8 Signs You Have a Tooth Abscess

Did you experience a sharp pain while biting into your favorite ice cream? Toothaches can actually be very stealthy and are sometimes a signal that something might be wrong with your body. A tooth abscess can sometimes indicate its presence through these sudden dental aches. 

According to studies, almost 13% of adults seek care for tooth infection within a four-year period. Knowing the signs can help you seek timely treatment.

Read this blog to learn about the 8 tell-tale signs of dental abscess and how emergency dentists can help.

1. Throbbing, Persistent Toothache

Is your toothache just refusing to leave? That persistent, throbbing pain is usually the initial symptom of an abscessed tooth. This pain will not go away with a bit of rest or an ice rinse.

Its severity can keep you awake at night, interrupt meals, and even spread to your jaw, ear, or neck. The discomfort may worsen when you recline or take a bite of food, turning your daily routine into an ordeal.

2. Heat and Cold Sensitivity

Drinking a hot cup of coffee or sipping a cold beverage shouldn’t be a painful task for you. If your teeth become excessively sensitive to temperature, you may be in trouble. Abscesses can inflame your nerves, causing this sensitivity.

This sensation tends to persist longer than normal and cannot be alleviated by your normal dental hygiene.

3. Swelling in the Face, Jaw, or Gums

Does your face look puffier than usual? Swelling is a classic indicator that your body is fighting an infection. With a tooth abscess, the swelling can appear in your gums, jaw, or even extend to your cheek or neck.

 Sometimes, the swelling is so severe that it becomes difficult to open your mouth fully or chew comfortably.

4. Red, Inflamed Gums

Healthy gums should be firm and pink, not puffy and red. Redness, swelling, or tenderness around one tooth is a warning signal that you might be experiencing a dental abscess. 

You may even notice a small pimple-like swelling or bump on the gum near the affected tooth. This pocket of pus might affect other parts of your mouth if you don’t see an emergency dentist in Nashua.

5. Bad Breath or a Bad Taste

Persistent bad breath or bitter taste in the mouth can indicate a dental infection. The pus from the infected areas can seep into your mouth. This results in a bitter taste in your mouth or makes your breath smell horrible. 

If you keep experiencing this symptom, it’s better to see a dental professional for assessment.

6. Oozing or Pus from the Gums

When you see any oozing fluid in your mouth, it means that the pus has ruptured. You might find relief from the pain, but you do need to see an emergency dentist for treatment. 

7. Severe Fever 

Do you have swollen neck glands or severe fever? These are signs your dental infection is moving beyond your tooth. Your body is working overtime to fight. So, you must act quickly to avoid any severe damage.

8. Trouble While Swallowing and Opening The Mouth

Are you having trouble swallowing or opening your mouth very wide? This is a warning sign that the infection is likely spreading to deeper tissues in your face or neck. Sometimes, this can be a life-threatening emergency.

An emergency dentist is equipped to handle your dental abscess-related trouble. They can perform the necessary treatments, provide you with antibiotics, and so on before the infections start spreading into the rest of your body.

Something as serious as a tooth abscess should never be ignored. Without timely care, this minor problem can become a life-threatening condition. Are you ready to take better care of your mouth? Schedule a consultation today!