the tooth. Your body has a natural ability to get rid of dead cells and cellular waste. If your body’s natural cleansing system is weakened or blocked, toxins inside or around the tooth may become an infection.
Some infections can be easily healed if you are in good health. Sometimes your dentist or doctor can prescribe antibiotics which will do the trick. But you should always seek professional medical help with an infection.
Abscess of an Infected Tooth?
Often your immune system will form an abscess to fight the infected substances. The tooth builds up a thin protein-rich fluid that your body uses to trap and contain foreign substances, to increase internal pressure and push the infection out. The abscess may cause painful inflammation in your mouth, and the process doesn’t always promote healing. An abscess can create a severe health threat if left untreated. The infection may spread to your gums and other body parts through the bloodstream.
Symptoms of a Dental Infection
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please reach out to us as soon as possible:
- Toothache
- Severe, continuous pain
- Gnawing or throbbing pain
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Breath odor or mouth odor
- Possible fever
- Swollen glands of the neck
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
- Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw (this is a very serious symptom, and you should consult your dentist immediately)
Steps to Take With an Infected Tooth
It would be best if you never ignored an infection. Always see your doctor or a dentist such as Dr. Bruggeman.
Until you get the professional treatment you need, there are some home-care healing tips you can follow, such as:
-Rinse with warm salt water to wash away infected materials and soothe the teeth and gums.
-Avoid sugary foods which can build up acidic substances on the teeth and gums.
-Avoid caffeine which can decrease your immune system and reduce your body’s ability to fight infection.
-Avoid smoking which can also decrease your immune system and aggravate existing health issues.
-Brush and floss your teeth to keep them as clean as possible.
Schedule an appointment with Bruggeman Dental as soon as possible to determine the pain and discomfort source and the best treatment.
Types of Dental Infections
- Periapical abscess: it Occurs from within the tooth pulp. Typically this requires a root canal to remove the infected pulp.
- Periodontal abscess: Occurs from the surrounding tissues and bones. It is an infection of the gums and is not typically treated by a root canal.
Your Tooth Infection Defense in Thornton, CO
Dr. Bruggeman and the Bruggeman Dental team want to help you cure your infection and get back to your life as soon as possible. We have a variety of treatments available to suit your individual needs, and we will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are comfortable and informed.
