Going to the dentist is an activity that most people only do every six months for a routine cleaning, or when pain in the mouth leads a person to suspect a problem like a cavity. The medical community has long suggested that oral health is a key indicator of a person's overall condition.
Lack of proper oral care may lead to severe health problems due to the presence and growth of natural bacteria that live in the mouth. One of the potential complications of bad oral hygiene is an infected tooth, which is often referred to as a tooth abscess.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Why Infections Occur
Regular brushing is essential to maintain good oral health; however, even terrific oral care cannot prevent all problems. As a painful and potentially dangerous condition, an infected tooth requires a visit to a healthy family dentistry to prevent this problem from impacting the entire body.
An infection commonly occurs due to a crack or opening within the enamel of the tooth. Bacteria are allowed to enter through this vulnerable area and grow because brushing doesn't reach deep, hidden areas of the tooth. A chipped tooth or other damage that impacts the integrity of the tooth's surface may also lead to bacterial growth and an eventual infection.
Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
Feeling pain in the mouth is a clear sign that something's wrong, but there are a number of common symptoms that accompany an infected tooth. Dentists in Jacksonville will ask whether a patient has experienced any of the following symptoms when diagnosing an infected tooth:
- Bad breath
- Bitter taste
- Fever
- Hot or cold sensitivity
- Open sores
- Pain while chewing
- Swollen glands, gums or jaw
Infection May Remain After Pain Subsides
One of the severe complications of an infected tooth is the death of the root, which means that the tooth will eventually fall out or require extensive dental work. Sometimes the victim of an infected tooth will feel his or her pain subside after the infection has killed the tooth, but the infection may still remain, and it is essential to make an appointment with a healthy family dentistry.
One dangerous condition that may develop with an untreated infected tooth is sepsis which is a life-threatening condition where a bacterial infection disrupts the body's chemical balance. Problems like organ failure and a potentially fatal drop in blood pressure commonly occur in patients who develop sepsis and do not seek treatment.
Treating an Infected Tooth
A half hour visiting dentists in Jacksonville for a routine cleaning isn't quite enough to take care of an abscessed tooth. After diagnosing the presence of an abscess, there are a few ways to resolve the problem. One common solution is draining the infection through a root canal. If the infection has spread to the gums, a root canal might be the only way to remove all of the diseased tissue.
Alternatively, a tooth may also be extracted (pulled) so as to allow the infected area to drain. In the event of a root canal, a patient will require a crown placed over the tooth. Full extraction of the tooth usually requires application of a bridge or fake tooth. Additionally, a patient will usually need a round of antibiotics to ensure eradication of the infection.
Reduce the risk of developing severe oral health problems like infected teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as making twice-yearly appointments with a healthy family dentistry. Maintaining good oral health is one of the best ways to ensure total body health and prevent tooth infection.