3 Signs Your Tooth Is Infected

It’s easy to ignore a toothache, especially if it’s mild or you’re used to the pain going away relatively quickly. But while not all tooth pain is serious, what you’re experiencing could be the start of a tooth infection. We’ll look at the major warning signs and when it’s time to call a doctor.

Top 3 Signs of a Tooth Infection

Keep an eye on the following if you’re experiencing any discomfort:

1. Throbbing Pain

Throbbing pain, whether it’s in the tooth, jaw, ear, or even neck, can be a sign of an infection. Pain from an infection is also likely to increase if you’re lying down.

2. Swelling

Your body is trying to fight off the inflammation, which may lead to swelling in the cheeks or lymph nodes. Any visible changes in the body can be a symptom of a progressing infection.

3. Fever

An infection in the mouth can lead to a mild or moderate fever. If you’re experiencing any chills or fatigue, even a slight fever can be a sign of infection.

Please note that people with poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, and a high-sugar diet are more likely to experience tooth infections. It’s important to monitor symptoms of tooth infection, as they’re liable to start off mild. Whether the tooth becomes infected through a cavity or chip, you can’t let the pain go untreated.

When to Call the Dentist

Ideally, you’ll call the dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms. A severe infection can cause anything from difficulty breathing to chest pain to mental confusion, so it’s important to be on the ball from the very beginning. Plus, scheduling a consultation can stave off everything from larger health problems to more intensive treatments in the dentist’s chair.