An abscessed tooth is caused by a pocket of pus near the tooth, often due to gum disease or tooth decay. Symptoms include bad breath and pain while chewing. Treatment includes antibiotics, draining the infection, root canal treatment, or tooth removal. Prevention includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
If you develop an abscessed tooth, a small hole or pocket will have formed near the tooth. This hole will be filled with pus, and if it doesn’t drain naturally, an abscess will appear. The most common causes of a tooth abscess are gum disease and tooth decay.
Gum disease, or as it’s termed by your doctor, periodontal disease, occurs due to a buildup of bacteria in the plaque around your gums and teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the bones and tissue that support your teeth. It can be very mild, in which case there will only be bleeding when the teeth and gums are brushed. If left untreated, it can develop into a serious condition resulting in tooth loss.
The pits that can cause an abscess are holes that appear in the teeth. Cavities are usually caused by tooth decay. Plaque causes acid to eat away at the teeth and dissolve through the outer wall of the tooth. Severe cavities need to be filled by a dentist to stop decay and prevent further damage to the tooth.
Having a dry mouth can also contribute to a tooth abscess. Dry mouth is a contributing factor to tooth decay, which can lead to an abscess. Chewing sugarless gum and drinking liquids regularly should solve the problem of dry mouth. If not, a doctor should be able to prescribe medications to help with the problem.
There are some symptoms of an abscessed tooth, including bad breath and a shooting pain when chewing or eating food. The gums may appear red and swollen, and swelling of the face and/or jaw may appear. Some people have fever-like symptoms and a bump may appear on either side of the gum area.
If left untreated, the infection is likely to spread. The deterioration of the gums and bones can become so severe that the tooth may need to be removed. If the deterioration has reached this stage, the pain may be gone, but that doesn’t mean the infection has left the gum area.
Treatment for an abscess is determined by how infected the tooth has become. Antibiotics can help clear up the infection. The tooth may need to be drilled to allow the infection to drain out. It may also be necessary to puncture the gum area to allow the infection to drain. If the infection is substantial, root canal treatment may be required. In extreme cases, the tooth will be removed.
An abscessed tooth is easily prevented by regular brushing and flossing. Sticking to a healthy, low-sugar diet and making frequent visits to the dentist are also helpful. An untreated tooth infection can spread to other areas of the body and eventually become extremely harmful to your health.
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