How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Infected? Clear Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

September 3, 2025

An infected tooth often causes a constant, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen gums or face, bad taste or bad breath, fever, and tender lymph nodes.



Quick Clues to Watch

Sign What It Means
Throbbing toothache Pain may spread to jaw, ear, or neck
Temperature sensitivity Discomfort with hot or cold drinks or foods
Chewing pain Pressure increases pain—common in abscess
Swelling or a pimple-like gum bump May ooze pus or cause facial swelling
Fever & Tender Nodes Infection spreading—medical attention needed
Persistent bad taste or breath Indicates pus or drainage in the mouth
  • About 200,000 Americans visit ERs yearly for severe dental infections like tooth abscesses—25% of all oral-health ER cases.

  • And yet, 1 in 4 people may have a hidden infection they don’t feel yet—making regular checkups vital.


Conclusion

If you recognize any of these signs—especially the phrase “How do I know if my tooth is infected?”—don’t wait. At Schwimmer Dental, we're ready to help you catch it early and start treatment fast. Call us today to schedule a checkup and protect your smile.


Sources:

  1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10943-abscessed-tooth
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
  3. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/symptoms-of-tooth-infection/
  4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess 

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