What Is a Tooth Abscess?
Dental abscesses are caused by cavities or tooth infections that are not properly cared for. These initial infections spread into the cheek, gums, or other parts of the mouth. Pus gathers at the infection site until the pressure causes the abscess to rupture or it is drained surgically. Abscesses that are extremely painful, cause difficulty breathing, or prevent swallowing should be inspected immediately by a dentist or a local emergency medical department.
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Causes
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Abscesses develop from infected teeth that are not treated properly. People who neglect oral hygiene, do not visit the dentist regularly, or were treated by an inexperienced dentist are at risk for these abscesses. A cavity that has been repaired by a dentist can result in an abscess if the dentist failed to completely eradicate the bacteria.
Infections and cavities are caused by poor oral hygiene. It is very important to keep the mouth clean by brushing teeth and flossing regularly.
Symptoms
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Abscesses cause obvious symptoms that are not easily overlooked. The area will be very painful. Localized swelling and redness are likely. An infection that has festered for a significant period of time may also cause nausea, fever, chills and diarrhea. Pus drainage will occur when the abscess ruptures.
Drink a warm or cold liquid to determine if the tooth is repairable without a root canal. A tooth that is sensitive to temperature indicates a high likelihood that the tooth can be salvaged without nerve removal.
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Medical Treatment
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Choose a reputable, experienced dentist to handle all abscess treatments. A treatment that is handled incorrectly will not be effective and can result in subsequent infections. An X-Ray should be taken to confirm the infection of the tooth before the doctor proceeds.
Depending on the circumstance, the dentist will proceed in one of three ways. In many cases, a root canal will be performed or the tooth will be extracted. Antibiotics may be prescribed following these treatments.
An infection that occurs in a tooth that has already had a root canal will likely be treated with an antibiotic prescription.
In any instance, abscesses should be surgically drained to prevent the pus from infecting other areas of the mouth.
Home Remedies
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Abscess sufferers can treat their pain with over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen. However, this does not treat the infection.
A ruptured abscess should be rinsed with warm water to clean the mouth.
Risk of Death
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An untreated tooth abscess can be life-threatening. The brain is located only inches from the teeth, and the infection can spread if it is not eradicated. The infection will eventually reach the tissues inside the skull and cause them to swell uncontrollably. The swelling can block airways, causing death from suffocation.
Chronic abscesses can cause high levels of bacteria in the body that can trigger a heart attack, stroke, or cause pregnant women to deliver prematurely.
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