Signs of a tooth infection: 7 symptoms

Key takeaways

• Common signs of a tooth infection include persistent, throbbing tooth pain that may worsen with pressure or temperature changes, swelling in the gums or face, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and fever.
• Treatment may include antibiotics for severe or spreading infections, root canal procedures to remove infected tissue, draining an abscess to reduce pressure, or tooth extraction in cases where the tooth is extensively damaged.
• Preventing tooth infections involves brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, using antimicrobial mouthwash, and attending regular dental check-ups. If you experience signs of infection, contact a dentist promptly to prevent complications.

Overview

A tooth infection often occurs when bacteria enter the innermost part of a tooth or the surrounding gums. Common signs of a tooth infection include a severe toothache and tenderness or swelling in the gums. You may also experience fever in severe cases. 

Not receiving appropriate dental care and having difficulty recognizing signs of infection can lead to serious complications like tooth loss or blood infections. 

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Signs and symptoms of a tooth infection 

The common signs of a tooth infection include:

• persistent and throbbing tooth pain that worsens with pressure or chewing
• swelling in the gums, face, or neck area, possibly around the infected tooth
• increased sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold temperatures
• fever
• persistent bad breath
• tender and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jawline area
• redness, tenderness, or bleeding of the gums

If you experience any signs of a tooth infection, consider speaking with a dentist as soon as possible. Prompt dental care is important to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further complications. 

Additionally, if you notice any oral health changes like persistent bad breath that does not go away with regular oral hygiene practices, an unpleasant taste in your mouth, or swollen lymph nodes in your neck, make sure to tell a dentist so they can investigate further.

Online care for dental pain

In most cases, if you experience dental issues, you should make an appointment with a dentist for an in-person assessment. However, in some cases, online care may be able to provide prescriptions for antibiotics or mouthwashes to help with dental concerns.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

How will a dentist treat a tooth or gum infection?

Treatment options for a tooth or gum infection may include the following:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not always necessary for treating tooth infections. They are typically reserved for cases where the infection is severe, spreading, or causing systemic symptoms.

The choice of antibiotic may vary based on factors like the infection type. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for tooth infections include: 

• Penicillins: These antibiotics inhibit the growth of bacteria by disrupting how they build their cell wall and bringing water to the cell to kill it. They are effective against many types of bacteria that commonly cause tooth infections. A typical example is amoxicillin (Amoxil).
• Cephalosporins: These are similar in structure to penicillins and prevent bacteria from building their cell wall. A dentist may prescribe cephalosporins if you have an infection resistant to penicillin. Some people allergic to penicillin may also have a cephalosporin allergy, so be sure to discuss any potential allergies with your dentist. Some examples of cephalosporins include cephalexin (Keflex) and cefuroxime (Zinacef).
• Macrolides: These drugs work by preventing the growth and reproduction of bacteria. A dentist may prescribe them for tooth infections when you have allergies or intolerances to penicillin and cephalosporins. Examples of macrolides include azithromycin (Zithromax) and clarithromycin (Biaxin).

Pain relievers

A dentist may prescribe pain relievers to help manage discomfort associated with a tooth or gum infection. These may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a class of pain relievers that can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. They include naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil).
• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can effectively manage pain from tooth or gum infections by reducing pain signals in the brain. This medication is available over the counter and on a prescription from a dentist.
• Opioids: Opioids like combined hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Lortab) are strong pain relievers that healthcare professionals typically reserve for severe pain. They generally offer them for a short duration and under close supervision since they carry the risk of dependence, misuse, and potentially severe side effects. 

Root canal procedures

If the infection has reached the tooth’s pulp and become an abscess, a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.

During a root canal, a dentist will remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s interior and clean and shape the root canals. They will then fill and seal the space to prevent further infection. This procedure typically takes one or two appointments under local anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience.

Draining the abscess

If there is a visible abscess, a dentist may need to drain it to reduce pressure and inflammation and promote healing.

The procedure involves making a small incision in the abscess to allow the accumulated pus to drain away. Dental surgeons will typically use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure.

Tooth extraction

In severe cases where the infection cannot be effectively treated or the tooth is extensively damaged, tooth extraction may be necessary.

A dentist will use specialized tools to gently remove the infected tooth from its socket in the jawbone during a tooth extraction. They often give local anesthesia to numb the area to ensure you have a comfortable experience. 

Tips for preventing a tooth or gum infection

To prevent tooth and gum infections, it’s important to establish and maintain good oral hygiene habits. This can include:

• Flossing: Flossing daily helps clean the spaces between your teeth and removes plaque or food particles that may be stuck. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in areas that are hard to reach.
• Regular brushing: It’s best to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily, ensuring you brush all the tooth surfaces and along the gumline to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Using antimicrobial mouthwash: Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash helps reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. Ideally, use products containing ingredients like chlorhexidine.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: It’s best to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by limiting sugary snacks and drinks, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco use or smoking, as these factors can increase the risk of dental infections.
• Attending regular dental check-ups: Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health, identify early signs of infection or decay, and manage any concerns before they worsen.

Why is dental care important?

Oral hygiene is important as it helps prevent complications that can lead to tooth loss and systemic health conditions if left untreated. Other benefits include:

• Preventing tooth decay and gum disease: Regular dental care, including brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
• Early detection of oral health conditions: Routine dental visits allow for the early detection of conditions like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, enabling prompt treatment and helping prevent complications.
• Improved overall health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of systemic conditions like heart disease.
• Increased self-esteem: Proper dental care can improve your smile, boost your confidence, and enhance your overall self-esteem and well-being.
• Cost savings: Preventive dental care is usually more cost-effective than treating advanced dental conditions that may arise from not having regular oral health checks.

What’s next?

If you’ve had a tooth infection, here are some next steps to consider:

• Monitor oral health closely and contact a dentist at the first sign of persistent tooth pain, swelling, or fever.
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and avoid delaying treatment to catch potential infections early and prevent complications.
• Manage pain and inflammation with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or follow your dentist’s recommendations for stronger pain relief.
• Explore online dental care options if in-person appointments aren’t immediately available, but prioritize in-person visits for persistent or severe symptoms.

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