Proper oral care can help in preventing various dental concerns, leading to a healthier life. Dental problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, tooth abscess, and more should be treated at an early stage to avoid complications. But what exactly is a teeth abscess?
A tooth abscess is a formation of pus that is formed near the tooth or gums. This is a result of bacterial infection and can happen to individuals of any age group, be it children or the elderly. It is extremely important to treat the tooth abscess at an early stage, to avoid the spread of infection.
What Causes Teeth Abscess?
A dental abscess or tooth abscess is caused when the bacteria infects and spreads into the tooth.
There are 3 types of dental abscesses. Here are the following:
1] Periapical abscess: Many times, an untreated dental cavity can lead to the spread of infection. This is when the bacteria enter the pulp which is the innermost layer of the tooth. The pulp consists of several tissues, nerves & blood vessels.
2] Periodontal abscess: This type of dental abscess is caused either by gum diseases or at times, dental injury.
3] Gingival abscess: This type of dental abscess occurs when certain external objects such as the bristles of a toothbrush or popcorn hull get inserted or embedded in the gums.
Symptoms of Tooth Abscess:
The most common symptom is a sharp and throbbing pain near the tooth or in the gums. This pain may eventually spread to the jawbone and other areas of the face. One may also experience pain or discomfort while chewing food or when pressure is applied to the affected area.
Fever, swelling, bad breath, or foul taste in the mouth are some of the other symptoms of dental abscess. One may also suffer from tooth sensitivity while having something hot or cold.
If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, then it is best advised to visit your dental professional for a professional checkup and treatment. It is ideal to treat the dental concern before the infection starts spreading to other parts of the body.
How To Prevent & Treat Tooth Abscess?
If you experience any difficulty in swallowing, or breathing or suffer any pain or fever, then it is recommended to immediately visit your dentist. The dental professional will be able to treat your oral health problem depending on its severity and your individual dental requirement.
The dentist may suggest oral antibiotics to help cure the infection. However, in certain cases where the damage is beyond repair, tooth extraction can be suggested by the dentist. Other treatment options include a root canal procedure or draining the abscess by removing the pus. When the dental abscess is a result of an external or foreign object, the dentist will remove the same.
However, prevention is always better than cure. Make sure you follow a healthy oral care routine to prevent the occurrence of various dental problems.
1] Always brush and floss twice every day by using an electric toothbrush and water flosser for teeth.
2] Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages. Quit smoking and tobacco-based products.
3] Clean your tongue daily.
4] Drink plenty of water and regularly rinse your mouth with plain water.
5] Visit a dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months.
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