A tooth infection must always be taken seriously. Left untreated, there 
can be serious consequences.
Here are 5 facts everyone should know about infected teeth:
- Infection leads to damaging tooth decay.
Food particles contain bacteria, which form acids that attack tooth enamel and infect the inside of the tooth. Without prompt care from a dentist, the infection can cause tooth loss.
- Infected teeth threaten the health of your entire body.
A toothache doesn’t just affect your oral health; it can affect your entire body and can even be life-threatening. Tooth infections can spread to the tissues and bones surrounding the tooth, as well as the heart, brain, and other organs.
- An absence of pain does not mean the problem has gone away.
Even if the pain subsides, the infection is still present. Treatment from a dental professional is the only way to rid the tooth of dangerous infection.
- A tooth infection often leads to a painful dental abscess.
A dental abscess is an area of pus caused by a tooth infection, an infection between a tooth and the gums, or an injury. It is a result of the body’s attempt to fight infection. In some cases, an antibiotic may be enough to treat the abscess. Sometimes, however, the abscess will need to be drained. - An infected tooth can be saved if treated in a timely manner.
A toothache does not necessarily mean an extraction is necessary. In fact, most dentists
prefer to save teeth whenever possible. One of the most common ways to save a tooth is with a root canal, which removes the tooth’s nerve and infected pulp and then strengthens the tooth with a dental crown.
A toothache is more than an inconvenience; it is a serious health condition that requires immediate attention from a dental professional.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a toothache, be sure to make an appointment with Babylon Dental Care as soon as possible. We have two convenient locations (Babylon Dental Care at Great South Bay and Babylon Dental Care at Gateway Plaza) and would love to meet you and your family.
