Just like any infection, tooth infections can be serious and dangerous, and are not to be ignored.
Why Take a Tooth Infection Seriously?
A tooth infection can also be referred to as a dental abscess. A dental abscess is simply an area of pus within or around the tooth that has been caused by a bacterial infection. The infection can occur either inside the tooth, affecting the tooth root, or it may occur on the gums. You should always take infection seriously, as any infection can spread throughout the body, posing serious, even life-threatening, health risks.
Tooth Infection Symptoms to Watch For
Tooth infection symptoms include:
An intense toothache
Sensitivity to pressure and/or temperature
A fever
Swelling
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area
A foul taste and/or smell in the mouth
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Who’s at Risk for Infection?
Really, anyone is at risk of developing a tooth infection, but there are some factors that can elevate that risk significantly. In general, these are the same issues that can put you at risk for a whole host of other dental woes: poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy diet. Do your best to avoid an infection by stepping up your care and limiting the amount of sugar you consume. Doing these things will lessen your chances of developing cavities, and therefore lower the potential to develop infection as a result.
Treating Infection at Your Paducah Family Dentist
Here at Johnson Family Dental in Paducah, we consider any sort of infection to the teeth or gums worthy of an immediate phone call and a subsequent visit to the office. Dr. Ben Johnson and his team of experienced professionals will help you not only treat the infection, but help you determine the cause of the infection. During your visit, we will also come up with a plan to help prevent future re-infections.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or perhaps looking for a Paducah area dentist, give us a call today at (270) 554-2432 or CLICK HERE to contact us today. Johnson Family Dental is conveniently located at 2913 Lone Oak Rd in Paducah, KY. Our normal business hours are Monday through Thursday for 8am to 5pm.