Published on Sep 05, 2023 | 5:23 PM
Share Article :
A dental infection occurs when bacteria invade the tooth, gums, or surrounding tissues, often as a result of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. These infections may involve the tooth pulp, the gums, or the bone supporting the teeth and can range from mild to severe.
Dental infections do not resolve on their own and can worsen if left untreated. In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the mouth and cause serious health complications, making timely care essential.
Symptoms may vary depending on the location and severity of the infection. Pain is often the first noticeable sign, but other symptoms may develop as the infection progresses.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw
Redness or tenderness around a tooth
Bad taste in the mouth or foul breath
Fever or general feeling of illness
Some people may also notice pus drainage or difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.
Dental infections are most commonly caused by bacterial buildup related to poor oral hygiene, cavities, or gum disease. Cracks in a tooth, dental trauma, or failed dental restorations can also allow bacteria to enter deeper tissues.
Risk increases when routine dental care is delayed or when early symptoms are ignored.
Dental infections can affect different areas of the mouth.
A tooth abscess occurs when infection develops inside the tooth or at the root.
A gum infection affects the tissues surrounding the teeth and may be associated with periodontal disease.
A jaw or facial infection can occur if bacteria spread beyond the tooth or gums.
Regardless of type, all dental infections require professional evaluation.
Dental infections are diagnosed based on symptom history and physical examination. Imaging such as dental X-rays may be used in dental settings to determine the extent of infection, but initial evaluation can help identify when urgent care or antibiotics are needed.
Treatment depends on the severity and source of the infection.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the infection, especially when swelling, fever, or spreading infection is present. However, antibiotics do not replace dental treatment. Procedures such as drainage, root canal therapy, or tooth extraction are often required to fully resolve the infection.
Pain management may be recommended while awaiting definitive dental care.
Untreated dental infections can worsen and spread to nearby tissues, the jaw, sinuses, or bloodstream. In rare cases, severe infections can become life-threatening.
Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications and long-term damage.
Medical care should be sought promptly for dental pain with swelling, fever, facial redness, or difficulty swallowing. Emergency care is needed for rapid swelling, trouble breathing, or signs of infection spreading beyond the mouth.
Call-On-Doc offers convenient, reliable care for dental infections through telehealth.
With a virtual visit, you can discuss symptoms with a licensed provider, determine whether antibiotics or urgent care is needed, and receive guidance while arranging definitive dental treatment.
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
updated 1/26/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
7 Reasons Why You Should Use Call-On-Doc for Online Pediatric Doctor Visits
In today’s healthcare landscape, getting timely, affordable care for your child can still be challenging—especially when schedules are tight, clinics are overbooked, and costs continue to rise. Founded in 2017, Call-On-Doc has become a trusted leader in telemedicine across the United States by providing accessible, affordable, and effective online pediatric care for families nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic permanently changed how families access healthcare. Telemedicine is no longer a temporary solution—it’s a proven, reliable way to receive medical care, including pediatric services. While many parents were initially hesitant about virtual care, experience has shown that telemedicine can safely and effectively address a wide range of childhood health concerns.
Here are seven reasons why families continue to choose Call-On-Doc for pediatric care.
Mar 03, 2021 | 5:28 PM
Read More
Do You Have the Flu or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference
When it comes to respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and the flu (influenza) share a lot in common. Both are highly contagious, spread in similar ways, and often produce overlapping symptoms.
Many people can find it nearly impossible to tell them apart just by how they feel, especially in the early stages of illness. This overlap is particularly problematic during flu season, when cases of both flu and COVID-19 spike, increasing the chances of infection with one or even both viruses.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can begin with mild symptoms that may gradually or suddenly worsen. They share common symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, making it easy to confuse the two.
Knowing the common differences between COVID-19 and the flu can help guide your decisions about treatment, isolation, and when to seek medical care. However, it’s important to remember testing is the most reliable way to confirm your diagnosis. Factors like vaccination status, virus variants, and overall health can also influence how you experience symptoms for both illnesses.
Oct 11, 2021 | 2:58 PM
Read More
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Telemedicine After COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, telemedicine became a vital part of healthcare delivery. What was once viewed as a convenient alternative to traditional doctor visits has now evolved into a core component of modern healthcare.
While virtual visits don’t replace every in-person service—such as physical exams, imaging, or certain lab tests—today’s leading telehealth platforms bridge that gap. Services like CallOnDoc combine virtual care with access to lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and at-home test kits, offering patients more comprehensive coverage than ever before.
As the pandemic has eased, many expected telehealth use to decline. Instead, utilization has remained strong—and continues to grow. Patients have experienced firsthand how technology can improve access, speed, and affordability of care. Here are five reasons telemedicine remains a preferred option well beyond COVID-19.
Feb 15, 2022 | 5:58 PM
Read More
7 Reasons Why You Should Use Call-On-Doc for Online Pediatric Doctor Visits
In today’s healthcare landscape, getting timely, affordable care for your child can still be challenging—especially when schedules are tight, clinics are overbooked, and costs continue to rise. Founded in 2017, Call-On-Doc has become a trusted leader in telemedicine across the United States by providing accessible, affordable, and effective online pediatric care for families nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic permanently changed how families access healthcare. Telemedicine is no longer a temporary solution—it’s a proven, reliable way to receive medical care, including pediatric services. While many parents were initially hesitant about virtual care, experience has shown that telemedicine can safely and effectively address a wide range of childhood health concerns.
Here are seven reasons why families continue to choose Call-On-Doc for pediatric care.
Mar 03, 2021 | 5:28 PM
Do You Have the Flu or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference
When it comes to respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and the flu (influenza) share a lot in common. Both are highly contagious, spread in similar ways, and often produce overlapping symptoms.
Many people can find it nearly impossible to tell them apart just by how they feel, especially in the early stages of illness. This overlap is particularly problematic during flu season, when cases of both flu and COVID-19 spike, increasing the chances of infection with one or even both viruses.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can begin with mild symptoms that may gradually or suddenly worsen. They share common symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, making it easy to confuse the two.
Knowing the common differences between COVID-19 and the flu can help guide your decisions about treatment, isolation, and when to seek medical care. However, it’s important to remember testing is the most reliable way to confirm your diagnosis. Factors like vaccination status, virus variants, and overall health can also influence how you experience symptoms for both illnesses.
Oct 11, 2021 | 2:58 PM
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Telemedicine After COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, telemedicine became a vital part of healthcare delivery. What was once viewed as a convenient alternative to traditional doctor visits has now evolved into a core component of modern healthcare.
While virtual visits don’t replace every in-person service—such as physical exams, imaging, or certain lab tests—today’s leading telehealth platforms bridge that gap. Services like CallOnDoc combine virtual care with access to lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and at-home test kits, offering patients more comprehensive coverage than ever before.
As the pandemic has eased, many expected telehealth use to decline. Instead, utilization has remained strong—and continues to grow. Patients have experienced firsthand how technology can improve access, speed, and affordability of care. Here are five reasons telemedicine remains a preferred option well beyond COVID-19.
Feb 15, 2022 | 5:58 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?