A dental abscess is a pack of pus that can develop in the mouth due to a bacterial infection.
Dental abscesses can pop up in and around the tooth causing moderate to severe pain, in the bones holding the teeth together, or on the gums.
But how do you know if your inflamed gums are actually dental abscesses? Revyuh reveals the main symptom of an abscessed tooth and how you can treat it.
Plaque is a sticky coating that’s been accumulating on your teeth containing millions of bacteria.
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If you don’t clean your teeth properly, the bacteria in plaque creates damaging acids.
This can result in to tooth decay, gum disease, and dental abscesses, even in rare cases could lead to Sepsis, warns Healthline.
Dental abscesses are generally triggered by poor oral hygiene, consuming too much sugar or starch, a dental injury, or a weak immune system.
Flossing once a day and brushing your teeth regularly for at least two minutes should keep abscesses away.
Never use mouthwash after brushing your teeth, as this will make the protective toothpaste jobless.
Most people suffer pain alongside a dental abscess, but this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes abscesses and other dental conditions go unnoticed because they don’t show any sign.
However, even if you aren’t experiencing pain you need to see your dentist.
It is also noted that Dental abscesses don’t disappear on their own, and they can circulate to other parts of the body.
This can make you feel generally unwell and you may develop a fever.
The symptoms range from mild to severe, and you may not even feel some of them.
According to the health experts, they are:
- an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
- pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum
- pain that’s worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
- redness and swelling in your face
- a tender, discoloured or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you think you have a dental abscess, it is important to see a dentist as soon as you can.
If you are struggling to breathe or swallow or have swelling around your eyes or neck, see your doctor immediately.
The dentist will remove the source of the infection and drain away the pus.
You may need the affected tooth removed or you might need a root canal.
You should also use a soft toothbrush only, and avoid flossing around the affected tooth.
Try rinsing your mouth with a solution of two teaspoons of salt and half a cup of warm tap water.
This should keep the gums as clean as possible and remove the pain temporarily.
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A cold compress – ice cubes wrapped in a dry towel – held on the affected side of the face should help.
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