A tooth infection may cause you to put your entire life on hold until you’ve received treatment. They are painful, distracting, and potentially life-threatening. A tooth or mouth infection may not go away on its own; in this case your dentist will need to prescribe antibiotics. If you experience tooth pain, we recommend visiting your dentist for help. To assist you with this, we’ve compiled this quick and easy guide to what causes tooth infections and possible endodontic treatments.
If you’re sensing any signs of a tooth infection, your best bet is to reach out to an experienced endodontist in your area. Whether it’s root canal therapy, apicoectomy, or endodontic retreatment, Dr. Lina Jarboe, Dr. Burton Waxman, and our team can provide you with the care you need to correct your problem and ensure that it no longer poses a threat to your wellbeing. Give Access Endodontics a call today at 410.304.7226 to schedule your appointment.
Is My Tooth Infected?
A tooth infection, otherwise known as a periapical tooth abscess, is caused by bacteria finding its way inside of the tooth, where it then spreads throughout the pulp, leading to inflammation, swelling, and significant pain.
The bacteria can enter the tooth through cracks, chips, and cavities that expose the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue). An infected tooth is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. Below we discuss some common causes of tooth infections.
Deep Cavities
A small cavity is unlikely to allow the bacteria to reach the pulp of the tooth to cause any issues. Still, if the cavity is deep enough, infection is a major concern. If you already have cavities, the best way to prevent deep cavities is to have them filled before they can progress deep enough to expose the center of the tooth.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
A tooth that has been broken can be vulnerable to bacteria entering it and causing an infection. Restorative dental procedures can help prevent this from happening. The earlier you seek treatment, the lesser the potential of possible infections.
Gum Disease
There are a few different stages of gum disease or periodontitis. At first, it’s an easily treatable condition that doesn’t have too many painful or severe symptoms, but eventually, it can progress into something a lot more dangerous.
Advanced gum disease can cause your gums to separate from your teeth, allowing for infections to develop in the exposed area. You can prevent this by flossing daily, visiting your dentist regularly, and swiftly addressing any gum issues you encounter.
Things to Avoid If You Want to Prevent Tooth Infection
If you’re not experiencing any signs of a tooth infection but you’d still like to know what you can do to prevent one from occurring, try to avoid the following:
- Eating a high-sugar diet
- Neglecting to brush twice a day and floss daily
- Overusing your toothbrush (toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months)
- Neglecting cavities or damaged teeth
Avoiding these things will help you prevent tooth infections. However, sometimes even the most diligent oral hygiene routine won’t be able to stop you from getting one. If you should get an infection, your best bet is to reach out to your dentist or endodontist.
Contact Access Endodontics to Treat Your Infected Tooth
Out of all the causes of tooth pain, a tooth infection is perhaps the most serious. If you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms, contact Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman at Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226 or using the online form.