Tooth infections are a serious and painful dental condition that require treatment. They can wreak havoc on your quality of life, so it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms. The first warning sign of a tooth infection is usually a nagging pain that gets worse. Pain may radiate into your jaw, ear, or head and is typically accompanied by bad breath and a sour taste in the mouth. If the pain is accompanied by swelling and fever, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Home remedies can help ease pain and reduce swelling. Try rinsing your mouth with saltwater or hydrogen peroxide, and applying garlic for its antimicrobial properties.

Symptoms

If left untreated, the bacteria that cause a tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body and create a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis include high fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, confusion, and organ dysfunction.

A dentist can prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and reduce symptoms. Warm saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can also help alleviate pain and fever associated with a tooth infection. If the infection is severe, a doctor may recommend draining an abscess, which can be done by making a small incision into the area and then using saline to wash away the dead tissue.

Causes

A tooth infection results from a bacterial attack on the dental pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If left untreated, a tooth infection can lead to an abscess, or pus-filled sac in the tooth. The abscess can also spread to the gum tissues and jawbone, causing swelling, pain and other symptoms. The infection may even enter the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which your immune system overreacts and causes blood clots and organ failure.

A severe toothache, swelling, difficulty chewing and other symptoms indicate that you have a bacterial infection in your tooth. You can lower your risk of infection by getting regular dental checkups, as well as prompt treatment of tooth decay and early gum disease (gingivitis). Rinsing with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease the pain.

Treatment

Tooth infections require prompt treatment so they don’t spread and cause more serious problems. Home remedies like warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease the pain while you wait for an appointment with your dentist.

Symptoms of tooth infection include severe, throbbing, persistent pain in the affected tooth or jawbone. You may also experience pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or tender and swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw. You might also notice a sudden rush of salty, foul-tasting or bad-smelling liquid that drains into your mouth. This is called a pus-filled abscess, and it is a sign that the infection is getting worse and needs immediate attention.

Antibiotics are often used to treat tooth infections, but they’re only one part of the solution. Many infections require a dental procedure, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, to fully clear up. During the treatment, your dentist will remove the bacteria from the tooth pulp to prevent further complications.

Prevention

While infection isn’t always preventable, good oral health and regular dental visits can help. When an infection occurs, early intervention is critical to avoid serious complications such as abscesses or spreading the infection to other parts of the body. In the meantime, some home remedies like rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and using garlic can alleviate pain, swelling, and fever while you wait to see your Beaverton dentist for treatment.

Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly can keep bacteria levels low. A healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress management can also help boost your immunity and prevent infections from arising. Infection prevention measures in dental settings are designed to limit the spread of respiratory pathogens via droplet and airborne routes. CDC’s Summary Guide to Basic Infection Prevention Recommendations for Dental Health Care Settings helps Dental Health Care Personnel (DHCP) and patients follow best practices.