A dental infection occurs when bacteria invade the tissues around a tooth, often due to untreated cavities, gum disease, or dental procedures. This infection can lead to pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. If not treated promptly, it may spread to other areas of the body, causing more serious health issues. Common types of dental infections include abscesses, which are pus-filled pockets that form at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection and may require procedures like root canal therapy or tooth extraction to remove the source of the problem.