- What is a tooth abscess?
- An oral abscess, otherwise known as a tooth abscess, typically results from a bacterial infection generally produced by poor dental hygiene or high sugar intake. Tooth abscesses can occur at either the side or root of the tooth and between the tooth and the gum and can be harrowing, as it is a region affected and filled with pus.
- There are three different types of oral abscess:
- A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of a tooth’s root.
- Periodontal abscess lies on the gum next to the root of a tooth at times, also affecting the surrounding tissue and bone.
- A gingival abscess occurs on the gums.
- How do you know if you have a tooth abscess?
- Typically an oral abscess develops in response to an untreated cavity or an injury to a tooth and can be incredibly painful if left untreated. If you are experiencing any or multiple of the following symptoms, you must contact us in order to receive treatment:
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or chewing and biting
- Fever
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
- A sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures
- How is a tooth abscess treated?
- An abscessed tooth has to be treated and requires professional dental intervention, generally an x-ray to see if the abscess has caused any breakdown of the bone.
- Treatment options may include:
- Draining the tooth, a small incision in the swollen area to drain it.
- Pulling the tooth if the bone loss occurred due to a severe infection or if the gum abscess goes without treatment for a long time.
- Performing a root canal if the abscess affects the inner pulp of the tooth
- They prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria causing the infection and keep the disease from spreading, reinfecting the area, and reducing swelling and pain in the affected area.
- How do I prevent myself from getting an abscessed tooth?
- Patients should note that poor dental hygiene, a persistent dry mouth, or a diet high in sugar can all increase their likelihood of developing an abscessed tooth. The best way to prevent getting an abscessed tooth is by practicing proper teeth maintenance. The following oral hygiene practices can go a long way towards preventing tooth abscess:
● Brush twice daily
● Flossing once daily
● Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash
- Patients should note that poor dental hygiene, a persistent dry mouth, or a diet high in sugar can all increase their likelihood of developing an abscessed tooth. The best way to prevent getting an abscessed tooth is by practicing proper teeth maintenance. The following oral hygiene practices can go a long way towards preventing tooth abscess:
