COVID-19 causes a variety of symptoms and signs, which makes it hard to distinguish from other illnesses. One of the most common side-effect is a low-grade fever, which can also be a sign of an advanced tooth infection. If you have a high temperature, here’s how you can tell whether you should visit your emergency dentist in Ardmore or a medical professional.
Symptoms of COVID-19
While there are new discoveries being made about COVID-19, the most common symptoms of the virus have been posted by the CDC, and include:
- Low-grade fever
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste or smell
The CDC recommends seeking medical attention when you notice emergency signs such as chest pain and difficulty breathing, because these can be life-threatening. Otherwise, it’s important to stay home except if you’re getting medical care, separate yourself from other people in your home, and monitor your symptoms closely. If you do need urgent care, be sure to contact your medical provider beforehand so they can take the necessary measures to protect their other patients and staff.
Symptoms of Tooth Infections
Many people aren’t aware that tooth infections can exhibit serious symptoms if the issue has advanced and began to impact other areas of your body. When this problem is left untreated, it has the ability to spread to not only other teeth, but also different organs, making it life-threatening. Here are some symptoms of serious tooth infections that signify that you need to visit an emergency dentist in Ardmore:
- Severe and persistent toothache
- Fever
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Tender lymph nodes under your jaw
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
It’s important to contact your dentist as soon as you notice any early signs of an infection, such as a severe toothache. If you begin to have difficulty breathing or believe the situation has become life-threatening, you may need to visit an ER first.
Getting the Help You Need
Knowing what types of symptoms to look out for to determine whether you have a tooth infection or COVID-19 is important, especially when it comes to determining what specialist you should visit for urgent care. No matter which facilities you visit, you’ll need to contact them ahead of time to let them know that you’re coming. Your emergency dentist in Ardmore can provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance to help with your pain and ensure that no additional oral damage occurs as well.
In these uncertain times, it’s a good idea to know the symptoms of COVID-19 so that you can get urgent care if necessary. It’s also important to know that not every problem that causes a fever or difficulty breathing and swallowing is a result of this new and life-threatening virus. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to seek timely care from the specialist that can best help treat you.
About the Author
Dr. Jamie Guthrie has been treating dental emergencies for over a decade, providing her with a range of experiences. With all of the urgent situations she has treated over the years, she’s able to provide fast and effective, pain-relieving dental care. She regularly takes continuing education courses in a wide variety of topics, including sedation dentistry and endodontics (root canals). For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit her website or call 580-224-9600.