What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?

A tooth infection can be extremely painful and usually affects of the root or portion between the gum s and tooth. It is generally caused by severe tooth decay that has not been addressed in some time. This is the reason we always recommend visiting a dentist routinely about every 6 months or sooner if advised to do so by the dentist. We all have different types of teeth and many patients are more prone to cavities and tooth infections than others. Always listen to the recommendations given to you by your dentist.

The most common symptom of a tooth infection is constant, throbbing pain of the tooth and portions around it. Other symptoms of an infected tooth include:

• Fever 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods/liquids 
• Halitosis (smelly breath) 
• Swollen gums or glands 
• Open sore on gums 

The root of the tooth can die from the tooth infection which will make the pain stop; however, this does not mean that the tooth has healed. Dental treatment is still required. The infection may then spread to other teeth or other areas of the mouth and should be addressed as soon as possible.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or think that you may have an infected tooth, please contact our Bakersfield dental office for treatment as soon as possible. Not getting treatment in a timely manner may result in tooth extraction or other costly dental procedures.