A dental infection can start small but quickly escalate into a serious condition without attentive treatment. At Pacific Dental Care, working with a trusted Glendale dentist, we can provide helpful tips to recognize and manage signs of infection, ensuring your teeth are maintained and healthy as possible.
Recognizing Signs of a Dental Infection
Persistent Pain
Throbbing or sharp pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw is often an early sign of infection. This pain may worsen when chewing or eating hot or cold foods.
Swollen Gums or Face
Swelling in your gums or around the affected area is another common symptom. Facial swelling, particularly near the jaw, could indicate that the infection has spread.
Fever or Fatigue
Dental infections sometimes cause systemic symptoms such as fever or an overall feeling of being unwell, signaling that immediate treatment is needed.
Bad Taste or Odor
A persistent bad taste in your mouth or foul breath might indicate an abscess or pus from an infected area.
Steps to Take if You Notice Symptoms
The first step is to call Pacific Dental Care as soon as possible. When detected, early treatment can prevent infections from spreading.
Rinse with Warm Saltwater
Until your appointment, rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Avoid Irritating the Area
Avoid chewing on the area of your mouth where the infection is located and steer clear of sugary or acidic foods.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling temporarily. However, these should not replace professional treatment.
Treatment Options for Infections
- Antibiotics: Prescribed antibiotics can be helpful in eliminating infection.
- Root Canal Therapy: For infections inside the tooth, a root canal is often necessary to save it.
- Extraction: In severe cases, removing the infected tooth may be the best solution.
Dental infections are serious but manageable with timely intervention. At Pacific Dental Care, we’re committed to providing swift, compassionate care to restore your oral health.
Gentle dentist Dr. Martirosyan and her expert staff are skilled at treating dental infections. Our practice is located in Glendale and also serves surrounding cities including Burbank and Pasadena. If you’re experiencing a dental infection, call us right away. It’s important to address infections as early as possible so the problem doesn’t become worse. We offer same day dental treatment and dental payment plans for those in financial need.
For dental infection treatment in Glendale, contact Pacific Dental Care today to schedule a consultation. You can reach us over the phone or via our online contact form. We look forward to helping improve your oral health and sending you out the door with a healthy smile.