In the presence of any worrying symptoms, it is good to consult a specialist to rule out or treat a possible dental infection and avoid complications in this regard. But how to recognize a dental infection? Find out!
The teeth continuously come into contact with food residues and bacteria. Although daily hygiene helps keep them clean and healthy, in some cases it is possible for an inevitable dental infection to occur .
These infections can be mild or severe and, in some cases, affect the overall health of the body. If not done in time, they can cause serious problems and even total tooth loss.
For this reason, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of a dental infection and, above all, to contact a dentist or your doctor .
1. Halitosis caused by dental infection
There are many factors that cause bad breath. Bacterial plaque, as well as some foods, can be the trigger.
Bad breath is one of the most obvious symptoms of dental infection, although bad breath itself is not a sign of infection in the absence of other symptoms.
According to this publication of The Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine , halitosis is due to the proliferation of bacteria , especially in areas where the toothbrush cannot eliminate food residues.
You can temporarily fix the problem with oral hygiene products until the infection is fought.
Its presence can indicate:
- Tartar.
- Gingivitis.
- Caries.
- Abscesses.
- Tartar.
- Changes in saliva.
2. Deterioration of dental enamel
When developing dental infection, the bacteria present on the teeth produce an acid that, with time, erodes the enamel that protects them . The foods that increase its presence are fermentable carbohydrates, such as sugar.
The proliferation of acid-producing bacteria occurs in areas where food residues accumulate. These areas are easily detectable due to their wrinkled structure, with a yellowish appearance. It is possible to keep bacterial plaque under control with the following precautions:
- Good oral hygiene.
- Limiting the consumption of sugars.
- By letting saliva regulate the pH of the oral cavity when we are not eating. This implies not eating frequently and between meals.
According to this publication of the National Center for Biotechnology Information , if we do not monitor and do not treat the accumulation of plaque, excess acid can cause the tooth to weaken, resulting in loss of density and exposing it to risk of breakage. .
3. Pain in the jaw and teeth caused by dental infection
In general, dental infection is linked to an accumulation of bacterial plaque . The sensation of pain in the jaw and teeth , constant or intermittent, can indicate the progress of periodontal disease or dental infections. The symptom should be evaluated by a dentist to rule out other oral diseases or injuries.
4. Bleeding of the gums
The gums usually bleed when there is an injury or infection that compromises the gums .
This is easy to notice when brushing or flossing; sometimes it happens even while chewing.
According to this publication from the National Center for Biotechnology Information , the cause is frequently linked to gingivitis, which in turn is caused by bacterial overgrowth.
5. Inflammation and redness caused by dental infection
Periodontal infection , including tooth decay, causes inflammation and redness of the gums, almost always accompanied by pain.
Prompt intervention is essential in order to avoid complications. If you are often prone to inflamed, red or painful gums, see your dentist as soon as possible.
6. Teeth that move
Feeling that a tooth is moving is more than enough reason to see a dentist as soon as possible and is a symptom of possible pathodontitis.
The mobile tooth is a signal of the progress of the dental infection and, at the same time, indicates the erosion of the tooth structure itself. It is common when no action is taken in time in the case of gingivitis, which evolves into periodontitis.
7. Pus, another symptom of dental infection
The appearance of pus in the gums is a clear symptom of periodontal disease and often also of dental infection. The pus bag is produced as a response of the immune system to the attack of the pathogenic bacteria that generate the infection.
- The sacs, called abscesses, contain pus and blood.
- Abscess is an infectious process that must be treated by a professional as it can cause irreversible damage.
- The infection can even destroy the alveolar bone (i.e. the jaw bone that supports the tooth).
Important!
Any suspicion of dental and gum disease or infection should be evaluated by a professional to avoid complications.
Untreated dental abscesses can cause the infection to spread to other areas of the body . It is therefore essential to promptly adopt the appropriate treatment.
To reduce the risk of dental infection, you need to maintain proper oral hygiene, as well as regularly consult your dentist.
