What Are Symptoms of a Mouth Infection?
A mouth infection, or dental abscess, causes such symptoms as pain, swelling and sensitivity, according to Mayo Clinic. A sudden cessation of pain follows the rupture of a dental abscess.
Sensitivity to extremes of temperature, either hot or cold, is one symptom of a mouth infection, reports Mayo Clinic; sensitivity also accompanies pressure from chewing food near the affected tooth. Pain from a dental abscess is a persistent throb that may be severe. Swelling occurs on the side of the face nearest the infection, and lymph nodes near the neck and jaw may also swell and be tender to the touch. A fever may accompany a mouth infection. If the abscess ruptures, pain abates relatively quickly, but it leaves an accompanying unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Consultation with a dentist is necessary for any possible dental abscess, Mayo Clinic recommends. Visiting a doctor is also advisable, especially if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing, significant swelling or a fever. These symptoms are indications that the infection causing the abscess is spreading to other parts of the jaw or throat, or even further into the body.
Dental abscesses are the result of a bacterial infection in the mouth that causes a pocket of fluid to develop near a tooth, either in surrounding gum tissue or near the root of the tooth, says Mayo Clinic. Doctors or dentists drain the fluid to clear the infection and may be able to save the tooth.
