Tooth Abscess

A Tooth Abscess or a Dental Abscess is an infection of the mouth, jaw, face or throat after originating as a tooth infection or cavity. When tooth decay is not treated it reaches the dental pulp. The nerve and blood vessel at the center of the tooth are infected and they die. The bacteria spread beyond the end of the tooth and create an abscess. The primary cause is improper dental care. Basically, bacteria from the cavity spreads to the gums, under the tongue, jaw, facial bones, cheek or throat. The tissues may become inflamed. In the region of infection, pus may develop and lead to pain till it auto-drains or is drains surgically. Swelling may occur to such an extent that breathing is hampered. This abscess may be accompanied by fevers, sweats, chills and nausea.

Types of Tooth Abscess

• A "Periapical abscess" originates in the dental pulp. This is prevalent in children.
• A "Periodontal abscess" initiates in the supporting bone and tissue structures of the teeth. This is widespread in adults.

Causes of Tooth Abscess
If the person does not brush and floss properly and periodically, then cavities may form in the teeth. The bacteria present in these cavities move towards the soft tissues and bones of the face and neck. The tooth infection then spreads to the gums as well as nearby areas and form a painful dental abscess. The sugar in the diet forms acid that attacks the structure of the tooth.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess

• pain, swelling and redness of the mouth and face
• diarrhea, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting
• gum inflammation
• tenderness with touch
• pus drainage
• difficulty while opening the mouth or swallowing
• presence of cavities
• raised tooth
• raised bumps in the neck, groin or armpits
• sensitivity of the tooth to heated liquids or foods

Diagnosis
If local pain becomes worse after pressing or chewing with the tooth, a dental abscess can be suspected. X-rays are used to detect small dental abscesses that are present at the deepest part of the tooth. A dentist employs physical examination to conclude whether the abscess is drainable. If there is vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea and nausea then it points out that the infection has progressed to such a point that the whole body can become sick.

Treatment of Dental Abscess
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen assuage the pain and inflammation. In case the abscess breaks on its own, then warm water is used for rinsing. This cleanses the mouth and urges drainage. Such a natural burst is called as a "gum boil". A root filling has to be placed in the tooth to block the pulp chamber and nerve canal and prevent reappearance of the abscess. This process is called "endodontics" or "root canal treatment". The tooth is restored with a normal filling or crown. If the abscess does not rupture naturally, then the only option left with the dentist is to cut it and cause the pus to drain. Pain relievers and antibiotics may be recommended by the doctor to combat the infection. If the abscess has spread to the bottom of the mouth or neck, then anesthesia is given and then the pus is drained.

Prevention

• brushing and flossing using a fluoride toothpaste after every meal and at bedtime
• cleaning areas between the teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes
• decreasing the frequency of consumption of sugary foods
• if tooth decay is detected at an early stage, the cavities can be corrected
• cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption must be avoided