Tooth abscess treatment: What you need to know

A tooth abscess is an accumulation of pus caused by a bacterial infection, which can appear in different areas of the affected tooth. Therefore, three types are distinguished:

• Periapical abscess: This occurs at the tip of the root.
• Periodontal abscess: Appears in the gums, next to the root of the tooth.
• Endoperiodontal abscess: Combination of both abscesses (periapical and periodontal).

Symptoms of tooth abscess

• Toothache that may extend to the jaw, neck or ear.
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and/or cold temperatures
• Pain or discomfort with chewing or biting
• Swelling in the face or neck that may make breathing difficult
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes, either under the jaw or neck
• Bad breath
• Salty liquids with an unpleasant odor and taste.

Causes of tooth abscess

Generally, this infection is caused by untreated and very advanced caries. In the same way, they appear before fractures that the bacteria take advantage of to enter through the holes in the enamel.

Likewise, its appearance is related to some risk factors, such as:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Unbalanced diet high in sugar.

Risk Factors

These factors can increase the risk of infection:

• Poor hygiene habits: this includes poor brushing of teeth and gums, and improper flossing. These problems cause tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscesses and other complications that lead to tooth loss.
• High-sugar food: Eating high-sugar products (candy and soda, for example) can lead to tooth abscesses.
• Dry mouth: Having a dry mouth can increase the risk of dental abscesses. Dryness due to medication or common aging problems.

Complications

Even if the abscess drains, it is recommended to receive treatment as soon as possible to completely eliminate the infection. If it does not drain, the infection can spread to the jaw and cause pain in key areas of the face, including the head and neck.

Other complications related to dental abscesses include septicemia. A bacterial infection in the blood that results from previous untreated infections and is potentially fatal to the body.

In the presence of a weak immune system, infection by dental abscess increases the risk of much more serious diseases, not limited to the loss of the affected teeth.

Prevention

The main prevention method is to avoid tooth decay:

• Clean your teeth thoroughly with fluoride water or mouthwash.
• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or a dental cleaner to clean between your teeth.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• Eat healthy foods, limiting intake of sugary products.
• Visit the dentist periodically for further control and professional cleaning.

Tooth abscess treatment

For more information and appointments, contact us. We are experts in dental health and we are ready to take care of your immediate needs. Recover and improve your health with SOFDental.