What's a Tooth Abscess?
No one wants a tooth abscess…the name alone is unnerving, and not just because we’re getting close to Halloween.
One of the most painful dental problems out there, a tooth abscess can lead to intensive surgery, tooth loss and even life-threatening consequences. To help you identify and avoid one, we’ll cover the causes, as well as the signs and symptoms.
What is a tooth abscess?
A dental abscess is the result of untreated bacterial infection in the mouth.
Without antibiotics, the body responds to this infection by producing pus to surround the bacteria. However, when there is no room for the puss to drain, which is the case for your tooth, the puss can not be released. Instead it gathers and creates pressure without getting rid of the bacteria. The resulting sore is call an abscess.
Left without treatment, the infection will continue to spread, eventually finding its way into the blood stream, which can be fatal.
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess
Red, swollen gums
Throbbing pain (especially while chewing)
Foul taste in the mouth
Swollen jaw
Fever
Because this infection can spread to other areas of the body, it’s imperative to see a dental health professional immediately if you suspect you may have a tooth abscess.
How do you get an abscessed tooth?
An abscessed tooth can be caused by:
Damage to the tooth
Gum disease
Untreated tooth decay
How to treat a tooth abscess
A dentist is the best dental health professional to see if you suspect you have a tooth abscess. Because they know what to look for and can take X-rays, your dentist can identify if you have an abscess and offer effective treatments—specifically, antibiotics.
Depending on the severity, your dentist may lance (cut open) the abscess to drain the pus, which will alleviate discomfort and help to relieve pain. If the infection has spread into the root of your tooth, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to ensure all bacteria will be eliminated.
If the infection is too far advanced, however, your dentist may need to ultimately pull the tooth—which is another reason to see a dental health professional sooner rather than later.
How to prevent tooth abscesses
The good news is, preventing a tooth abscess is simple and straightforward—you just need to take good care of your oral health!
You can do this by:
Brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth with a fluoridated mouthwash every day
Visiting the dentist regularly (at least twice per year)
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet (and avoiding sugary foods and drinks)
Avoiding chewing tobacco, smoking and vaping
Keep your oral health in check!
At Peak Dental, we strive to help each patient achieve “peak” oral health. If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth and gum health, please don’t hesitate to reach out today.
We want to help you achieve your healthiest, happiest smiles possible!