Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and one key aspect of dental care is recognizing signs of potential issues like bacterial infections.
Our local Winnipeg dentists are here to help you navigate your oral health journey, addressing questions and concerns, and providing high-quality treatments that will preserve your teeth and gums against damage. Please get in touch with us today to find out more.
Understanding Dental Infections
Dental infections occur when harmful bacteria invade the tissues in or around the teeth. If left untreated, these infections can lead to pain, swelling, and other severe complications like a decayed pulp or tooth roots.
Knowing what to keep out for allows you to seek out prompt treatment from a dental professional. Common signs of an infection include the following:
- Persistent Tooth Pain : Persistent or severe tooth pain may be a sign of an oral infection. The pain you experience can be throbbing, sharp, or constant, worsening when you bite or apply pressure to the affected tooth.
- Swelling and Redness : Swollen gums or red gums can indicate an underlying infection. Pay close attention to any changes in the appearance or texture of your gums, and, should this occur, make sure to schedule a dental appointment.
- Sensitivity to Temperature : Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold items can also point to the development of an infection. While minimal sensitivity is common, if this continues to happen during meals or when you snack, it may be time to contact a dentist.
- Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste : If you have persistent bad breath (halitosis) or a foul taste is lingering in your mouth, despite brushing and flossing your teeth daily, you might have an infection. These symptoms are caused by an amalgamation of bacteria in the mouth, which need to be cleared away to prevent more serious issues.
- Abscess Formation : The presence of an abscess near a tooth or in the gums indicates infection. An abscess is a fleshy sac or bump filled with pus and requires immediate attention from a dentist so it doesn’t spread to other areas of your mouth.
What to Do If You Suspect a Dental Infection
Even if you are unsure whether visiting a dentist is necessary, coming in for an appointment is always advised. Whether an infection or other problems are present, they can quickly worsen, thereby demanding more complex and costly treatments. As a result, seeking out dental assistance early is highly recommended. Untreated bacterial infections in the mouth can turn into gingivitis, which marks the first stage of gum disease.
When you come into our local dental practice, our dentist will thoroughly examine your oral cavity, including your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and even your lips to visually identify the issues you’re facing. Dental x-rays may be done as well, to determine the health of your jawbone, sinuses, and nerves. All this information will allow us to understand the extent of the infection and how best to remedy it.
A personalized treatment plan will be created, tailored to your specific requirements. This can entail prescribing antibiotics, receiving a deep cleaning, or undergoing a root canal or tooth extraction. Our team will be with you each step of the way to ensure that you’re comfortable
Preventing Dental Infections
Although dental infections can occur unexpectedly, this is a problem that is entirely avoidable, so long as you take proper steps to reduce your risk and maintain optimal oral health. Some examples of good hygiene strategies are noted below:
- Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once daily, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria.
- Visit your dentist regularly for a routine dental cleaning and check-up.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as these can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
It’s Never Too Late to Obtain a Brighter Smile
Recognizing the signs of a dental infection is essential for maintaining oral health and overall well-being. By staying vigilant and seeking prompt treatment from your dentist when needed, you can prevent complications and keep your smile function and beautiful for years.
At Markham Dental Centre, our dentist in Winnipeg provides exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. We work hard to establish a positive, relaxing environment, where you feel supported and encouraged to prioritize your smile.
Please give us a call or send us a message to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!