Most people can ignore a small ache, but untreated dental infections can spread quickly and lead to serious health problems, even hospitalization. The sooner you recognize the warning signs, the faster you can stop the pain, swelling, and potential complications that follow a tooth abscess. But how do you know if your tooth is infected?
In this blog, you’ll learn the common causes, early symptoms, advanced signs, and treatment options for tooth infections.
What Causes Tooth Infections?
A tooth infection begins when bacteria break through the protective layers of the tooth and reach the sensitive pulp inside. This usually happens gradually, often starting with decay, gum disease, or structural damage. Once bacteria reach the pulp, inflammation develops, and a pocket of pus (abscess) forms. Here are the most common contributing factors that increase your risk of a tooth infection:
Untreated Cavities: Decay lets bacteria penetrate deeper into the tooth.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Openings in the enamel give bacteria direct access to the pulp.
Old or Failing Dental Work: Worn fillings or crowns can trap bacteria beneath them.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing allows plaque and bacteria to build up.
Each of these factors allows bacteria to reach the inner tooth, triggering pain, swelling, and eventual abscess formation. Staying on top of routine dental care is the strongest defense against infection.
So, How Do You Know If Your Tooth Is Infected?
To figure out whether you’re dealing with normal sensitivity or an actual infection, look at how your symptoms behave and where the discomfort starts. Let’s break down the most common signs that point to an active tooth infection and when it’s time to call a dentist right away.
Persistent Toothache and Throbbing Pain
A long-lasting, throbbing toothache is one of the clearest signs of infection. The pain may start small, then intensify and radiate into the jaw, ear, or neck. It often worsens when you lie down, chew, or apply pressure to the tooth.
Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Biting Pressure
If a sip of hot coffee or a bite of something cold shoots pain through a specific tooth, the nerves inside may be inflamed. As the infection progresses, even chewing soft foods can feel unbearable.
Facial Swelling, Gum Swelling, or a Visible Gum Boil
Swelling in the cheek, jaw, or gums means the body is trying to contain the infection. A small bump on the gums (called a fistula) that leaks fluid is a strong indicator of a tooth abscess.
Bad Taste, Bad Breath, or Pus Drainage
Tooth infections produce pus, which can drain into the mouth, causing a foul taste or persistent bad breath. This typically indicates that the abscess is active and requires immediate care.
Tooth Discoloration and Darkening
When the pulp dies, the tooth can turn gray, brown, or noticeably darker. This change often indicates that the nerve is no longer alive, and the tooth requires root canal therapy.
Fever, Fatigue, and Swollen Lymph Nodes
Once an infection spreads beyond the tooth, your body may respond with fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, or overall fatigue. These symptoms point to a more serious infection that requires urgent attention.
What Happens if a Tooth Infection Spreads?
When a tooth infection spreads, it can travel into the jawbone, sinuses, throat, or bloodstream, especially in the more advanced tooth abscess stages. This can lead to dangerous complications such as cellulitis, sinus infections, airway obstruction, or sepsis. Symptoms like severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or confusion indicate a medical emergency. A spreading tooth infection is not something that will improve on its own; professional treatment is the only safe option.
Treatment Options for a Tooth Infection
When a tooth becomes infected, your dentist may use several reliable treatments to eliminate the infection and relieve pain. The best option depends on how severe the infection is and whether the tooth can still be saved, as pulling a tooth with infection is the last resort. Below are the primary treatments your dentist may recommend.
Prescribing Antibiotics
Antibiotics can help control the infection when it has spread beyond the tooth. They are typically used in combination with dental procedures rather than as a standalone cure. While they reduce swelling and fever, they don’t remove infected pulp from inside the tooth.
Draining the Abscess
If the abscess is large or causing significant swelling, your dentist may create a small opening to drain the pus. This relieves pressure and pain while preventing the infection from spreading further.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal removes the infected pulp from the tooth, cleans the canals, and seals the root canal system. It is the most effective way to save a tooth that has an internal infection. Afterward, the tooth is often protected with a crown to restore strength and function.
What You Should Do if You Think Your Tooth Is Infected
If you suspect an infection, acting quickly makes a massive difference in how fast you heal and how much treatment you need. Here’s what to do in a dental emergency like this:
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory medications can temporarily reduce pain and swelling while you arrange care.
Avoid Trigger Foods and Temperatures: Hot, cold, and crunchy foods can intensify pain, so stick with softer, lukewarm options until your appointment.
See an Emergency Dentist: Sudden swelling, fever, or severe pain requires urgent dental care. Emergency dentists can quickly diagnose the issue and start appropriate treatment.
Following these steps keeps the infection from spreading while you wait for professional help. The longer you wait, the more complicated treatment becomes, so don’t delay if symptoms worsen or new ones appear.
See Our Emergency Dentist Immediately for Your Tooth Infection
At Smile4Me Dental Care, our emergency dentist and medical team take tooth infections seriously and offer same-day relief whenever possible. If you need a dentist in Astoria who can diagnose your symptoms, perform digital imaging, and recommend fast, effective treatment, we’re here for you. Tooth infections are painful and potentially dangerous, but with prompt attention, we can stop the infection, protect surrounding teeth, and help you feel better quickly.
Final Words on Signs of a Tooth Infection
So, how do you know if a tooth is infected? Knowing the early warning signs helps you recognize when something is wrong before the infection spreads. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially persistent pain or facial swelling, getting professional care right away is essential.
Smile4Me Dental Care is here to help you get out of pain and protect your health. Book your appointment today to get expert treatment and relief from your tooth infection.