Why Does My Tooth Hurt? 7 Signs of Dental Infections

Tooth pain can be one of the most unbearable and debilitating experiences a person can go through. It can hinder your ability to speak, eat, and concentrate on your daily activities. While there are a number of reasons why your tooth may hurt, dental infections are one of the most common culprits. There’s no reason to worry, however, as a virtual doctor can easily help you overcome the pain by effectively treating the infection. Here are 7 signs of dental infections that you should be aware of:

 

1. Pain

Pain is often the first and most obvious sign of a dental infection. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it difficult to eat, drink, or sleep. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may be triggered by eating or drinking hot or cold substances and chewing or biting down on food. Often, people experiencing toothaches resort to using sensitivity toothpastes as the pain worsens before visiting a dentist.

 

2. Swelling

Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums is another common sign of a dental infection. It can be caused by the buildup of pus or other fluids around the affected tooth or teeth. The swelling may be accompanied by redness, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area. Sometimes, blood also oozes out of the swollen areas while brushing and can be seen when you spit the toothpaste out.

3. Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that could be triggered by several factors, including dental infections. If you experience sharp or shooting pain when you eat or drink hot or cold substances or bite down on food, it may be a sign of a dental infection.

 

4. Bad taste or odor

If you have a dental infection, you may notice a bad taste or odor in your mouth. This can be caused by the buildup of bacteria or pus around the affected tooth or teeth. In some cases, the rotting taste or odor may be accompanied by a discharge of pus or other fluids. Not only does the pus worsen the toothache, but it also affects a person’s self-confidence because usually, the bad odor can be detected by people nearby.

5. Fever

In some cases, a dental infection can lead to a fever. If you have a fever along with tooth pain, swelling, or other symptoms, it may be a sign that the infection has spread. This means that it’s high time that you consult an online doctor, especially if you don’t feel well enough to pay a visit to one in person.

6. Difficulty opening your mouth

If you have a dental infection, you may find it difficult to open your mouth fully. This can be caused by swelling or tenderness in the jaw or pain or discomfort in the affected area. This can also create increasing discomfort in your daily life when you try to talk or laugh.

 

7. Headache

A dental infection can sometimes cause a headache, particularly if the infection has spread to the sinuses or other parts of the head. If you have a headache along with other symptoms of a dental infection, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible because this means that the infection is beyond home remedies and sensitivity toothpastes.

 

Further Reading: What Could Your Toothache Mean? 

Preventing Dental Infections

In addition to seeking treatment from your dentist, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of dental infections. These include:

 

1. Regular brushing and flossingwhich can help prevent dental infections by removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
2. Eating a healthy dietthat is rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce your risk of dental infections.

 

3. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks because they erode your tooth enamel and increase your risk of dental infections.
4. Visiting your dentist regularly because they help identify and treat dental problems before they become more serious.

 

If you experience any of these signs of a dental infection, it's important to seek prompt treatment from your dentist. Dental infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including spreading the infection to other parts of the body. TelMDCare provides immediate healthcare to its patients in the comfort of their homes. Now, you can book an appointment with our general practitioners for only $39 instead of $79. From tooth infections to STDs and conjunctivitis, we help treat it all.