It is normal for bacteria to exist inside the mouth and between the teeth. They are present in the form of plaque, which is a natural by-product of saliva and food. The plaque sticks to the gums and teeth, and when you don’t remove the plaque by flossing and brushing the teeth, the bacteria spreads to the soft tissues of the teeth. This results in infection of the teeth and gums.

Causes of a tooth infection
A tooth infection can occur whenever bacteria gets inside a tooth and its surrounding tissues. This can happen due to several reasons. A few of them are listed below:

• Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
  This may happen because of a fall or eating hard foods. As a result, a gap will develop in the tooth. This opening gives bacteria an easy way in, leading to infection.
• Gum infection
  An infection in the gums causes periodontal or gum disease. The infection and inflammation may spread to the teeth, leading to tooth infection as well.
• Stuck food
  Sometimes food, such as popcorn hulls, or anything, such as toothbrush bristles, may get stuck between your teeth or in the gums. If this is not removed as soon as possible, it will cause bacteria to build up. As a result, tooth infections will occur.
• Injured tooth
  Due to tooth trauma, there can be an injury to the inner tissues even when no crack is visible. This increases the susceptibility to infection in the tooth.
• Excess sugar intake
  Eating and drinking foods that are rich in sugar is another major cause of tooth infection.
• Dry mouth
  You may experience dry mouth as a side effect of certain treatment options. It can also happen if you are not hydrated enough. If you experience dry mouth for long periods, you may have a higher possibility of getting a tooth infection.

Symptoms of a tooth infection
One of the major symptoms of a tooth infection is throbbing and intense pain. It is usually mild in the beginning. But the pain can suddenly become intense within a few hours or days. Sometimes, it radiates to the jawbone, neck, ear, eyes, and head. Other common signs and symptoms of tooth infection include the following:

• Pain is experienced in the affected area while biting or touching.
• There is a higher sensitivity toward hot or cold liquids and foods.
• There is a persistent foul taste in the mouth.
• The intense pain can also cause a fever.
• Opening your mouth while eating and talking may be hard and painful.
• It may become difficult to swallow.
• Some people also experience insomnia, general uneasiness, and fatigue due to tooth infections.
• The infection may also cause halitosis or bad breath.
• The inflammation caused by the tooth infection may cause swelling and redness of the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
• The infected tooth may feel loose.
• The upper or lower jaw may become swollen.
• An open and draining sore may form on the sides of the gums around the infected tooth.

Stages of tooth infection

The infection in the tooth goes through several stages until an abscess is formed. An abscess is a severe form of tooth infection where pus begins to collect inside the infected tooth.

• Enamel decay
  The plaque that forms on the teeth contains bacteria. These bacteria start to produce acid over time. The acid slowly erodes the outer layer or the enamel of the tooth.
• Dentin decay
  Once the enamel has deteriorated, the bacteria break through and infect the next layer, dentin.
• Pulp decay
  The center of the tooth has soft tissues known as the pulp. It is closer to the nerves inside the gums. In the later stages of tooth infection, the bacteria get to the tooth’s center and infect the pulp. This is when the excruciating and throbbing pain begins.

When a tooth infection is left untreated through the various stages, it will spread and can also spread to other parts of the body.

Common treatment for tooth infection
The treatment of a tooth infection depends on the symptoms and stage to which the infection has progressed. Here are a few common treatment options and remedies; these must be done on the recommendation of a dentist or orthodontist.

• Root canal treatment : This treatment is used when there is a chance to save the tooth. It removes the infection by drilling down the tooth and removing the infected pulp. The tooth is filled and sealed. After this, it is capped with a crown to prevent further damage.
• Pulling out the infected tooth:  In some cases, the infected tooth does heal even after taking tooth infection antibiotics. Neither does the root canal help save the tooth. In such cases, the affected tooth is extracted or completely pulled out.