A Tooth Abscess or a Dental Abscess is a mouth, face, throat or jaw infection after it has originated as a tooth or cavity infection. If tooth decay is left untreated, it will reach to the dental pulp. The nerve as well as the blood vessel located at the center of the tooth will become infected and die. The bacteria will then spread further than the end of the tooth and will soon create an abscess. The primary reason for this is due to improper dental care. In essence, the bacteria coming from the cavity will spread to the gums, beneath the tongue, cheek, facial bones, jaw or throat.  The tissues may turn out to be inflamed. In the area of infection, pus can develop and will result to pain until such time it will drain automatically or through surgery.  Swelling can occur to a certain point where breathing is hampered. This kind of abscess can be accompanied with chills, nausea, sweats and fevers.

Types of Tooth Infection

• A “Periapical abscess” usually comes from the dental pulp. This is widespread in children.
• A “Periodontal abscess” starts in the supporting bone as well as the tissue structures of the teeth. This is commonly seen among adults.

Causes of Tooth Infection

When the individual will not properly brush and floss regularly, cavities will likely form inside the teeth. The bacteria which are present in these cavities will move in the direction of the soft tissues and also to the bones of the face and neck. Eventually, the tooth infection will spread to the gums and adjacent areas to form the painful dental abscess. Sugar present in the diet will become the acid which will attack the tooth structures.

Symptoms of Dental Infection

• Redness of the mouth and face, swelling and pain
• Nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, diarrhea
• Inflammation of the gum
• Tenderness upon touch
• Drainage of pus
• Difficulty when a person opens his mouth or when swallowing
• Presence of cavities
• Tooth that is raised
• Presence of raised bumps in areas like the armpits, groin and neck
• Tooth is sensitive to heated liquids or foods

Diagnosis

If local pain will turn out to be worse after pressing or chewing with the use of the tooth, a possible dental abscess can be assumed. X-rays will be useful in detecting small dental abscesses which are present in the deepest portion of the tooth. A dentist will make use of physical examination in order to conclude if the abscess can be drainable. If there is diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, then it will probably point out that infection has develop to the extent that the entire body is already sick.

Treatment of Tooth Infection

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen will alleviate the pain and inflammation.  If in case the abscess will break by itself, warm water can be used for rinsing. This can cleanse the mouth and will facilitate drainage. The natural burst of the abscess in termed as the gum boil. In order to block the pulp chamber and nerve canal and also to prevent the reappearance of the abscess, a root filling should be placed inside the tooth. This procedure is referred to as the “endodontics” or “root canal treatment”. With the use of a normal filling or crown, the tooth can be restored. But if the abscess will not rupture naturally the only option which the dentist will do is to cut it and allow the pus to drain. Pain relievers and antibiotics can be recommended by the physician to fight against infection. Once the infection has spread into the bottom area of the mouth or neck, anesthesia can be provided in order to drain the pus.

Prevention

• Brushing and flossing can be done with the use of a fluoride toothpaste after every meal and during bedtime
• Cleaning the areas in between the teeth with the use of dental floss or interdental brushes
• Reduce the frequency of the intake of sugary foods
• Once tooth decay is detected during the early stage, the cavities can surely be corrected easily
• Avoid cigarette smoking and the consumption of alcohol