Abscess Tooth: 4 Things You Should Know
Have you or someone you know suffered from tooth abscess? It is daunting because it comes with a lot of pain and discomfort. And that’s why today, we’ll cover the four major things you should know about abscess tooth so that you can prevent its occurrence.
Definition and Types of Abscess Tooth
Tooth abscess is the buildup of pus in or around a tooth that’s caused by a bacterial infection . Below are the three major types of tooth abscess.
- Periapical abscess affects the tip of tooth’s roots. It occurs when bacteria invades the pulp – the part of the teeth with blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves.
- Periodontal abscess is caused by gum disease or an injury. It affects gum near the root of a tooth and can spread to surrounding tissue and jaw bone.
- Gingival abscess also affects the gums but is caused by the presence of strange objects in the gum such as toothbrush bristles.
What Common Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
- Throbbing and persistent toothache that you can feel in the jawbone, neck or ear.
- Fever.
- Finding it hard to breathe or swallow.
- Teeth sensitivity when taking hot or cold drinks and food.
- Swollen cheek or face.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the jaw or neck.
- Pain and sensitivity when chewing or biting.
- Having a sudden salty fluid in your mouth coupled by a foul-smell and taste.
How is an Abscess Tooth Treated?
Dentists eliminate the oral bacterial infection by draining the pus from the affected area. If the tooth is not badly affected, a root canal procedure can save it. However, in severe cases, the dentist will uproot the tooth.
What Can You Do at Home to Steer Clear of Tooth Abscess?
- Use fluoride toothpaste and fluoride antiseptic mouth rinse daily.
- Drink fluoridated water because it prevents tooth decay.
- Change your toothbrush quarterly or when the bristles become frayed.
- Clean between your teeth with an interdental cleaner or dental floss.
- Limit sugary foods.
- Schedule routine checkups and cleaning with your dentist.
The dentists at South Holston Dental Designs have decades of experience in teeth whitening, restorative and preventive dental care, endodontics, extractions, and implant dentistry.
Contact us by calling or sending an email and we’ll be happy to help you restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
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