Dr. Phan Explains Severe Gum Infection (Cellulitis): How to Spot the Danger Signs Quickly in The Woodlands

The pain started as a small puffiness of the gum around a molar. A little red, maybe sore, but tolerable. The next day, your face is turning red. Chewing is painful. By the following night, your cheek looks puffy, and there’s pressure near your jaw. It feels like spreading.

That’s not a regular toothache.

That’s a warning that your body is probably fighting a serious gum infection and perhaps even cellulitis, a nasty dental crisis.

Gum pain is brushed off by many patients in The Woodlands. They believe it’s because they brush too hard or skip a cleaning. But Dr. Phan, a local dentist with many years of experience, warns that gum infections can escalate quickly into something serious, especially if the bacteria get into the tissues around them or in your bloodstream.

What Is Dental Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that forms in the soft tissue of the face or neck. It may begin as an untreated gum infection or an abscessed tooth.

As soon as the bacteria penetrate the gum pocket or root, they spread rapidly—leading to swelling, redness, facial heat, fever, and occasionally, swallowing or respiratory distress.

It’s not something you want to grit out at home.

If you wait too long to get treatment, cellulitis can prove fatal.

Symptoms that Require Immediate Attention

Dr. Phan always advocates prompt treatment based on signs. Symptoms that patients most commonly ignore:

• Spongy or hot, puffed-up gums
• Red or shiny tissue on the cheek or jaw
• Throbbing and radiating pain in your face
• Tender, rapid onset of pain
• Fever or chills
• Struggling to swallow food, breathe, or even open your mouth
• Metallic taste or pus oozing from the gums

If you notice these signs—don’t delay. You may require instant care from an emergency dentist in The Woodlands.

What Causes It?

Most start with untreated cavities, gum disease, or tooth trauma. These offer an entry point for bacteria to travel more deeply into tissue, like the tooth root or jawbone.

Risk factors are:

• Untreated abscesses
• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene
• Weakened immune systems
• Recent dental work or extractions

Bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus adore warm, moist surfaces like the mouth—especially when inflammation is not under control.

Why It’s a True Dental Emergency

Unlike common toothaches, cellulitis spreads fast. That’s why an emergency dentist in The Woodlands can prevent serious complications like sepsis, airway compromise, or irreversible facial damage.

Treatment is most commonly:

• Drainage of infected tissue
• Antibiotics
• Removal of the infected tooth or deep cleaning

Don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the better.

How Dr. Phan Can Guide You

Dr. Phan of Woodlands Dentistry and Orthodontics doesn’t fix the symptoms—he uncovers the cause. Swelling unexpectedly or perpetually sore gums, whatever you’re dealing with, he restores your health and protects your smile from further deterioration.

Come and visit our The Woodlands dental office and let us assist you. Make an appointment with Dr. Phan today before things worsen.