Dental infections can develop when bacteria enter a tooth through decay, cracks, damaged fillings, or gum disease. Recognizing unusual changes in your mouth can help you seek dental care before the problem becomes more serious. Swollen Gums and Redness Swollen, tender, or red gums may indicate inflammation or an infection around a tooth. Some people also notice bleeding while brushing, a painful bump near the gumline, or pus around the affected area. These symptoms should be examined by a dental professional to identify the underlying cause. Tooth Sensitivity and Persistent Pain Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods may result from enamel erosion, cavities, or exposed tooth roots. However, lingering sensitivity or persistent toothache can sometimes indicate infection inside the tooth. Pain that worsens when chewing also deserves prompt dental attention. Bad Breath and an Unpleasant Taste Ongoing bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth may occur when bacteria accumulate around infected tissues. In some cases, an abscess releases pus, creating an unpleasant taste. These symptoms can have other causes, so a dental examination is important for accurate diagnosis. Facial Swelling and Other Warning Signs An untreated dental infection may cause swelling around the jaw or face, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or difficulty opening the mouth. Facial swelling accompanied by fever requires urgent assessment. Difficulty breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency and requires immediate emergency care. When Should You Visit a Dentist? Do not ignore persistent dental pain, gum swelling, or unusual discharge. A dentist may examine the affected area and take dental X-rays to determine whether the infection involves the tooth, gums, or surrounding bone. Treatment depends on the cause and may include drainage, root canal treatment, or extraction. Antibiotics may be necessary in selected cases but cannot replace treatment of the source.
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