Signs of an infection in the mouth include:

• Bad breath
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Fever
• Pain
• Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
• Swelling of the gum
• Swollen glands of the neck
• Swelling in the jaw

As with all infections, an infection in your mouth should be treated as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of complications, including sepsis. Saltwater mouth rinses while waiting to see your dentist may ease the pain or discomfort. You might also ask your dentist’s office what you could do before your appointment.

If you have an infection, you will probably get a prescription for an antibiotic. Take this antibiotic as directed until it is finished, even if the pain and swelling seem gone. Feeling better does not necessarily mean that the infection has gone away.

Also, ask your dentist if the infection should be drained. If possible, draining can speed up the reduction of pain and swelling. If your case is more complicated, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist or periodontist.

Preventing infections in your mouth will help you reduce your risk of developing sepsis. Usual recommendations are to visit your dentist twice a year for up-to-date x-rays, exams, and dental cleanings.

Good oral hygiene is the first basic step in promoting good dental health and preventing infections.

• Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.
• Floss your teeth at least once a day.
• Don’t over brush – brushing too hard or with too hard a brush can damage your teeth. Ask your dental hygienist for the best way for you to brush your teeth.
• Don’t use your teeth to open packaging, break string, etc. Your teeth are strong, but they are for chewing food, not hard objects. These can crack, chip, or break teeth.
• Visit your dental office at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and check-up.
• If you have had dental work, watch for any signs of infection and contact your dentist if you experience any of the signs listed above.

For children:

Pediatric dentists recommend that parents/guardians wipe their baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth in the morning and right before their night bedtime – even before teeth are starting to show.

Once baby teeth start appearing, you can brush them gently twice a day, using a small-bristled toothbrush and plain water.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s mouth or teeth, bring your child to a dentist as soon as possible. All children should visit a dentist by their first birthday so the dentist can assess how the teeth are coming in. Aside from regular teeth cleaning and checkups, your child’s dentist may recommend other measures, such as applying sealants to protect the teeth.

From cleaning to root canals, dental work may cause bleeding and an opening where bacteria can enter the body. While dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants work to keep everything as clean as possible as they do their work, sometimes infections do develop, just as sometimes they do after surgery on another part of the body.

If you have any symptoms of an infection, contact your dental office immediately. If the office is closed or you cannot reach the dentist, go to an emergency department or urgent care clinic.

The American Dental Association recommends that certain people receive prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics before they get dental work. These people have certain heart conditions that could make them more prone to developing a condition called infective endocarditis. Some people with artificial joints (like a knee or hip) may need prophylactic antibiotics before dental work too. If you have an artificial joint, speak with your doctor before you need dental work to see if this is recommended for you.