Complete List of Symptoms of a Dental Infection

A dental infection can present itself in various ways, and it’s crucial to recognise these symptoms early to call us timely to receive emergency dental treatment in London.

Ignoring the signs of a dental infection can easily lead to severe complications that affect you beyond your oral health and affect or even harm your overall well-being. This article will take you through a comprehensive list of symptoms, how they may feel, and when you should consider your situation an emergency.

Knowing what to look for can make all the difference in preventing a minor infection from becoming a serious health issue.

What Causes a Dental Infection?

Dental infections are typically caused by harmful bacteria that build up in the mouth. This bacteria accumulates in the plaque that sticks to the teeth and gums. If not cleaned regularly through brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens into tartar, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria can then attack the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If the decay reaches deep enough, it can affect the tooth’s pulp—the soft, living tissue inside the tooth—which causes infection.

Once the infection takes hold in the pulp, it can quickly spread through the root into the jawbone and bloodstream.

This is why dental infections are so dangerous: what starts as a simple cavity can rapidly evolve into something much more severe if left untreated.

It’s Not Always Because of Poor Oral Hygiene

While poor oral hygiene can lead to a dental infection, it’s important to know that even people who are diligent about cleaning their teeth can develop infections.

Sometimes, a small piece of food can get lodged under the gumline, where it’s not reachable by a toothbrush. If it remains trapped, bacteria can start to accumulate and cause an infection. This type of dental infection may develop unnoticed, especially if the area affected is hidden from view. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for catching these issues early.

Early Symptoms of a Dental Infection

1. Persistent Toothache: The most common and obvious symptom of a dental infection is a toothache. This isn’t your average tooth sensitivity but a deep, throbbing pain that can keep you awake at night. It often worsens when you lie down or when you bite down on food. The pain might radiate to your jaw or even to your ear, making it hard to identify which tooth is causing the problem. This is an early warning sign that the infection has reached the tooth’s pulp, and it’s time to call us and receive emergency dental treatment in London.
2. Fever and Feeling Unwell: One of the less obvious symptoms of a dental infection is feeling unwell, similar to having the flu. You might experience a fever, chills, and general fatigue. Many people don’t realise that fever can be a direct result of a dental infection. When bacteria enter your bloodstream through an infected tooth, your body’s immune system responds by raising its temperature to fight the infection. If you feel flu-like symptoms without any other cause, especially alongside any tooth discomfort, it could be related to a dental issue.
3. Swelling: Swelling is a major indicator that an infection is growing. You may notice your gum tissue near the affected tooth becoming red, swollen, and painful. Sometimes, the swelling can extend to your cheek, jaw, or even neck. Swelling can also make it difficult to open your mouth fully or to eat. This is a sign that the infection is building up in the soft tissues around the tooth and could be forming an abscess, a serious condition that requires emergency dental treatment.
4. Sensitivity to Temperature: Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks is another common sign of infection. You may notice a sharp, lingering pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold. While tooth sensitivity can sometimes be due to enamel erosion, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or swelling, it could indicate that the infection is spreading.
5. Bad Taste in the Mouth: A foul taste or smell in your mouth is often caused by pus leaking from an abscess, a common result of an untreated dental infection. This can lead to chronic bad breath, which is impossible to eliminate unless dental treatment is provided. If you experience these symptoms, it’s a clear sign that the infection has worsened and needs urgent attention.

Advanced Symptoms: When the Infection Has Spread

Once a dental infection progresses, it can start affecting other parts of your body, leading to more severe symptoms that should never be ignored. If you experience any of the following signs, you should seek emergency dental treatment in London immediately:

1. Swelling in the Face and Neck: If the infection is left untreated, swelling can spread beyond the gums and face. Swelling in the neck or throat can become dangerous if it interferes with breathing or swallowing, requiring immediate emergency care.
2. Abscess Formation: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It can develop at the tip of a tooth’s root or in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. It may start out feeling like a small ulcer or pimple on your gum but can quickly grow and become extremely painful. Abscesses are dangerous because if they burst, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, including your jawbone or bloodstream.
3. Fever and Fatigue: A high fever (above 38 degrees Celsius) is a warning sign that the infection has spread beyond the tooth. Your body is trying to fight the infection, and the fever is its way of doing so. If you also feel dizzy, lightheaded, or experience chills, it’s important to act quickly and seek dental treatment before the infection leads to more serious complications.
4. General Malaise: You may feel a general sense of being unwell, often with no clear cause. This can include symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and a lack of energy. These signs indicate that your body is under stress from the infection, even if you’re not experiencing severe pain in your mouth.
5. Systemic Symptoms of Sepsis: In very rare cases, a dental infection can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the infection spreads throughout your body. Symptoms include confusion, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and skin rashes. If you experience any of these, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Why Ignoring Dental Infections Is Dangerous

Dental infections, if not treated promptly, can lead to life-threatening complications. The bacteria in your mouth can travel through the root of the infected tooth and into your bloodstream, spreading throughout your body. In severe cases, untreated infections can lead to sepsis, a condition that can be fatal if not addressed.

That’s why it’s crucial to take any sign of a dental infection seriously, whether it’s a mild toothache or more advanced symptoms like fever or swelling. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate dental treatment in London. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away—it will only lead to more pain, higher costs, and the potential for long-term health problems.

Conclusion: Take Action at the First Sign

A dental infection can start with something as simple as a mild toothache or a bit of gum discomfort, but it can quickly escalate into something far more serious. Knowing the symptoms—whether it’s pain, sensitivity, swelling, or even a general feeling of being unwell—can help you recognize when you need to seek help. Always consult a dentist at the first sign of infection and make sure you get the right dental treatment in London. Taking action early can prevent complications, protect your overall health, and save you from more invasive treatments later.