Table of Contents
Let’s start with what is a tooth infection. A tooth infection is a infection in our tooth caused by bacteria invading the pulp of the tooth. Tooth pains are one of the most irresistible pains in the world. It can be seen as common pain but it can be vary dangerous in certain time if ignored.
Common causes
There are different ways a bacteria can invade our tooth. Most common causes are as follows:
Untreated cavities: Cavities should be treated right away after it is discovered. Otherwise it can led to various tooth infections.
Cracked or damaged teeth: Some people may have cracked teeth from birth or some may have got it in an unfortunate accident. Whatever the case, cracked teeth can be harmful in many ways and should be treated right away.
Poor dental hygiene practices: Everyone should take care of their health. It is very crucial for everyone so they don’t suffer from any diseases like tooth infection due to poor dental hygiene or any kind of other infections.
Bacteria multiply quickly, especially if your oral health isn’t well-maintained, turning what might have started as a cavity into a vary dangerous infection.
Symptoms
So how can you tell if you have a tooth infection to quickly avoid it initially? Here are some common symptoms you should consider first:
- Severe toothache
- Swelling face or jaw
- High fever
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Headache
If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to take action immediately. Some symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, can indicate the infection is spreading beyond the tooth and cautions us to treat it immediately.
How it spreads and how much time it take to highly affect you
A tooth infection begins usually in the tooth itself or the surrounding gum tissue. But, if left untreated, the infection can spread. This happens when the bacteria move from the infected tooth into nearby tissue or blood vessels, potentially affecting vital organs like the brain or heart.
The time of it effect varies for everyone, depending on various factors like your immune system and the infection itself. In only some rare cases, a tooth infection can become life threatening in just a few days if the infection spreads to critical areas like the brain or lungs. In most cases, an untreated tooth infection can become life threatening within a week. Some people may have infections that can have effects longer before developing complications. It’s important to act naturally if you notice signs of infection.
Effects of tooth infection
Various harmful effects can be brought by tooth infection. You may see effects like the following:
- Swelling in your neck or face
- Very high fever
- Difficulty in breathing
- Weakness and fatigue
Prevention measures
However there are certain prevention techniques and measures you can take to prevent it and also treat it. Some of the measures are as follows:
Antibiotics: To stop the spread of bacteria.
Root Canal Therapy: To remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, the infected tooth may need to be removed to prevent the spread of infection.
Let’s see few more tips:
- Brush twice a day with a toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- See your dentist regularly for check-ups .
- Avoid smoking and drinking.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
A tooth infection may seem like a minor problem at first, but it can become deadly if left untreated. The good news is that with proper care and good oral hygiene, you can prevent infections and avoid serious problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late, if you suspect you have a tooth infection, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Reference sources
We collected all the data used in the article from this dental pain pdf and other few surveys.
https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/m3wirndj/dental-pain_dec23.pdf
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