Can a Tooth Abscess Heal?
A tooth abscess is a build-up of pus in either your tooth or gums caused by an infection. It needs to be treated by your dentist immediately. The tooth abscess will not go away on its own.
A tooth abscess will not go away without proper treatment. If the abscess opens and ruptures, the pain will diminish, making you believe that the problem has gone away, but you still need to have treatment.
If the abscess does not drain, the infection can spread to your jaw and even to other areas of your head and neck. If the infected tooth is near your maxillary sinus, the two large spaces under your eyes and behind your cheeks, you can develop an opening between the tooth abscess and the sinus. This will cause an infection in the sinus cavity. You can even develop sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your entire body.
Symptoms if You Have a Tooth Abscess
Signs of an abscess include:
* An intense toothache or pain in your gums.
* Redness inside your mouth, or outside the mouth on your face or jaw.
* A sensitivity to hot or cold in the affected area.
* A bad taste in your mouth.
* Difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food.
* A swollen face or jaw.
* An elevated temperature.
How to Ease the Pain from a Tooth Abscess
There are a few things you can do to control the pain until you can get dental treatment.
* Take pain relievers.
* Eat soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.
* Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth.
* Avoid sugary, and hot or cold, foods and drinks.
Treatment for a Tooth Abscess
A dentist treats tooth abscesses. Your dentist will drain away the pus. If a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, you might need root canal, or the tooth may be extracted. You may be prescribed a pain reliever to take for a few days after treatment and an antibiotic.
Causes of a Tooth Abscess
Abscesses usually happen when pus builds up beneath your teeth or gums from an infection in your mouth. You might get an abscess if:
* You have a tooth that is impacted.
* You have tooth decay or gum disease.
* You have injured a tooth, your gums or mouth.
* You are having radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
How to Prevent a Tooth Abscess
There are some things you can do to prevent abscesses.
* Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, spitting after brushing, and not rinsing.
* Floss between your teeth every day.
* Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
* Have regular dental check-ups every six months.
When to See Your Dentist
Schedule an appointment to see your dentist promptly if you have any symptoms of a tooth abscess.
If you have a fever or swelling in your face and you cannot reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have any trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms indicate that the infection has spread into your jaw, throat, or neck or even to another area of your body.