Dental caries (cavities) can lead to a broken or cracked tooth and a dental abscess can occur.

Common Symptoms of Dental Infections:

• dental pain
• broken or fractured tooth or teeth
• redness at the gum line
• drainage or pus from the tooth or gum
• swelling of the gum tissue
• swelling of the face
• referred pain to the ear
• fever
• discomfort spreading into the facial sinuses (maxillary sinus (cheek) area)
• swollen glands near the neck and ear

Complications

Dental infections which go untreated can cause severe and even fatal illness. A dental infection has a direct line to the bloodstream and can cause sepsis or “blood poisoning” necessitating hospitalization and IV antibiotics. 

Severe Pain

Dental infections can cause severe pain as the dental pulp can become inflamed, termed pulpitis. Appropriate antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can help to reduce the pain while anticipating a dental appointment. 

Treatment

Antibiotics with good coverage of mouth bacterias ought to be initiated as soon as possible when a dental infection presents itself.

Following up with a dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon as soon as possible is best practice.