Untreated cavities may become larger, extending into the deeper structures of the tooth and possibly into the tooth's pulp or nerve. This can cause pain that may radiate to other teeth or up the jaw. In some cases, a dental cavity may result in a dental abscess.
First of all, the conditions that create a cavity on one tooth certainly can develop into cavities on your other teeth. In situations in which a cavity forms, is left untreated, and your tooth becomes infected, this infection can spread to surrounding teeth.
Teeth infections might present as abscesses, which cause intense pain secondary to pockets of pus in the teeth. Such infections can spread to the gums, surrounding teeth, bones, or blood and body. This is what makes treating an infected tooth extremely important.
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection in your gums. An abscess usually looks like a red, swollen bump, boil or pimple. It affects the involved tooth, but the infection can also spread to surrounding bone and neighboring teeth.
As noted by Mayo Clinic, a tooth abscess can cause referred pain. For example, if you have an abscess in an upper tooth, pain can radiate to the lower jaw and even to your ears and neck.
Sharp, intense pain: Nerve toothache is often characterized by sharp, intense pain that may be constant or come and go in waves. Sensitivity to hot and cold: Nerve toothache may cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, which can worsen the pain.
A persistently high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems are potential signs of sepsis and should be treated as a medical emergency.
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.
One of the easiest ways to determine if you have an infection rather than a cavity is to use water. Take a mouthful of lukewarm water and swish it around the tooth. If you have an infection, the cool water will help reduce inflammation.
The most likely things that cause sudden toothache are infected or cracked teeth, or the development of tooth sensitivity along with another problem. The good thing about sudden tooth pain is that most causes are easily treatable by your dentist.
If you experience a generalized pain on both your top and bottom teeth, you may have an issue with teeth grinding. This diagnosis can also present with cold sensitivity, pressure sensitivity and facial or jaw pain. This is the most difficult type pain to self-diagnose because it presents in so many ways.
“Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or naproxen work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation,” says Huang. Recent data has shown the combination of Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is as effective as prescription opioids for tooth pain.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever – Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other pain relievers can ease the pain. Use a cold compress – An ice pack or cold damp cloth can numb the area and can be especially helpful if you are experiencing swelling. Swish salt water or peroxide – These rinses can relieve inflammation.
While it takes a long time for a tooth infection to become fatal, it's possible for a tooth infection to develop into sepsis if left untreated. Typically, this process takes a few months. And even though it may feel like your pain subsides when the abscess bursts, don't be fooled.
Rinsing with salt water creates a saline mixture to safely begin sterilizing the infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting. Repeat every few hours if needed.
Yes, applying a cotton ball soaked in regular Listerine on an infected tooth will relieve tooth pain. Listerine is about 27% alcohol, and alcohol numbs nerve endings.
If you have a severe tooth infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. 1 Antibiotics may prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications.
It is rare for tooth infections to spread to other parts of the body. If left untreated, dental infections usually take weeks or months to spread. Below are medical conditions that an untreated tooth abscess may lead to: Osteomyelitis — an infection of the bone surrounding your infected tooth.
Your dentist removes the damaged nerve and pulp from inside your tooth during the root canal process, cleans the affected area, and seals it. The nerves inside your teeth are essential for a healthy tooth function, and a root canal will cure some types of tooth nerve pain.
Avoid too hot or cold beverages like coffees, teas, sodas, ice cream, or water. Avoid too hot food. Avoid sugary items such as soda, cookies, and candy. Avoid acidic items such as lemon juice, tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar.
It used to be when you got a toothache, an antibiotic was instantly prescribed by the dentist. However, a new recommendation has been released by the ADA. They say, in most cases, antibiotics should not be given for tooth pain.