Dental Health: Tooth Abscess

Tooth Abscess is infection that affects the root of any tooth and causes acute pain. It occurs due to the bacterial infection. Infection results in a collection of pus (dead tissue, live and dead bacteria, and white blood cells) and swelling of the tissues within the tooth.

Causes of the Tooth abscess

• Tooth decay
• Trauma to the Tooth, fracture
• Poor oral hygiene, (such as not brushing and flossing properly or often enough
• Faulty tooth restoration
• Carious formation
• Pulpits

Symptoms

• Toothache
• Severe, continuous pain
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Breath odor
• Swollen glands of the neck
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling
• Swollen area of the upper or lower jaw — a very serious symptom
• Sometimes causes difficulty in breathing.

Treatment

• People who have cavities or toothaches can take medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen as needed for relief of pain and inflammation.
• If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage.
• Surgical drainage of the abscess or extraction of the affected tooth may be necessary.
• Root canal therapy may be recommended in an attempt to preserve the tooth.

Complications

• Loss of the tooth
• Facial cellulites, Ludwig’s angina
• Spread of infection to the jaw bone (osteomyelitis of the mandible or maxilla)
• Spread of infection to other areas of the body resulting in brain abscess, endocarditis, pneumonia, or other disorders

Prevention

• Remember to brush and floss after every meal and at bedtime.
• Avoidance of cigarette smoking and excess alcohol.
• Early diagnosis of caries and treating it.
• Should treat fracture tooth

Related posts:

1. Keep Your Mental Health with Anger Management
2. How to Avoid Swine Flu
3. Detoxing for Health
4. Study Finds Weight Loss Is Good For The Kidneys
5. How to Ease The Pain of Cramp

Tags: Dental Health
Filed under Health.