Keep in mind that in many cases, dental infections are asymptomatic, so you may not experience any tooth pain even if you do have an infection. However, if the infection gets really bad, you might have extreme pain, swelling, or pus. [4] X Research source Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020. Your dentist will tap your teeth with a dental probe. If you have an abscess, you will feel pain when the infected tooth is tapped — what the Merck Manual describes as “exquisite” sensitivity. [5] X Research source — or when you bite down. Keep in mind that if your infection is severe, you will most likely be unable to pinpoint the exact tooth causing the pain because the whole area around the tooth will also feel painful. Your dentist will need to take x-rays to identify which tooth is infected. If the infection destroys the pulp at the root of the tooth — the “heart” of the tooth — the pain may stop because your tooth has died; however, this does not mean that the infection will stop. It will continue to spread and destroy other tissue and bone.
Aside from hot and cold, you might also experience pain when you eat sweet products, as the sugar can irritate the infected tooth and create pain. All of these repeated sensations may affect the pulp and inflame the entire system of vessels and nerves. In most cases this damage is irreversible and you will need to have a root canal.
Keep in mind that there can be other causes of pain in the teeth or jaw while chewing. It does not always mean that you have a tooth infection. For example, sometimes people internalize stress and clench their jaw muscles, which can lead to very similar kinds of pain. This is a “Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder. ”[9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some people also grind or clench their teeth when they sleep, which is known as bruxism. [10] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source Sinus or ear infections may also cause discomfort like a toothache, but these usually feature a headache. One symptom of heart disease, as well, is tooth and jaw pain. No matter what it turns out to be, you should take the pain seriously and see a dentist.
Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth is another give away. This is directly related to the build-up of pus. If your tooth is severely infected, pus may begin to drain from the tooth or from a gum-boil into your mouth. It may happen suddenly, in a rupture of the abscess, and it will taste metallic or sour. It will also smell bad. Avoid swallowing the pus.
While any tooth abscess is serious and needs treatment, please seek medical attention immediately if you have an infection that spreads. Because it is close to vital organs — notably your brain — such an infection can easily become life-threatening.
Along with fever, you may also develop chills, headache, or a feeling of nausea. You may feel weak and become dehydrated, so be sure to drink water. Seek medical attention if your fever continues to rise or does not respond to medication, or if you run a temperature of over 103°F (39. 4°C) for several days.
