What is a Tooth Abscess?

Whether you are young or old, you can suffer from a tooth abscess. As a result, we would like to not only help you develop an understanding about the topic, but also provide you with the help needed to notice, prevent, and treat the problem.

What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection. When there is a hole in the enamel layer of your tooth, this essentially creates a breach for bacteria to creep in and cause havoc.

The bacteria can begin to infect your tooth and work their way down to the root and bones. The bacterial infection creates a pocket of pus, also known as an abscess.

Periapical abscesses occur at the tip of the root, while periodontal abscesses occur at the side of the root and in the gums.

Symptoms of a tooth abscess

So how can you know if you have a tooth abscess? Some symptoms are the following:

• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Disturbing odor in your mouth
• Irritation, pain, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Irritation, pain, and sensitivity when eating or biting
• Toothache that can spread to various areas around your head, such as the jaw, ear, or neck
• Swelling around the face, which can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A disturbing taste in your mouth accompanied by pain relief (This could mean the abscess has burst.)

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should reach out to your dentist immediately. Ensure that you explain the situation adequately, as there can be times when dentists leave openings for emergency visits.

However, if you cannot get in contact with your dentist, you should go to the emergency room, as the infection may be spreading and will require immediate treatment.

Prevention of a tooth abscess

While it is important to be able to know the various symptoms of a tooth abscess, it is also important to know how to prevent it. To prevent a tooth abscess, consider the following:

• Fluoride – It is highly important to get your teeth in contact with fluoride. To do so, you may want to make sure you are drinking water that contains fluoride. You can also purchase toothpaste that says it contains fluoride.
• Hygiene – Ensure that you brush your teeth every day. It is also important to floss every day, as your toothbrush cannot get everything between your teeth. You could also consider using a water flosser. A water flosser can be highly effective when used regularly. With a water flosser, you can shoot a steady stream of water at the base of and in between your teeth. You can also control the strength of the stream.
• Diet – Your teeth and gums are highly affected by what you eat. This is especially true for the person who does not regularly brush and floss. Thus, make sure you are eating well and avoiding a high intake of sugary foods.
• Visits – Your dentist can help you to prevent a tooth abscess. Through regular cleaning, care, maintenance, and instruction, your dentist can help pave the way for success.

Treatment for a tooth abscess

If you have a tooth abscess or think you have a tooth abscess, it is important to see your dentist immediately. When you visit your dentist’s office, they will conduct some routine exams, such as radiographs.

If your tooth has an abscess, the pus will need to be drained. The dentist will also determine what work needs to be done to your tooth. While you may need your tooth pulled, it is also possible your dentist could perform a root canal to avoid pulling it.