3 Taste And Smell Disorders Possibly Linked To Dental Infections
If you have ever had an infected tooth, then you are probably well aware of the throbbing pain associated with it. While a toothache is one of the most common symptoms of a tooth infection, there are other, less common signs. Here are three taste and smell symptoms that may be linked to a dental infection and what you can do about them.
Loss Of Smell
Because a dental infection can spread to your sinuses causing nasal inflammation, you may temporarily lose your sense of smell. If you have an infected tooth, see your family dentist right away. He or she may recommend that you take antibiotics.
Not only will the antibiotics treat your dental infection, they may also help resolve your sinus infection. If, however, you develop a sinus infection that is unrelated to your tooth infection, or if your sinus infection is viral in nature as opposed to bacterial, antibiotics will do little to eliminate it.
Abnormal Smells
A severe dental infection may lead to inflammation of your olfactory nerve, which is a cranial nerve responsible for your sense of smell. When the olfactory nerve becomes inflamed or damaged as a result of infection or otherwise, your sense of smell may be impaired.
This does not necessarily mean that you will lose your sense of smell, but it may mean that your sense of smell could be altered. If you have a dental infection and notice that you smell smoke, burnt food, or other phantom smells, see both your dentist and your physician.
While smell abnormalities related to dental infections typically clear up once the infection is gone, they may persist. If this is the case, your physician may refer you to a neurologist or other medical doctor who has advanced training in smell and taste disorders.
Dysguesia
Another possible disorder that may be linked to your dental infection is dysguesia. This condition refers to the perception of abnormal tastes in the mouth. If you experience a metallic taste in your mouth, or if you experience salty or bitter tastes, you may have dysguesia.
If you experience this, see your dentist. In the meantime, drink plenty of water throughout the day, chew sugarless gum, and avoid dehydrating beverages such as coffee, tea, or alcohol, as these can heighten the symptoms of dysguesia.
If you have a dental infection, check out this go to site and make an appointment with a dentist. The sooner your infection is recognized and treated, the less likely you will be to experience sensory problems with taste and smell.
Share