When you feel a twinge of pain or discomfort in your mouth, it can instantly make you wonder what the most common tooth infection symptoms are. Because the symptoms can often sneak up on you, you can feel totally fine and then suffer sharp pain almost overnight. Continue reading and we’ll help you recognize the signs of a tooth infection, discuss home remedies that can help, and go over how to know when things are really getting serious. Our offices are conveniently located near Taylorsville, Bountiful, Midvale, Sandy, Draper, and West Jordan.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
A tooth infection usually starts with small signs that are easy to ignore, like a little soreness or sensitivity. But as the infection grows, the symptoms become harder to miss. Things like throbbing pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth can all be your body’s way of waving a red flag. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Persistent, throbbing tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling in the gums or face
- A bad taste or odor coming from the tooth
- Red or tender gums
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Fever or general feeling of being unwell
- A small pimple-like bump on the gums
How To Know If You Have a Tooth Infection
One of the biggest clues that you actually have an infection is how persistent the pain is. Minor gum issues come and go, especially if they’re tied to brushing too hard or irritated gums. An infection, on the other hand, tends to build and linger. The pain usually feels deeper, almost like it’s coming from inside the tooth rather than the surface of your gums.
Another sign you’re dealing with more than a simple gum flare-up is how your body reacts overall. Infections often come with symptoms like feeling run-down, swelling in your face or jaw, or pressure that doesn’t let up. If the discomfort persists or you feel like something is off beyond normal gum irritation, you’re most likely dealing with a tooth infection rather than a minor issue.
The only way to know for sure, though, is to let a dentist take a look. They can spot things you can’t see, like deep decay, infected pulp, or pockets of trapped bacteria. A dentist may tap the tooth, check for temperature sensitivity, or take X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface.
Antibiotics For Tooth Infections
Antibiotics can help with a tooth infection, but only in certain ways. They work by reducing the bacteria causing the swelling and pain, which can stop the infection from spreading to other areas of the face or body. Many people start to feel better after a day or two because the antibiotics calm the inflammation and ease pressure.
Even though antibiotics help with symptoms, they can’t reach deep inside the tooth where the infection usually starts. That means the infection will return if you only take antibiotics and skip dental care. A dentist still needs to treat the source through a root canal, drainage, or sometimes removing the tooth.
What To Do When You Have the Symptoms
When you first notice symptoms of a tooth infection, the best thing to do is act quickly instead of hoping it will go away on its own. Start by paying attention to any changes, like increasing pain, swelling, or heat around the tooth, since these usually mean the infection is progressing. Try to keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and use warm saltwater rinses to stay comfortable until you can see a dentist. Most importantly, call a dental office as soon as you can and explain your symptoms so they can fit you in as soon as possible.
What Can Happen If Left Untreated
Leaving a tooth infection untreated allows the problem to move far beyond the tooth itself. When this happens, you might start to notice symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body, which can include increasing facial swelling, fever, chills, or feeling unusually tired. As the infection spreads, it can reach the jaw, face, or even enter the bloodstream, which becomes a very serious medical issue. The longer it goes without treatment, the greater the risk and the more difficult it is to manage.
Home Remedies For a Tooth Infection
If you really do have a true infection, home remedies won’t cure it. They might ease the pain for a little while, but they can’t get rid of the bacteria causing the problem. Only a dentist can fully treat an infection. However, while you’re waiting for your appointment, a few things can help you feel more comfortable:
- Warm saltwater rinse – Helps clean the area and soothe irritated tissue.
- Cold compress – Can reduce swelling and numb the area temporarily.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can really help take the edge off.
- Clove oil – A natural numbing agent that can provide short-term relief.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse (diluted) – May help reduce bacteria and ease discomfort.
- Peppermint tea bags – Slightly numb the area and offer mild soothing effects.
- Garlic – Contains natural antibacterial properties and may help reduce discomfort.
- Elevation when resting – Keeping your head raised can lessen pressure and throbbing pain.
Will Listerine Kill a Tooth Infection?
No, Listerine won’t kill a tooth infection. It would sure be nice if it were that simple. It can reduce some surface bacteria in your mouth, which might make things feel a little fresher, but it can’t reach the deep areas where the infection actually lives. At best, Listerine may slightly reduce irritation or help control bad breath caused by the infection, but it won’t cure it.
Post Extraction Tooth Infection
A post-extraction tooth infection happens after a tooth is removed, and while it’s similar to a regular tooth infection, it starts for different reasons. Instead of coming from a damaged or decayed tooth, this kind of infection develops in the open socket left behind. Bacteria can get in if the blood clot doesn’t form the way it should, if food gets caught in the area, or if the site gets irritated before it has a chance to heal. You might notice pain that starts to increase a few days after the extraction, along with swelling, bad breath, or a nasty taste that won’t go away.
Treatment is usually simple if you contact your dentist early. They might prescribe antibiotics and clean the socket, and rinsing with warm saltwater can help the area heal. Once the infection is handled, most people recover without any issues.
Why Tooth Infections Keep Coming Back
If the tooth never receives proper treatment, such as a root canal or extraction, the bacteria can grow back and cause the same symptoms again. Hidden issues like small cracks, missed canals, or deep gum pockets can also trap bacteria and allow the infection to flare up later.
Recurring infections can also happen when the tooth is too damaged to heal completely. Severe decay, trauma, or long-term gum problems can create weak spots where bacteria can return even after treatment. In these cases, your dentist may recommend retreating the tooth or removing it to stop the cycle. The key is addressing the actual cause rather than only treating the symptoms.
Tooth Infection Symptoms Conclusion
Tooth infections can show up in lots of different ways. Just remember that the sooner you take action, the easier they are to treat. Paying attention to early changes, knowing when symptoms are spreading, and getting the right care can make a big difference in how quickly you feel better.
If you think you might be dealing with a tooth infection or simply want to protect your long-term oral health, come visit us at Utah Periodontal Specialists. We have convenient locations in both Salt Lake City and South Jordan, and we’re here to help you stay healthy and comfortable.
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