About Abscessed Teeth

An abscessed tooth can become a major problem if the infection is not dealt with right away. An abscess looks like a ball of pus above or below the gum line. It is important to see a dentist for treatment in order to eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth. A person with an abscessed tooth may need to take antibiotics, and then undergo surgery to have the abscess drained. In some cases a root canal or tooth extraction may be required. If an abscessed tooth is left untreated there could be devastating consequences. If the infection spreads too far a person may even lose her life.

Effects

An abscessed tooth can be very painful, resulting in a whole host of symptoms. In the initial stages an abscessed tooth will cause mild pain and swelling that will progressively get worse. A person might have a fever, swollen neck, bad breath, redness and gum drainage.

Time Frame

It usually takes several months for an abscessed tooth to develop into a serious infection. However, it is always best to treat the infection in the early stages in order to preserve dental health.

Warning

Any mouth pain should be taken seriously and treated by a dentist right away. An infection caused by an abscess can spread to the jaw bone, resulting in bone loss or even death. A person can die if the infection goes too deep into the blood stream and the body is unable to heal itself.

Prevention/Solution

Good oral hygiene is vitally important in order to prevent abscessed teeth. Brush your teeth two or three times daily for at least three minutes each time. Floss between teeth and use mouthwash to kill bacteria. See the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings at least twice each year. If you see your dentist on a regular basis, problems can be spotted before they become serious. An infection is more likely to happen if teeth are decaying because decaying teeth are more vulnerable. It is important to eat a healthy diet with plenty of whole foods, calcium and minerals in order to maintain healthy strong teeth and bones. One of the most common reasons for decay is poor nutrition.

Expert Insight

According to Dr. M Sicklick, D.D.S., "Although the pain may go away, all infection tissue should be removed and the cause of the abscess treated." Treating an abscess involves several steps and close monitoring. Bone loss or other serious complications can result if anything is missed. Extra precautions should always be taken.

Resources

• MedicineNet.com
• Your Total Health