Wondering if your tooth is infected? Learn about the warning signs, causes, and treatment options for dental infections — and how Worldwide Dental Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City provides safe, effective care to protect your smile.

UNDERSTANDING TOOTH INFECTION

A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, occurs when bacteria invade the inner layers of a tooth — the pulp and root canal.
This infection can spread to the gums, jawbone, and even other parts of the body if left untreated.

Tooth infections are often caused by deep decay, cracked teeth, old fillings, or untreated gum disease.
The key to preventing complications is recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt dental care.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, advanced digital imaging and gentle root canal treatments are used to eliminate infection safely and preserve natural teeth.

WHAT CAUSES A TOOTH INFECTION?

Bacteria are the main culprits behind tooth infections. They enter through small openings or cracks in the enamel and reach the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located.

Common Causes Include:

Untreated Cavities – Deep decay allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s inner structure.
Cracked or Broken Teeth – Even small cracks can provide a path for bacteria.
Failed Fillings or Crowns – Worn restorations may no longer protect the tooth properly.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis) – Infection in the gums can spread to the tooth roots.
Trauma – Physical injury can damage the pulp and lead to infection.

Once bacteria reach the pulp, pressure builds inside the tooth — causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes abscess formation.

An infected tooth often starts with mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can gradually develop into sharp or throbbing pain if left untreated.

EARLY SIGNS OF AN INFECTED TOOTH

Tooth infections can start subtly, but symptoms usually intensify over time. Recognizing early signs helps you seek treatment before complications develop.

1. Persistent Toothache

Constant, throbbing pain that may spread to your jaw, ear, or neck.
The pain might worsen when lying down or chewing.

2. Sensitivity to Temperature

Sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Indicates exposed nerves due to decay or infection.

3. Swollen or Red Gums

Localized gum swelling around one tooth.
Gums may look shiny, tender, or feel warm to the touch.

4. Swelling in the Face or Jaw

As the infection progresses, swelling can extend beyond the tooth to your cheeks or jawline.

5. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

The infection releases pus, causing persistent bad breath or a bitter taste.

6. Tooth Discoloration

The affected tooth may turn gray or dark, indicating nerve damage inside.

7. Loose Tooth

When infection weakens the surrounding bone and tissue, the tooth may feel mobile.

8. Fever and Fatigue

In severe cases, the body reacts systemically with fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

As the infection spreads, you might notice facial swelling, difficulty chewing, or even slight fever — all signs that professional treatment is urgently needed.

ADVANCED SYMPTOMS – WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE

If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to more serious complications, including abscesses or jawbone infection.

Seek immediate dental care if you notice:

Visible pus or pimple on the gums.
Swelling spreading to the neck or eye area.
Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.
Severe, throbbing pain that doesn’t subside with medication.

Worldwide Dental Hospital offers 24/7 emergency dental consultation for patients experiencing acute tooth infections or abscesses.

HOW A TOOTH INFECTION IS DIAGNOSED

Accurate diagnosis ensures proper treatment and prevents recurrence.

Step 1: Clinical Examination

Your dentist checks for visible decay, swelling, and tenderness around the tooth.

Step 2: Digital X-rays or 3D CBCT Scan

High-resolution imaging reveals the infection’s depth and whether it has spread to the bone or neighboring teeth.

Step 3: Pulp Vitality Testing

Determines whether the tooth’s nerve is still alive or infected.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, all diagnoses are supported by digital and 3D imaging, ensuring precise and safe treatment planning.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR AN INFECTED TOOTH

Once diagnosed, the goal is to remove the infection, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.

1. Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

The most common and effective treatment for an infected tooth.

How It Works:

The infected pulp is removed.
The canals are cleaned and disinfected.
The space is filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha).
A crown is placed to restore function and appearance.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, root canal therapy is performed using:

Rotary endodontic systems for precision and speed.
Digital imaging for accuracy.
Painless anesthesia for total comfort.

2. Antibiotic Therapy

If the infection has spread beyond the tooth, antibiotics help reduce inflammation before or after dental treatment.

3. Drainage of Abscess

In severe cases, a small incision may be made to drain pus and relieve pressure.

4. Tooth Extraction (Last Resort)

If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, extraction may be necessary to prevent further infection.

Common signs include swelling around the gums, redness, or tenderness near the affected tooth — all early indicators of infection or abscess formation.

HOW TO PREVENT TOOTH INFECTIONS

Prevention is always better than cure — and most infections are avoidable with proper care.

Daily Habits to Maintain:

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day to remove food particles.
Avoid excessive sugary snacks and acidic drinks.
Schedule professional cleaning every 6 months.
Replace worn fillings or crowns promptly.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, preventive care programs include routine checkups, professional cleanings, and digital decay detection for early intervention.

COST OF TOOTH INFECTION TREATMENT IN VIETNAM

Vietnam offers affordable, high-quality dental care with internationally trained specialists.

Treatment Type	Average Cost (USD)	Description
Root Canal (Front Tooth)	50 – 80	1 canal, simple procedure.
Root Canal (Premolar)	80 – 120	2 canals, moderate complexity.
Root Canal (Molar)	100 – 180	3–4 canals, advanced care.
Tooth Extraction	30 – 60	Only if the tooth cannot be saved.
Dental Crown	180 – 300	Restores function and strength.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, treatment plans are personalized and transparent, starting from 60 USD per tooth, depending on severity.

FAQ – TOOTH INFECTIONS

Can a tooth infection go away on its own?

No. The infection will continue to spread without dental treatment.

How long does root canal treatment take?

Usually 1–2 visits, depending on the tooth’s condition.

Will it hurt?

No. Modern root canals are performed under local anesthesia and are pain-free.

Can antibiotics alone cure an infection?

They can reduce symptoms temporarily, but cannot remove the source of infection inside the tooth.

What happens if I don’t treat it?

Untreated infections can spread to the bone or bloodstream, leading to serious health risks.

Persistent bad breath or a bitter taste in the mouth may also signal bacterial buildup caused by infection inside the tooth or gum tissue.

WHY CHOOSE WORLDWIDE DENTAL HOSPITAL

30+ years of dental excellence in Vietnam.
Internationally trained dentists and endodontic specialists.
Advanced rotary and laser technology for precise, painless care.
English-speaking staff with transparent pricing.
Located in central Ho Chi Minh City, ideal for expats and travelers.

CONCLUSION

An infected tooth is more than just a toothache — it’s a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
Recognizing symptoms like persistent pain, swelling, and sensitivity early can help save your natural tooth and protect your overall health.

At Worldwide Dental Hospital, patients receive comprehensive, pain-free treatment using modern technology and international expertise.

Don’t ignore the signs — seek care early and restore your oral health with confidence.

📞 Contact Worldwide Dental Hospital: (+84) 922.253.888