What is a Jaw Infection and what does it feel like?
If you are experiencing some swelling of your jaw, face, or around your lymph nodes you could have a jaw infection. You might also suffer some pain from the swelling. You could have an abscess below the gumline filled with pus due to an infected tooth.
Your dentist can examine and treat conditions that affect your jaw, as well as your neck and head. Your dentist will work in a multidisciplinary fashion so that the best possible treatment can be applied for your solution.
Common Symptoms of Jaw Infections
Symptoms of a jaw infection or a dental abscess can include the following:
* A redness or swelling.
* A nagging pain in your mouth or jaw.
* Visible drainage of pus from the immediate area.
You should make an appointment immediately with your dentist if you believe you might have an abscess. Your dentist will drain the infection and will most likely include an antibiotic. Depending on the severity of the damage, the tooth may need a root canal performed or even extracted to stop the infection from spreading into your jaw.
Additional signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess:
* A persistent, throbbing toothache that can be severe and radiate to your jawbone, neck, or an ear.
* Inflammation in your cheek or face.
* A new increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
* Discomfort with the pressure of biting and chewing.
* A Fever.
* You have developed tender, swollen lymph nodes.
* You are encountering difficulty with breathing or swallowing.
These risk factors will increase the risk of a tooth abscess:
* Poor dental hygiene - Not practicing simple preventative oral hygiene at home, like not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing, will dramatically increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, a tooth abscess and even a jaw infection.
* A diet high in sugar- Eating and drinking foods and beverages with a high concentration of sugar, such as sweets and sodas, will quickly contribute to cavities and infections.
* Dry mouth – Dealing with a dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is often a side effect of some medications and even normal aging.
Jaw-related Conditions That Should be Treated
* Jaw trauma can be caused by an accident or an injury. Your dentist understands the significance of your facial appearance, as well as the impact on your self-esteem, and will develop a plan to restore functionality as well as cosmetic appearance.
* Jaw deformities can be corrected and improved using either orthodontic or surgical techniques. Appreciating the contribution of your jaw to your overall appearance and your level of self-confidence, your dentist will collaborate with specialists, including facial plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists, if necessary, to restore your jaw to its full functionality, as well as a pleasing aesthetic result.
* Jawbone infections and dental abscesses are often the result of not treating dental cavities. Bacteria forms and causes an infection. If left untreated, the infection increases and progress into your jawbone and cause more health issues.
When to See Your Dentist
Schedule an appointment to see your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess or a jaw infection.
If you have swelling in your face or are running a fever, finding breathing or swallowing difficult, and you cannot reach your dentist, visit an urgent care or an emergency room.