What is a tooth Abscess
A Tooth Abscess is a collection of Pus around an Infected Tooth. There are 2 types of Dental Abscess:
- Infections from Tooth Decay
- Abscess from Gum Disease
Infections from Tooth Decay
There are reasons Dentists warn that brushing your Teeth regularly and Annual Dental Exams are essential. Brushing, Flossing, and Regular Dental Visits can prevent Tooth Decay before it becomes so bad that an Abscess Forms. Abscesses are painful and can cause throbbing pain, swollen Gums, and pain when chewing.
Sugary Treats you or your Children may eat are of special concern, it’s especially important to Brush your Teeth after Consuming Candy or Sugary Food. In addition, if you don’t take Care of your Teeth or take your Child to the Dentist consistently, eating Sugary Candy or Food Items can actually lead to increased Tooth Decay and pain from a developing Abscess.
If you or your Child immediately feels Tooth Pain when munching on Candy or other Sugary Foods, arrange an Appointment with a Dentist. If you are unable to see a Dentist soon or develop severe Pain, care can be Provided at your Urgent Care Center. Antibiotics and Medication can be Prescribed to lessen the pain and start the Healing process until you can get to a Dentist. Doctors can also recommend the appropriate type and amount of OTC pain relievers.
Abscesses from Gum Disease
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease are two conditions that can also bring on a Tooth Infection. With Gingivitis, the Gum is Inflamed and with Periodontal Disease the Gum is Diseased. So how does a Tooth Infection occur?
- Gingivitis – Here, plaque builds up and the Gums become inflamed. Bleeding is often present as well. Bacteria can form on the inflamed Gums causing an Abscess or a Tooth Infection. Left untreated, some people’s inflamed Gums may turn into Periodontal Disease, but not everyone progresses to the next stage.
- Periodontal Disease – Here the Gums actually have a Disease, causing the inner layer of the Gum and Bone to pull away and form pockets. It is in these pockets where Bacteria can grow causing an Abscess.
If you are experiencing Mouth Pain, Fever, Teeth Sensitivity, especially when eating or Teeth are Sensitive to Hot or Cold liquids, you should contact your Dentist immediately for Treatment. There are options for treating both Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease including Medicated Mouth Washes all the way to inserting replacement Bone in the Jaw to stop the Periodontal Disease from spreading. If Bone is too fragile, some Dentists will refer you to Oral Surgeons for Teeth implants.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
Proper Brushing, Flossing, and Dental Visits can prevent and Treat Tooth Decay and Gum conditions, but are there sure-fire signs of a Tooth Infection? If you experience any or all of the following, call your Dentist. If your Dentist Office is closed and the Pain is severe, your Urgent Care Provider can help and will begin treatment like Antibiotics as needed.
What are the Symptoms
- Sharp, throbbing, or shooting pain
- Pain when chewing
- Fever
- Sensitive to hot or cold food or drink
- Swollen neck glands
- Foul smelling breath
- Red and swollen gums
- Swelling in the face, lower, or upper jaw
How should I take Care
Follow your Provider and your Dentist Instructions and take the full course of any Antibiotics Prescribed. In addition, you can:
- Rinse your Mouth 3 to 4 times a day with Warm Saltwater
- Chew on the side that does not have the Affected Tooth or Tissue
- Keep your Mouth as Free from Bacteria as possible by Brushing at least twice a day and Flossing daily
- Drink plenty of Fluids
- Take Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or another Pain-Relief Medicine Prescribed by your Dentist or Healthcare Provider
- Follow any Special Instructions given to you by your Provider
- Keep any Appointments and Follow-up Appointments with your Dentist
- Do not take any Antibiotics that have not been Prescribed for you by your Healthcare Provider
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