Tooth Abscess: Symptoms, Treatment and How to Prevent

We all know that bacteria grow and thrive on a plaque on our teeth. If this plaque is not addressed in time, it can eventually lead to a dental abscess. This happens when there is a pus buildup around the root of an infected tooth.

Clueless about dental abscess, early tooth abscess symptoms and how to treat and prevent them? We have brought to you a quick guide that will let you know everything you must know about this common dental dilemma.

What is a Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is when there is a pocket of pus around an infected tooth. The worst thing about issue is that it doesn’t get treated on its own and you need immediate professional help before it become worse and leads to various other health complications.

Did you know that there are three different types of tooth abscess that a person can be suffering from? They are listed below:

Types of Dental Abscess

- Gingival Abscess

This type of tooth abscess only affects the gum tissue and does not cause any harm to your tooth or the periodontal ligament.

- Periapical Abscess

This type of tooth abscess starts developing in the soft pulp of your tooth.

- Periodontal Abscess

A periodontal abscess develops in the supporting bone tissue structures of your teeth.

Dental Abscess Symptoms

In most cases, you might witness a throbbing pain around the affected teeth which then radiates to your jawbone, neck, and ears.

Here are a few other common dental abscess symptoms and signs that you must know.

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Swelling in your neck, face, or jaw
• Insomnia
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Sensitivity to cold or hot food or beverages

Dental Abscess Causes

A dental abscess is caused when the plaque is not treated and it worsens and the bacteria starts creating a pocket of pus around your tooth.

Here are some common causes of dental abscess

• Excessive consumption of sugary liquids
• Poor oral hygiene
• A deep cavity
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• A cracked tooth

Dental Abscess Treatment

When it comes to getting dental abscess treated, the goal is to get rid of the infection completely before it spreads and becomes worse.

Here are a few popular tooth abscess treatment options that you can consider for dental abscess.

- Surgery

People who have a recurring case of infection in the tooth may require surgery, where the dentist or endodontist will drain your pus pockets and clean them.

- Antibiotics

Your dentist or endodontist might recommend antibiotics along with a few over-the-counter medicines if your dental abscess is spreading rapidly to your jaw, neck, and other parts of your body.

- Tooth Extraction

If the abscess tooth can’t be saved, your dentist might suggest you get rid of your infected teeth.

- Root Canal

A root canal is another common way in which your dentist might drain the pockets of pus and clean the pus development and try to save your infected teeth.

Tips to Prevent Tooth Abscess

There are actions you can take that will help to prevent falling prey to a dental abscess. Here are a few tips that will help to prevent suffering from a dental abscess.

• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to get rid of the food particles stuck in between your teeth
• Go for a regular dental check-up and clean up
• Avoid overindulging in sugary drinks and food items
• Avoid snacking too much in between your meals

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FAQs

What kind of toothpaste helps to avoid dental cavities?

Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental cavities, gum diseases, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

Can a dental abscess heal on its own?

No, a dental abscess can never heal on its own and it requires you to seek professional help to treat your infected teeth.

Will a tooth abscess go away with antibiotics?

No, antibiotics cannot on their own completely get rid of your dental abscess. However, they will help to stop the bacterial infection from spreading to the other parts of your body.

Will I lose my tooth after an abscess?

If you leave dental abscess untreated for a long time, it can cause some serious damage to your gums and teeth and may lead to tooth loss in the long run.

What are some home remedies to manage dental abscess?

Some easy home remedies to manage and relieve the discomfort that dental abscess brings along are:

• Salt water rinse
• Clove oil
• Garlic
• Baking Soda
• Fenugreek tea
• Cold compress