You wake up with a throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away, but the problem is that you have an important meeting at work later in the day. So, you take some over-the-counter pain medication and suffer through it. Then, after another day or so, you notice that your face is swollen in the same area as your tooth pain.
Maybe you decide to wait another day or two to see if the pain and swelling subside because you’re just too busy to go to the dentist, or you’re worried about how much it’s going to cost.
Sound familiar? Well, it’s not uncommon for patients to ignore their dental symptoms. Whether it’s cost, dental anxiety, or a hectic schedule, there are plenty of reasons to avoid making an appointment.
But if you have a dental abscess, it could lead to serious health concerns if left untreated.
So, what are the signs you shouldn’t ignore?
What Is a Dental Abscess?
An abscess is a serious infection that occurs when a pus pocket forms in your gum tissue. Caused by bacteria, a dental abscess can affect different parts of your tooth:
- Periapical abscess — This type of infection happens when untreated tooth decay, previous dental work, or a mouth injury allows bacteria to enter the end of your tooth’s roots.
- Periodontal abscess — This type of infection occurs along the gumline and is usually caused by advanced gum disease, food trapped between your tooth and gums, dental trauma, or failed dental restorations.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Because an untreated abscess can cause tooth loss and serious health complications, there are numerous signs you shouldn’t ignore.
You should contact our office for an emergency appointment if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent tooth pain — If you have a throbbing toothache or a sharp pain when you bite down or drink something hot or cold, call us for advice. When the pain doesn’t subside on its own or spreads to your jawbone, neck, or ear, it could be a serious infection.
- Swelling — One of the biggest symptoms of an abscessed tooth is swelling at the site of the infection. Pay attention to swollen gums or if your face or jaw looks puffy, and if you are having trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Bad breath — It’s not uncommon to have bad breath once in a while, but if it’s persistent or you notice a bitter taste in your mouth, it could indicate a harmful infection.
- Visible pus — If you see a pus pocket in your mouth, it’s a sign that you have an infection. Even if it doesn’t hurt, you should contact our office immediately.
- Fever — A dental abscess can cause a fever, so if you have any of the above symptoms accompanied by a fever, it’s best to seek emergency dental care right away.
Preventing a Dental Infection: What You Should Know
There are some things you can do to prevent a tooth abscess; some of these simple habits could help you avoid a painful infection:
- Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth in the morning and at night. Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between each tooth at least once a day. Use a water flosser for even better results.
- Make sure to replace your toothbrush every few months, and consider using an electric toothbrush to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
- Try to avoid too much sugar; focus on eating healthy foods and limiting snacks between meals.
- Schedule a routine checkup and cleaning every six months. This gives us a chance to catch any dental issues early and treat them before they worsen.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
To reduce swelling and manage your discomfort before your dental appointment, here are some things you can try:
- Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth, and gently spit it out. This can alleviate some of the discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to control the pain. Either acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.
- Place an ice pack against your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. This can reduce swelling and numb your face.
- Sleep with your head raised, as this can reduce the pressure and throbbing.
Don’t Ignore Dental Abscess Symptoms!
If you notice tooth infection swelling or other symptoms, please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced dental team! At Dentistry of Fishers, we understand how serious a dental infection can be and how leaving it untreated can be medically serious.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your oral health, so if you have questions or concerns, call our office at (317) 773-1618.
We offer same-day emergency dental care and will do whatever we can to alleviate your discomfort and restore your smile.