Table of contents:
- Symptoms of widespread dental infection
- Why can a tooth infection occur?
- Things that need to be considered so that the teeth are no longer infected
Leaving cavities can lead to dental infections. If the infection is left alone, it is certain that the infection can spread to other organs of the body. The symptoms that arise can interfere with your activities. These cavities should not be ignored. You need to recognize the symptoms of a spreading tooth infection and when to see a dentist.
Symptoms of widespread dental infection
Initially, toothache pains come and go. Some people may think that getting their teeth checked is something that can be postponed. In fact, ignoring them can have an impact on dental infections.
The infection can develop into a tooth abscess, which is a pus-filled lump due to a bacterial infection of the tooth. The location of the abscess can occur at the end of the tooth root or on the gum around the infected tooth.
Based on the article Statpearls Publishing , tooth abscesses caused by poorly cleaned teeth, buildup of plaque that causes cavities, and injuries or previous dental work.
Tooth infections that are not treated promptly can spread to the jaw, head, neck and throughout the body. Ultimately, these conditions can have serious overall health effects.
Previously, there are several symptoms of tooth infection that you need to know.
- Toothache that is unbearable, persistent, throbbing, spreading to the jawbone, neck and ears
- Sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Fever
- Swelling of the cheeks
- Lymph nodes (lower part of the jaw or neck) swell
- If the abscess ruptures, a salty, foul-smelling liquid builds up from the mouth
- Shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing
If you find the symptoms above, it means that the tooth infection has started to spread. Leaving it on can increase the risk of a brain abscess, inflammation in the heart, pneumonia, and other complications.
Why can a tooth infection occur?
Symptoms of a tooth infection can arise for a number of reasons. The common cause is cavities. The bacteria in cavities can easily enter through tooth cavities, cracks, or tooth cracks. This provides a way for bacteria to enter the deepest parts of the teeth.
The bacteria enter and infect the innermost part of the tooth, which contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. These bacteria cause swelling and inflammation at the tips of the roots, leading to other symptoms of tooth infection.
If you have swollen gums or cheeks, as well as other symptoms, don't delay going to the dentist. However, if symptoms progress to shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing, it's a good idea to rush to a hospital's emergency room immediately, as this could be a sign the infection has spread.
To treat an infection, the dentist will perform root canal treatment. This procedure is done to remove the infection from the tooth root.
In treating an infected tooth, the dentist will also treat the gums affected by the abscess and usually undergo further treatment so that the tooth infection can be resolved.
When root treatment cannot be done, the dentist will remove the infected tooth to treat the abscess.
Things that need to be considered so that the teeth are no longer infected
After the symptoms of a tooth infection have been resolved completely, of course you need to do a routine to maintain dental health. Self-care should not be missed, so that dental infections do not come again.
Here are the routines you need to do to maintain healthy teeth.
- Brush your teeth properly twice a day
- Flossing teeth at least once a day
- Gargle with mouthwash / mouthwash containing essential oil, help reduce 99.9% of germs that cause oral problems, as extra protection against cavities
- Avoid consuming sugary and sticky foods or drinks, especially before you go to bed
- Routinely check with the dentist every six months
Always apply the healthy routine above so that oral health is always protected.