17 April 2025
What Is a Dental Infection?
No one ever wants to experience toothache or sensitivity, but you may be worried that your own sudden dental pain isn’t merely something that will pass quickly. Specifically, you might be concerned about your pain potentially indicating a dental infection.
A dental infection is a bacterial infection that can occur in the teeth, gums, or supporting structures. It can develop due to such factors as dental trauma, tooth decay, or gum disease.
When a dental infection does arise and is left untreated, pus can accumulate in a localised area of the mouth, bringing about symptoms such as pain and swelling. This is known as an abscess.
An abscess will not go away on its own, and requires urgent treatment by a dentist.
7 Warning Signs Your Toothache May Be an Infection
So, presuming you’re experiencing tooth pain, if you see any of these other potential signs of dental infection, we urge you to contact your dentist immediately:
- Swelling in the face or gums
If you’re experiencing a swollen gum and tooth pain simultaneously, this could well indicate a dental abscess.
The bacteria-filled pus associated with a dental abscess may well cause an unpleasant taste or odour in the mouth.
A dental infection that has spread to other parts of the body can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, and/or swollen lymph nodes.
- Sensitivity to pressure or heat
If sensitivity to hot or cold is accompanied by other classic dental abscess symptoms such as pain when biting or chewing, this gives you further reason to urgently consult a dentist.
- Discolouration of the gum or tooth
When associated with an infection such as a dental abscess, discolouration may manifest as reddish or purplish gums, or grey or black teeth.
The discharge of pus or fluid in the mouth is a strong indicator of a dental infection like a tooth abscess, particularly if it is thick, yellowish, or white.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
If you do turn out to have a toothache infection, it is crucial for these reasons to have the issue swiftly treated:
- It helps prevent the spread of infection from the tooth to surrounding tissues such as the jawbone, gums, and even other areas of the head and neck.
- It helps prevent permanent damage and/or potentially, the loss of teeth.
- It helps avoid the need for more complex and invasive treatment at a later stage.
What To Do If You Think You Have an Infection
If you have potential dental abscess symptoms like those mentioned above, and you believe you have an infection, you should contact a dentist immediately. If you are unable to get to an emergency appointment or don’t have a regular dentist, call NHS 111.
When you arrange an appointment with an emergency dentist for infection, they will typically examine the infected area. They may take X-rays to determine the best course of action.
In the event of a dental abscess being identified, your dentist may need to drain the abscess to relieve the pressure and lessen the infection. They might prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection, and pain relievers to make your discomfort more manageable.
Prevention Tips
Take the following actions to help reduce your risk of a future toothache infection:
- Practise good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Arrange routine dental checkups, so that the dentist can identify early signs of tooth decay or infection, and recommend appropriate treatment
- Have any cavities or trauma treated as early as possible, to help prevent more serious health problems later.
If you’re experiencing unexplained or persistent dental pain, don’t panic! By having the issue looked at promptly by reputable professionals, you can put your mind at rest about the cause, and receive the treatment you need to ensure good oral health.
Contact our friendly team at Fleckney Dental today to arrange your appointment.
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