Symptoms To Look Out For When Getting a Tooth Infection

Sometimes you notice a slight twinge in your tooth. As time goes by, the pain gets worse and is more constant. If you don’t do something, it could wind up being a tooth infection.

If you have a tooth infection, you need to see a Clearwater dentist as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can spread to the rest of your jaw and cause you to lose other teeth. But it is not only your teeth that you have to worry about. 

A tooth infection will not be confined to your head – it is not a closed loop there. The bacteria that are in your gums can make their way into your bloodstream and wind up possibly causing other conditions. 

You need to be aware of what could be happening around your body. Here are some signs that your tooth infection could be spreading to your body. 

Male patient having a tooth infection

What Conditions Can You Get?

The first thing you should know is what you could wind up getting if the bacteria makes its way into your bloodstream. While there may be other factors that can play a part in any illness or condition that you contract, poor oral hygiene, genetics, or a combination of both can put you at risk of getting something else from a tooth infection. 

These are some of the things that you can get if you do not catch your tooth infection early on and have it taken care of: 

  • Cellulitis: You have a skin infection that also affects the fat under the skin
  • Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: The blood vessels in your sinuses become infected
  • Osteomyelitis: This is when the bone around your tooth gets infected
  • Parapharyngeal Abscess: You will have an abscess at the back of your mouth
  • Sepsis: There is an infection in your bloodstream and your immune system overreacts – this is a true medical emergency

You could wind up having this effect on far more than just your face and neck. There could be multiple tissues and systems throughout your body. It is far more dangerous than just possibly losing some teeth and needing to have them replaced. 

What Are The Symptoms To Look Out For?

While your chances of getting these conditions from a tooth infection are slim, they still exist. You mustn’t ignore any of these symptoms. They include: 

  • Breathing Difficulties
  • Confusion
  • Double Vision
  • Drooping Eyelids
  • Fever
  • Itchy or Burning Sensations on Skin
  • Nausea
  • Painful Mouth or Tongue
  • Swelling of Your Face, Neck, or Cheeks
  • Vomiting

These symptoms may not be related to your tooth infection spreading around, but they are not things to take lightly. See a medical professional if you feel any of these things. That way, you will be able to get the care that you need for whatever you have. Male patient having a tooth infection

Once they have gotten your symptoms under control, It may turn out that the doctors quickly advise you to see a dentist. The treatments can range through these options: 

  • Deep Cleaning: Your dentist may go well below the gum line and get rid of the plaque and tartar that have built up there. You can’t remove this yourself – it has to be done by a professional that uses special tools to do the job. 
  • Antibiotics: You may need to take a regimen of antibiotics. This can be done in several ways: with mouthwash, or pills, or your dentist may put quick-release packets right in your gums. 
  • Surgery: This is the last resort if the tooth infection has dug deep into your jaw. 

If you suspect that you have a tooth infection that may be in danger of spreading to your body, you need to see a doctor, quickly. Otherwise, the symptoms could ramp up and have you facing long-term consequences or even worse. Do not let it get to this point if you can. 

Once your dentist has gotten the tooth infection under control, they will likely want to see you every three months until you have shown that you are on a good oral health regimen again. All you need to do is brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss once a day. Use a mouthwash at night to protect your teeth overnight. Then you can feel good about your teeth again. 

At The Dental Emergency Room, we have staff that is ready to handle tooth infections. If you live in Clearwater or near it, come see us. We will have you feeling better quickly and able to smile again. Call us for an appointment: 727-449-2424.

Contact The Dental Emergency Room In Clearwater
Dental Emergency Room
1935 Drew Street,
Clearwater, Florida 33765
Columbus, OH 43205
Phone: 727-449-2424