A tooth abscess is one of the most frequent oral problems. The causes of this problem are various, but they are usually caused by tooth decay, trauma, or gum disease. A proper determination of the origin of toothache is essential for its treatment.
Causes of a tooth abscess:
As previously mentioned, dental caries, gum disease, or a fractured tooth are the most common causes of an abscessed tooth. Any of these problems can cause bacteria to enter the pulp (the internal tissue of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue), leading to death. The abscess forms when pus from an infection collects in the area around the root within the dental bone. If the abscessed tooth is not treated, it can lead to a serious infection of the dental bone and surrounding tissues.
Symptoms
of a tooth abscess:
These are the symptoms that often accompany an abscess:
- Toothache.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Inflammation of the area.
- Redness in the gums.
- Bad taste in the mouth and halitosis.
- Fever.
Any of these symptoms can show the existence of an abscessed tooth. Early detection and going to the dentist as soon as possible can help control its progress and minimize the pain and destruction of tissues that an abscessed tooth can generate.
Treatments for a tooth abscess:
An abscess has different treatments depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some of the methods that a dentist may consider:
A) Prescribing antibiotics may be necessary. Antibiotics will destroy the bacteria that cause the infection.
B) The dentist may drain the pus from the infected area.
C) Once the area is cleaned, it is essential to detect and treat the cause of the tooth abscess:
- If this has been caused by gum disease, it will be essential to clean the space between the tooth and the gum.
- If the origin of the abscess is a caries or a fractured tooth, a root canal treatment (endodontics) or a filling may be performed. If the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be extracted.
Home remedies to alleviate an abscessed tooth:
It is essential to visit your dentist as soon as you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above. Meanwhile there are various home remedies that can help alleviate the most acute symptoms:
- Keep the affected area as clean as possible
- Rinse with salted water or antiseptic to eliminate as many bacteria as possible.
- If the area has a fistula and drains pus, try to massage it to evacuate the pus inside.
A tooth abscess is a common problem with various causes, but usually has a simple treatment. In any case, following good oral hygiene practices and routine dental exams will significantly reduce the risk of developing abscesses.
