Your oral health is important to you, so you pay attention to all signs your teeth aren't doing as well as they should. Do you know if you should go to the dentist for mild tooth pain and what a dental infection feels or looks like? Read on to learn more. 

Signs of a mouth infection

There are many signs of a mouth infection, which should be addressed even if the pain is mild. They include: 

Pain

The first sign that you have a mouth infection is pain. Toothache can be unbearable and is usually a clear sign that something is wrong in your mouth. The pain can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by swelling or redness. Over-the-counter pain medication like aspirin or ibuprofen can help ease the pain, but it’s best to visit the dental office as soon as possible.

Bad breath

Another sign is bad breath. Foul breath caused by a mouth infection can be difficult to mask with mints or gum. The odor is often caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed on the food particles left in your mouth. If bad breath persists for more than a couple of days and brushing or mouthwash doesn’t help, it may be time to visit a dentist.

Fever and chills

If you experience fever or chills, it’s essential to visit the dental office as soon as possible. A mouth infection can quickly spread to other parts of the body, causing a fever. A fever is a sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection. If a fever persists, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the root cause.

Tooth sensitivities

Tooth sensitivity can indicate a mouth infection. This sensitivity usually causes sharp pains when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or beverages. A variety of reasons, such as cavities or gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity. If the sensitivity is mild and only lasts for a short period, it may be ok to wait and observe. However, if the pain is unbearable or persists for more than a couple of days, it’s best to visit the dental office.

Bump in your mouth

Lastly, if you notice a lump or bump in your mouth, it’s important to visit the dental office. Lumps or bumps can indicate an abscess or pus pockets that can form in your mouth due to an infection. Abscesses can cause severe pain and can result in the loss of teeth or jawbone damage if left untreated.

Signs such as toothache, bad breath, fever or chills, tooth sensitivity, and lumps or bumps in your mouth should not be ignored. A professional dentist can diagnose and treat a mild tooth problem and prevent it from becoming a more severe dental issue. By visiting the dental office regularly, you can maintain good oral health and avoid severe dental problems in the future.

For more info, contact a local dentist. 

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