Is My Tooth Infected? Clear Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
July 16, 2025
A tooth infection means bacteria are inside your tooth or gums, often causing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. How do I know if my tooth is infected? Look for these common, reliable signs.
How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Infected?
- Severe, throbbing toothache: Pain that lingers and may spread to your jaw, ear, or neck.
- Sensitivity: Increased pain when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods; pain when biting or chewing.
- Swelling: Gums, face, or jaw look puffy or feel tender near the problem tooth.
- Red or swollen gums: Gums may also have a pimple-like bump or ooze pus.
- Fever: Sometimes paired with general discomfort or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Bad breath or foul taste: Odor and bad taste that brushing doesn’t fix.
At Alpine Dental, most patients asking “How do I know if my tooth is infected?” mention at least two symptoms above. National data shows over 90% of dental abscesses involve a continual, throbbing pain and visible swelling.
Don’t let tooth infection symptoms escalate. Book a “Smile Rescue” visit at Alpine Dental—bring your favorite cozy scarf, and our expert team will quickly pinpoint the cause and restore your comfort!
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-body
- https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/healthy-living/signs-and-treatment-of-an-abscessed-tooth
- https://www.colgate.com/en-ca/oral-health/tooth-removal/serious-infections
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-the-body
- https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/is-your-tooth-infected-here-are-the-signs/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/tooth-removal/serious-infections
- https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-an-infected-tooth/
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