For the past few hours, you’ve been feeling weak and lethargic. Because you’re worried about the whole COVID-19 pandemic, you decide to take your temperature and discover that you have a high fever. Now you’re panicking that you might have the dreaded coronavirus. However, that might not actually be the case. A high fever is actually a symptom of an oral infection. Keep reading to learn the other signs that you might have a dental emergency.
Signs of an Infection in the Mouth
Don’t ignore the following symptoms, as they may point to a dental infection. Call your dentist if you notice:
- Persistent bad breath
- Chronic bitter taste in the mouth
- High fever
- Oral pain
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Swelling of the gums, glands in the neck, or the jaw
While a high fever is also one of the most prominent symptoms of COVID-19, you may not necessarily have the disease. It might be a dental emergency instead.
What Should You Do About It?
If your high fever is accompanied by any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact your dentist right away. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most dental practices are postponing all non-emergency procedures until further notice. Oral infections definitely count as a dental emergency. Because of this, you should contact their office as soon as you can for treatment.
How to Prevent Oral Infections
The easiest way to keep oral infections at bay is to practice excellent oral hygiene, which involves taking the following actions:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and an ultra-soft toothbrush.
- Floss at least once daily (ideally after every meal and snack).
- If you smoke or chew tobacco, consider quitting.
- Limit the amount of times a day you consume sugary snacks or beverages.
- Contact your dentist if you notice any of the symptoms described above.
Just because you have a fever doesn’t necessarily mean you have the coronavirus. It could instead be a dental emergency. Whatever the case may be, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is a dentist in Norman, OK who has earned Fellowships in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. He has also achieved a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is open for treating dental emergencies only. If you are currently suffering through a fever or any of the symptoms listed earlier in this post, contact Dr. Carmen’s practice at (405) 364-2200.