Recognizing and Treating Tooth Decay and Tooth Infections
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is an area of the tooth affected by bacteria in the mouth, which produces acids that affect the outer layer, the enamel of the teeth.
Dental decay can be caused by poor dental hygiene, a diet that includes a lot of sugary drinks or foods, frequent snacking, not brushing sufficiently, and not drinking enough water.
What are the signs of tooth decay?
The signs of tooth decay can be pain, hot or cold sensitivity, sensitivity to sweets, and sensitivity to biting. It can affect the patient's ability to chew properly.
What happens if tooth decay is left untreated?
Untreated tooth decay can become larger and cause a hole in the tooth. It can cause the patient to have hot or cold sensitivity and lead to an abscess, causing swelling and pain; in such cases, the patient would require a root canal or an extraction of that tooth.
Definitely, untreated tooth decay can lead to larger holes in a person's tooth. It can affect the nerve in that tooth, leading to an abscess and tooth infection. Once the bacteria damage the outer layer, the enamel, and penetrate the dentin of the tooth, decay becomes irreversible.
What are the treatments for tooth decay?
Treatments for tooth decay involve removing the decay itself and placing a filling. If it's deeper, it may require a root canal treatment, a crown, or, if there's too much destruction, the tooth may need to be removed.
How can tooth decay be prevented?
Tooth decay can be prevented by regular checkups with your dental professional, reducing frequent snacking, brushing twice a day, drinking plenty of water, and reducing the consumption of sugary acidic drinks. If you notice any kind of damage to a tooth or experience discomfort, you should contact your dental professional.
What causes a tooth infection?
Generally, a tooth infection appears due to decay in a tooth or mechanical trauma. Cracks can also cause a tooth infection.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
The most common symptoms of a tooth infection are swelling, pain, throbbing, dull ache, pulsating, sharp shooting pain, drainage, bad breath, headaches, difficulty in opening the mouth, having a hard time breathing, and fever.
What are the effects of a cavity?
Generally, a cavity does not cause too many problems for the patient besides hot and cold sensitivity. A tooth infection, which is usually the decay that has affected the nerve inside the tooth, requires treatment by the dentist.
What happens if a tooth infection is left untreated?
If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread systemically, affect the airways, enter the bloodstream, affect your brain, and become a medical emergency, requiring hospitalization.
The signs of a tooth infection spreading to other parts of the body include a general feeling of sickness, fever, swelling, difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. If the tooth infection is left untreated, it can become a life-threatening emergency. That's why the person needs to see a dental professional to treat the infection properly.
What are the treatment options for a tooth infection?
Treatment options generally include administering antibiotics. Once the infection is contained, the tooth may require root canal therapy or an extraction. Natural remedies can help temporarily. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm saltwater rinses can temporarily alleviate symptoms.
How is an infected wisdom tooth treated?
An infected wisdom tooth is usually treated by administering antibiotics to contain the infection. After that, the tooth is either extracted or root canal therapy is performed, and a crown is placed on the tooth.
What should you do if you notice swelling and pain around a tooth?
If a patient notices swelling in their jaw and is experiencing pain and discomfort, they should immediately call a dental professional for help.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (610) 553-3389 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.