All You Need To Know About Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that grows inside the teeth or gums. The abscess naturally occurs from a bacterial infection and usually, has collected in the soft pulp of the tooth. The abscess can emerge at several regions of the tooth for numerous reasons.
Symptoms
- Severe, continuous toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
- Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold food/beverages
- Feeling pain during chewing or biting
- Gums can bleed
- Fever
- Insomnia
- Face or cheek becomes swollen
- Swollen and soft lymph nodes under your jaw or neck
- The dirty smell from your mouth
- Problem while breathing or swallowing
Types
Generally, there are three types of dental abscess:
- Gingival abscess: This type of abscess is just in the gum tissue and does not attack the tooth.
- Periodontal abscess: This abscess begins in the supporting bone tissue structures of your teeth.
- Periapical abscess: The abscess starts in the soft pulp of the tooth.
Causes
- Poor oral health- Bacteria makes entry through a dental cavity or cracks in the tooth and reaches the root. This causes swelling and inflammation and gives birth to an abscess.
- Intake of sugar items too often- Frequently having foods/drinks rich in sugar can cause tooth abscess.
- Dry mouth- A dry mouth can raise your chance of tooth decay and gradually develop an abscess.
- Dental surgery- Complications during dental surgery can even be a major cause.
- Dental trauma- This oftentimes can result in a dental abscess.
- Brushing and flossing vigorously- Doing these both repeatedly can also result in a dental abscess.
Treatments
If you experience any symptoms of a dental abscess, you should visit a dentist without any delay. Treatments may include:
- Incision: The dentist makes a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus, which includes bacteria.
- Treating a Periapical abscess: Root canal treatment is used to remove the abscess.
- Treating a Periodontal abscess: In this case, the dentist drains the abscess and cleans the periodontal pockets.
- Extraction: If your dentist cannot save your tooth, it will have to be removed.
- Medications: Over the counter, painkillers may help reduce some pain temporarily. Your dentist may also recommend a few antibiotics.
Prevention
Avoiding tooth decay is vital to prevent tooth abscess. Henceforth–
- Always have fluoridated drinking water.
- Brush your teeth twice with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Do floss your teeth daily.
- Try to use an antiseptic or fluoride mouth-wash.
- Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, especially when the bristles are worn/frayed.
- Always eat healthy and nutritious food.
- Lessen your sugary stuff and between-meal snacks.
- Go for routine visits to your dentist for your dental cleanings.
Get Help!
Now, if you’re looking for an Emergency Dentist near me’ in Cypress, TX, then surely call us at Emmy Dental Of Cypress. Let your Emergency Dentist in Cypress, provide you the best treatment and care for your dental complications.
