How to Stop a Tooth Infection Before It Reaches the Other Teeth

An infected tooth may be caused by an abscess. An abscess is created by a bacterial infection within the inner structure of your tooth. As a result, pus will pool around your affected tooth, resulting in painful symptoms. Abscesses are usually caused by tooth decay, a diet high in sugar or an underlying medical condition such as diabetes. Without immediate treatment, an infection can spread to surrounding bones in your jaw, as well as to other teeth.

Instructions

• 1

  Get your infected tooth tapped.

  Get seen by a dentist to examine the extent of your tooth infection. As indicated by the Mayo Clinic, a dentist will tap on the abscessed tooth to check for sensitivity.

• 2

  Get a dental X-ray.

  Visit the dentist and get X-rays of your infected tooth to determine the extent of the infection. Ask your dentist if you'll need a root canal, abscess drainage or tooth extraction to prevent the spread of the infection.

• 3

  Return to the dentist for a root canal, tooth removal or drainage depending on the advice of your dentist. Get a crown on your tooth if you undergo a root canal procedure.

• 4

  Take antibiotics as directed by your dentists to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas. It's important to complete the full dosage of your antibiotics or the infection can come back if you discontinue your medications.