Oral Infection symptoms and types

how to identify an Abcessed Tooth or mouth infection

Bacteria in the mouth can lead to various oral infections, such as viruses, tooth decay, and gum disease. Many of these only last a few days, and some are preventable if you consistently brush and floss. If you seem to have a persistent condition that refuses to go away, it is important that you come into our office for an evaluation right away.

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The following soft tissue infections are common and treatable:

Thrush

• Symptoms: white spots inside the mouth and on the tongue, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing
• A fungal infection due to overgrowth of yeast

Canker sores

• Symptoms: small white or yellow lesions with a red border on the tongue, inside the cheeks, lips, gum line, throat area
• Not contagious

Cold sores

• Symptoms: clusters of red, raised blisters outside the mouth, around lips, under nose or under chin
• Highly contagious

Tooth Abscess

• Symptoms: severe toothache with pain, sensitivity to hot and cold beverages or food, fever with swollen lymph nodes
• Occurs when infection is in the nerve of the tooth
• Call our office immediately!

What is an abscessed tooth?

An abscessed tooth is caused when a pocket of pus forms around the root of an infected tooth. The infection requires treatment by a specialist who can save the tooth before it spreads beyond your jaw. It is crucial that you come in to our office so Drs. Grant or Do can decide if the tooth is involved and administer further treatment.

What causes an abscessed tooth?

Tooth decay, gum (periodontal) disease, or a cracked tooth can lead to an abscessed tooth.

When are typical symptoms?

• Pain for several days
• Swelling
• Gum redness
• Trouble sleeping, breathing, opening mouth
• Fever

How is an abscess treated?

An abscess is full of pus, and its need to drain causes pain and swelling. When you come into our office, our doctors will assess the cause of your pain. If the origin of your discomfort is in fact an abscess, we will administer antibiotics to stop the infection and drain the affected area. Depending on the severity of your infection and the complexity of your case, we may admit you to the hospital for further treatment.