Dental Abscess:

WHAT ACTUALLY IS A DENTAL ABSCESS?

A “tooth abscess”, also termed “dental abscess”, is the pocket of pus which is formed due to bacterial infection around the tip of the tooth.

Apparently, the dental abscess will look like a “red colored bump”, which seems like a “swollen pimple”.

A RED FLAG AFFECTING YOUR OVERALL HEALTH IN LATER STAGES;

It is so powerfully vulnerable that it has the ability to damage the surrounding tissues in the mouth adjacent to where the infection has developed and can spread far and wide in other parts of the body, becoming a red flag to overall health.

It can spread to jawbone, and the soft tissues of the neck and in extreme conditions, the infection can spread into the heart causing endocarditis, as well as brain, causing bacterial meningitis.

It’s extremely important not to ignore any symptoms of dental abscess and look forward to getting the proper treatment from your concerned skilled dental practitioner to get rid of it as early as possible.

THE PATIENT WILL ENCOUNTER;

Symptomatic complaints, the patient might encounter;

• Toothache
• Swollen Gums
• Bad Breath
• Pus discharge

EARLY BIRD TREATMENT;

By being an early bird for getting prompt treatment you will save yourself from further life-threatening complications such as a significant risk of descending into the deep neck space or ascending to intracranial sinuses.

Causes of Dental Abscess

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can allow bacteria to build up and lead to infection.
• Tooth Decay: Cavities that are left untreated can develop into abscesses.
• Gum Disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis can create conditions that make it easier for bacteria to infect the teeth and gums.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

• Toothache: A throbbing pain that persists for a longer duration.
• Swollen Gums: The gums around the affected tooth may be swollen and tender.
• Bad Breath: A foul odor coming from the mouth.
• Extreme Discomfort: Continuous pain or perhaps only while chewing, that won’t go away.
• Radiating Pain: Pain that goes from your tooth to the jawbone, neck, or even your ear.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks as well as temperature.
• Bitter Taste: An unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Bad Breath: Medically known as halitosis.
• Gum Redness and Swelling: The gums around the affected area may become red and swollen.
• Loosening of Your Affected Tooth: The affected tooth may become loose due to infection.

Types of Dental Abscess

• Periapical Abscess: This type of abscess forms at the tip of the tooth root.
• Periodontal Abscess: This type of abscess forms between the tooth and the gum.

Diagnosis of Dental Abscess

Treatment of Dental Abscess

The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate pain, infection and prevent complications before arising.

The abscessed tooth will not heal on its own, it requires active dental treatment from a trained dental practitioner.

The treatment for a dental abscess depends on the severity of the infection and the underlying cause. Treatment includes:

• Incision and Draining the Abscess: A small incision may be made to drain the pus from the abscess.
• Place a small rubber drain: This is to keep the area open so that the rest of the pus can drain out.
• Root Canal Therapy: The aim here is to eliminate the infection and save your tooth. After this procedure, your tooth should go back to normal.
• Antibiotics: Needed only if there’s a spreading infection to other areas of the face, to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
• Tooth Extraction: In severe cases, the abscessed tooth may become damaged beyond repair. In such cases, your dentist might need to extract your affected tooth completely.

Prevention of Dental Abscess

• Regular Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria.
• Dental Check-ups: See your dentist for regular check-ups to detect and treat dental problems early.
• Healthy Diet: Try avoiding sugary foods that can contribute to tooth cavities.

Complications of Untreated Dental Abscess

• Spread of Infection: The infection can spread to other parts of your body, causing serious health issues.
• Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection is overwhelming.
• Tooth Loss: If the infection is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Home Remedies for Dental Abscess

While home remedies may provide temporary relief, it's important to see a dentist for proper treatment. Some home remedies that may help alleviate pain include:

• Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help soothe the area and reduce swelling.
• Clove Oil: Applying a small amount of clove oil to the affected region can provide temporary pain relief.
• Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress around the affected cheek can help reduce swelling.

Dental Abscess in Children

Children are at risk of developing dental abscesses, especially if they have poor oral hygiene or a weakened immune system.

Emergency Management of Dental Abscess

If you are experiencing severe pain or swelling from a dental abscess, it's important to seek emergency dental care.