Dental Abscess Symptoms and Causes
An abscess is a pus-filled that forms under the gum tissue due to a bacterial infection in a tooth. When bacteria enters the innermost part of the tooth through either a deep cavity or a crack in your tooth, the resulting infection and inflammation can cause an abscess. A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the root; a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums beside a tooth root.
An abscess usually develops as a result of untreated dental decay, an injury, or prior dental work that is failing. In order to treat an abscess, your dentist may drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics, advise root canal therapy, or extract the tooth. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to worsening infection and even life-threatening complications if the infection enters the bloodstream.
What are symptoms of a tooth abscess?
Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess can give you a better chance of seeking medical attention as early as possible. Symptoms of an abscess can include:
- A throbbing toothache that can spread to the jaw, head and ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain upon chewing or biting
- Fever
- Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty opening your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away with brushing
What causes a tooth abscess?
There are three layers that make up a tooth: the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.
Bacteria can get to the pulp by entering through either a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth. The bacterial infection in the pulp can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root, leading to a painful, swelling pocket of pus.
Factors that may increase your risk of tooth abscess such include:
- Poor oral hygiene: Not taking care of your teeth and gums can increase your risk of dental problems which may include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other complications.
- Bad eating habits: Eating and drinking items high in sugar can contribute to dental cavities and lead to abscess.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is often a side effect of medications or related to aging.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice anything wrong. Treating an abscess when it is caught early is much easier than treating a more advanced and severe abscess. There is also a possibility that the abscess can rupture at which point you may experience a sudden rush of relief along with a bad tasting fluid in your mouth. This is temporary relief because the pocket will refill and be as painful as ever.