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