Dental Abscess Symptoms and Causes
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that is caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess can develop at different areas near the tooth for a variety of reasons. A periapical abscess appears at the tip of the tooth root. A periodontal abscess develops in the gums at the side of a tooth root.
A periapical tooth abscess is quite often the result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury to the tooth or prior dental work. The resulting infection, with its irritation and swelling and inflammation, can create an abscess at the tip of the root.
Dentists treat a tooth abscess by draining it and eliminating the infection. They might be able to save your tooth with a root canal procedure. In some situations, the damaged tooth may need to be extracted. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can quickly escalate into serious complications, even life-threatening possibilities.
Common Causes for an Abscess
A periapical tooth abscess happens when bacteria invade the living pulp of the tooth. The pulp is the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Infective bacteria can enter through either a dental cavity, a chip, crack, or broken tooth and spread all the way down to the root. Bacterial infection will cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
These factors can increase your risk of a tooth abscess:
* Poor dental habits and oral care- Not taking the simple proper care of your teeth and gums, such as not brushing your teeth twice a day or flossing, will increase your risk of dental problems. Problems can include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications.
* A diet high in sugar- Frequently eating and drinking foods high in sugar, such as soda and sweets, can increase the risk of dental cavities and therefore the risk of a tooth abscess.
* Dry mouth- Having a dry mouth will increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is often a side effect of certain medications or issues related to simply aging.
Common Sings and Symptoms of an Abscess
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
* A severe, constant, throbbing toothache that might spread into your jawbone, neck, or ear.
* Pain or discomfort with the pressure of biting and chewing.
* Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures.
* A fever.
* Swelling or inflammation in your face, cheek or your neck can lead to difficulty with breathing or swallowing.
* Tender, swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
* A foul odor in your mouth.
* A sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth with pain relief, when the abscess ruptures.
When to See Your Dentist
See your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess. If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you cannot get to your dentist, go to an emergency room. Go to the emergency room also if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms can indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or possibly even other areas of your body.