We’ve all faced that sharp, throbbing, or constant pain in a tooth that just won’t quit. But did you know one of the most common culprits behind toothaches isn’t a cavity—it’s an infection? Dental infections are sneaky, painful, and potentially dangerous if ignored.
If you’re feeling unexplained tooth pain, your body might be sounding the alarm that there’s something more serious going on.
What Exactly Is a Dental Infection?
A dental infection, also known as a tooth abscess, occurs when bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth—the soft tissue at the center that contains nerves and blood vessels. This can happen due to untreated cavities, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth. Once bacteria invade the pulp, the body tries to fight back, which leads to inflammation, pus buildup, and significant pain.
There are three common types of dental infections:
- Periapical Abscess (affects the tip of the tooth root).
- Periodontal Abscess (in the gum tissue).
- Gingival Abscess (on the surface of the gum).
Each of these can result in varying degrees of discomfort, swelling, and complications—if not treated promptly.
How Do Dental Infections Cause Toothaches?
Toothaches caused by dental infections aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re your body’s way of alerting you to deeper problems. Here’s how it works:
- Pressure Build-Up: As pus collects inside the tooth or gum, it creates pressure on surrounding tissues, which results in intense pain.
- Nerve Involvement: Since the pulp contains nerves, any infection in this area causes sensitivity and sharp, shooting pain.
- Swelling and Inflammation: The infected area becomes swollen, which can lead to discomfort while chewing, talking, or even breathing through your mouth.
Unlike surface-level issues like sensitivity or minor gum irritation, pain from an infection is often constant and gets worse over time—especially if left untreated.
According to the American Dental Association, over 27% of adults aged 20-64 have untreated dental decay, which can lead to infections and severe toothaches if not addressed.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Wondering if your toothache might be due to an infection? Here are the red flags:
- Persistent, throbbing pain.
- Swelling in the gums or face.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold.
- A bad taste in the mouth or bad breath.
- Fever or general malaise.
- Pain when chewing or touching the tooth.
These symptoms usually point to a more serious condition and require immediate dental care.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters?
Ignoring an infected tooth can lead to serious health risks. What starts as a small toothache can quickly escalate into:
- Tooth loss.
- Bone infection.
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body (in rare cases, even the brain).
Delaying treatment not only intensifies pain but can also increase the complexity and cost of future procedures. Treating infections early can often save the natural tooth and avoid more invasive solutions like extraction or root canal.
How Dentists Treat Toothaches Caused by Infection?
Treatment options depend on how severe the infection is. Here are a few ways an emergency dentist in Midwest City may tackle the problem:
- Root Canal Therapy: Removes the infected pulp, disinfects the area, and seals the tooth.
- Incision and Drainage: If pus has built up, the dentist may drain the abscess to relieve pressure and pain.
- Antibiotics: To control the spread of infection and reduce inflammation.
- Tooth Extraction: If the damage is beyond repair, the tooth may need to be removed entirely.
Each treatment plan is customized to the patient’s condition, but the goal is always the same: eliminate the infection, relieve the pain, and restore your oral health.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Preventing dental infections starts with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Here’s what you can do:
- Brush and floss daily.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods.
- Visit our dentist every 6 months.
- Treat cavities and gum disease early.
- Don’t ignore dental pain—ever.
Toothaches are more than just annoying—they’re often a warning sign that something’s not right beneath the surface. Dental infections are a leading cause of tooth pain and can pose serious risks if left untreated.
Good news? They’re preventable and treatable with the right care. So if your toothache lingers longer than a day or two, don’t wait. Reach out to our emergency dentist as soon as possible! Your smile—and your overall health—depends on it.
