As an Albuquerque dentist, I often see patients surprised at the dangers of an infected tooth. While a toothache might feel localized, the truth is that tooth infections can harm your overall well-being. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection (or dental abscess) is a pocket of pus within your tooth. Bacteria are the culprits, entering through cracks in the enamel or untreated cavities. This infection creates pressure and inflammation, leading to pain.

Yes, Infected Teeth Hurt – And That’s Not All

An infected tooth’s most obvious symptom is a persistent, throbbing toothache. You might also experience:

• Pain radiating to your jaw, ear, or neck
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling of the face or gums
• Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth
• Fever

Left Untreated? The Risks Are Real

Never ignore a tooth infection! If neglected, the problem can worsen considerably:

• Spread of infection: Bacteria can travel to your jaw, sinuses, brain, and even your bloodstream, becoming life-threatening.
• Tooth loss: The infection can destroy the supporting bone, leading to tooth loss.
• Systemic problems: Research shows links between dental infections and heart disease, diabetes complications, and more.

Don’t Wait to Get Treatment

If you suspect a tooth infection, schedule an appointment with your Albuquerque dentist immediately. Treatments like root canals or extractions can eliminate the infection and save your tooth. Antibiotics may also be needed.

Prevention is Key

The best way to avoid tooth infections is excellent oral hygiene:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss every single day
• See your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings

We’re Here to Help

Don’t let a tooth infection jeopardize your health. If you’re in the Albuquerque area and experiencing dental pain, please call our office. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, pain-free smile

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1. Brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush is best for reducing the amount of plaque buildup, while also eliminating many of the abrasion forces. Abrasion can occur when a patient continuously brushes with too much force at the gum line. This can cause the gum line (gingiva) to recede, leading to exposure of the tooth root, periodontal health issues, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss or an emergency dental appointment if left untreated. If you believe you may be brushing incorrectly, visit your dentist in Albuquerque, and they can advise you on proper brushing technique and equipment.
2. Brushing with something is better than not brushing at all. Plaque can accumulate and create a biofilm at the gingival sulcus within 24 hours. Once the plaque has accumulated, any sort of sugar (glucose) intake allows the bacteria to produce acid. The acid produced (lactic acid) is caustic to the surface of your teeth (enamel) and this is the primary cause of tooth decay (caries, cavities). The more often you reduce the number of attached bacteria on the surface of your teeth, allows for less of a chance of cavities. Good oral hygiene also reduces foul breath, can improve your professional appearance, and can prolong your chances of reducing dental appointment fees.

As for the selection of a toothbrush, I’m sure you all have seen that there are countless dental products available. I personally like and use the Sonicare electric toothbrush, but any soft bristled or electric toothbrush used with the proper brushing technique and a trusted toothpaste will help improve your overall oral hygiene. If you have inflamed gingiva (gingivitis) do yourself a favor and start brushing and flossing today. We all need to remember, we’re only given one set of permanent teeth and if we neglect to take care of them, they may leave us forever. When presenting to young students I like to present them with the question, “Would you rather buy a new car, or a new set of teeth?” By taking care of your teeth and regularly seeing your dentist, you can save yourself a lifetime of pain and money.

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A clean, sterile environment is provided to ensure patients feel comfortable while visiting the dentist. After an initial examination and x-rays, we evaluate and offer personalized advice toward the treatment options available for your dental needs. We take time to ensure all questions you may have are answered, so you have an idea of what the different dental procedures involve. The materials used by the dentist to restore and enhance your oral health are of high quality and are sure to last.

Our practice is located just 4 miles from the University of New Mexico campus at 5124 Zuni Rd SE. We can be found one block west of San Mateo, just across the street from Highland High School. Dr. Haggerty’s office is easily accessible from Nob Hill and the UNM area.

Contact Dr. Haggerty today to schedule your next appointment with the dentist! We are currently accepting new patients and offer services to patrons with most major dental insurances. New patient registration information and information regarding the dentist, Haggerty Dental, can be found at MyAbqDentist.com.

Click Here for a Map

Give us a call to schedule your appointment today, (505) 268-3384.

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As a parent I am aware that summers can become a little hectic. With the children out of school and always looking for some form of entertainment I have to tell you, I have found a wonderful answer.

I was introduced to an Albuquerque summer camp called Rock 101 New Mexico by my son. He helps out with the “summer sessions” doing studio recording, and audio engineering. I have not come across nor heard of any other summer camps of this caliber in Albuquerque.

Students, Rockers, Musicians, and Entertainers, whatever they wish to be called, get the opportunity to form bands with one another along their journey to learning how to play an instrument. Students can learn the instrument of their choice including, piano, bass, guitar, drums, vocals, or really any instrument for that matter. The camp has a diverse talent level ranging from beginners to great musicians and two different sessions a day depending on age. The two week sessions are capped off by a concert for the parents, where the kids showcase their newly acquired talents and boosted self esteem.

Take a look at this wonderful summer camp, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Albuquerque Summer Camp Rock 101 New Mexico

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