It’s critical to understand how an infection begins and progresses if you’re wondering how long it will take for a tooth infection to become dangerous for life. Tooth decay is the first sign, and it progressively gets worse until it becomes a tooth abscess. It may take many months for the damage to progress to the stage where an abscess forms. The pulp is found in the centre of the tooth, and this is where the rotting process slowly develops.
But this timeline may increase rapidly if the tooth is traumatised or injured. In these situations, germs have a faster path to the inner layers of the tooth, which might result in a more serious infection. Therefore, events such as dental trauma have a higher probability of leading to severe dental infections. If you have an abscess, you’ll probably experience a toothache and notice swelling around the affected tooth. This tooth infection stage can linger for weeks or even months before seeking urgent dental attention. Ignoring the infection increases the risk of it spreading to other areas of the body.
If the infection spreads to critical areas like the brain, heart, or neck and isn’t treated promptly, it can lead to death, sometimes within just a few days. Fortunately, most people seek medical and dental help on time, and treatments are available to halt the infection before it becomes life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
There are some symptoms of tooth infection or tooth abscesses.
- Feeling a sharp pain in your teeth when you eat or drink something hot or cold.
- Experiencing discomfort or pain when you bite or chew on food.
- Dealing with a strong, persistent toothache that spreads to your jaw, neck, or ear.
- Finding it hard to open your mouth wide or swallow.
- Noticing tender or swollen glands in your neck or jaw area.
- Having a strange or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
- Struggling with chronic bad breath.
- Running a fever.
- Feeling generally under the weather.
How do you get rid of a tooth infection?
1.Antibiotics. Doctors might prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from getting worse, and they might suggest taking them along with pain relievers. Some common antibiotics they might prescribe are amoxicillin or metronidazole. But it’s important to know that antibiotics aren’t a replacement for seeing a dentist or delaying treatment. 2.Root canal treatment. Root canal treatment, also called root canal therapy, is a dental procedure that gets rid of an infection inside a tooth and helps prevent future infections. It targets the area inside the tooth known as the root canal.
Some quick facts about root canal therapy:
- It involves removing the nerves from inside the tooth to relieve pain.
- Although it’s often seen as painful, it’s actually a treatment that helps alleviate pain.
- Sometimes people refer to the procedure as endodontic therapy.
3.Tooth extraction. Remove the problem tooth. If the tooth causing trouble can’t be fixed, your dentist will remove it and drain the abscess to clear up the infection. 4.Baking soda. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly solution to tackle different mouth and dental issues, baking soda could be your go-to. It might surprise you, but you probably have it sitting in your kitchen already! Baking soda works wonders in removing plaque from your mouth, plus it packs antibacterial abilities. Here’s how to use it:
- Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and a pinch of salt.
- Swish the mixture around in your mouth for about five minutes.
- Spit it out, and repeat the process until you’ve used up all the mixture.
- You can do this routine up to twice a day for best results.
5.Cold compression therapy. If your face is swollen due to a tooth infection, applying a cold compress can really ease the discomfort. When it comes to reducing swelling, cold is your best bet. While many store-bought ice packs are rigid and don’t conform well to the contours of your face or neck, you can easily create your own by wrapping ice in a cloth or towel. Another option is to use a bag of frozen corn or peas, which mold better to your face and stay cold for longer periods. These simple home remedies can be a big help in relieving tooth pain and swelling. 6.Draining the abscess. The dentist will carefully open up the abscess by making a small cut. This helps to release the built-up pus inside. After that, they’ll clean the area with salt water to ensure it’s free from any remaining bacteria. Sometimes, a tiny rubber drain might be inserted to help the area stay open and allow any remaining fluid to drain out while the swelling goes down. 7.Saltwater rinse. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution is one of the simplest ways to reduce discomfort and the growth of a tooth infection. You can irrigate your mouth and eliminate some of the bacteria with a saltwater rinse. It can help dissolve the pus surrounding the tooth in the event of an abscess and rinse some debris out of your mouth. A simple saltwater rinse can be made with plain table salt and warm tap water. Simply whisk thoroughly after adding roughly ½ teaspoon of salt to a small cup of warm water. After a few minutes of aggressively moving the solution about your mouth, spit it out. 8.Hydrogen peroxide. For the benefit of healing and cleanse the region, rinse your mouth with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. 9.Oil pulling. In oil pulling, an edible oil is moving around the mouth like mouthwash and then spat out. This is an alternative medical technique. It has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine. Oil pulling practitioners assert that their technique can enhance oral health. 10.Metronidazole. Another antibiotic that may be helpful in treating a tooth infection is metronidazole, however it is not a stand-alone treatment. Together, metronidazole and penicillin are frequently prescribed by dentists to treat bacterial strains that may not respond well to penicillin treatment alone.
Just remember that while taking metronidazole, you should abstain from any alcohol and items that contain alcohol, such as mouthwash. Alcohol and metronidazole consumption can cause life-threatening illness.
Do tooth infections go away on their own?
While sometimes the body’s immune system can fight off minor infections, more serious ones often require professional dental care. Ignoring tooth infections can lead to complications like spreading infection or tooth loss. It’s best to seek prompt treatment from a dentist to ensure complete recovery and maintain oral health.”
What is the first stage of tooth infection?
The first stage of a tooth infection typically begins with the presence of bacteria in the mouth, which can occur due to poor oral hygiene or damage to the tooth. These bacteria start to accumulate on the surface of the tooth and along the gumline, forming plaque. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can eventually lead to tooth decay, which is the initial stage of a tooth infection.
How long will tooth infection last?
The duration of tooth infection can vary. In some cases, antibiotics may provide relief within a few days, but it’s essential to complete the full course of medication as prescribed by your dentist. Root canal therapy or tooth extraction may take longer to fully resolve the infection and alleviate symptoms.
Ultimately, the duration of a tooth infection depends on various factors, including how promptly you seek treatment and the complexity of the infection. By prioritizing your dental health and seeking timely care, you can minimize the duration of a tooth infection and prevent potential complications. Remember to follow your dentist’s advice and attend regular dental check-ups to maintain optimal oral health.
What is the best or strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection ?
It’s essential to emphasize that while natural remedies might offer some relief, they should not replace professional dental care. Tooth infections can be serious and may require antibiotics prescribed by a dentist or physician. However, some natural remedies have shown antibacterial properties that may help alleviate symptoms or support oral health. Here are a few:
- Garlic: Garlic contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial properties. Chewing on a clove of garlic or applying crushed garlic directly to the affected area may help combat infection. However, be cautious as it can be strong and may cause irritation.
- Turmeric: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply a paste made from turmeric powder and water directly to the affected area.
- Coconut Oil Pulling: Oil pulling involves swishing oil (commonly coconut oil) around in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral health. Some studies suggest that coconut oil pulling may reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, potentially helping with tooth infections.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and may help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in water and use it as a mouthwash, but be careful not to swallow it as it can be toxic if ingested.
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.