Oral care is one vital aspect that should be given much importance and close attention.
Not only does it allow the practice of good oral hygiene, but it also plays a significant role in ensuring overall health and well-being.
However, due to varying factors and the lack of knowledge about possible oral problems, common diseases and infections are more likely to occur.
One common dental problem most people of any age can experience is the Dental Abscess or Abscessed Tooth. This oral condition can occur at least once in a person’s lifetime, leading to numerous symptoms and severe complications if left untreated.
To learn more about this oral condition, here is what you need to know about an abscessed tooth, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What Will We Learn?
What Is An Abscessed Tooth: Types And Causes
An abscessed tooth is a dental condition that produces and forms pus pockets around the infected tooth.
These pocket formations are caused by the bacterial buildup inside the tooth due to untreated dental cavities, gum diseases, and other teeth damages like cracked teeth and tooth injury.
When the body tries to fight against infections caused by the bacteria, it creates further protection through a wall, thus forming pus pockets, leading to root swelling as well as irritation.
An abscessed tooth has three common types that can occur in different locations near the infected tooth, and these include the following:
- Periapical Abscess. A periapical abscess is an abscess that forms on the root of the tooth. The formation is commonly caused by the entrance of bacteria inside the inner layer of the tooth.
This layer is called tooth pulps, which are vital in keeping the tooth alive, as it comprises the significant parts that provide nutrients to the tooth. When it is exposed due to dental problems like cavities, bacteria enter, causing irritations and infections like the periapical abscess.
- Periodontal Abscess. This abscess, also called the gum abscess, commonly occurs on the gums near the tooth’s root and is usually caused by existing gum diseases or tooth injuries. In this type, the bacteria enters and accumulates between the tooth’s root and the gums.
The condition may be rooted in the buildup of tooth plaque, leading to gum disease. This buildup then irritates the gum and creates a gap between the teeth, allowing the entrance of bacteria, forming pockets, and eventually causing an abscess.
- Gingival Abscess. Similarly to the periodontal abscess, this abscess type also occurs in the gums. The only difference is the cause. A gingival abscess is caused by foreign bodies in the gum line, like rough brushing or toothbrush bristles. Moreover, other causes include tooth decay, broken teeth, or dental trauma. Simply put, excessive force on the gums may lead to irritations, worse, an abscess.
Symptoms And Treatments
An abscessed tooth can pose varying symptoms, including tooth and gum pain, discoloration, redness, swelling, and tooth sensitivity.
The pain can commonly come from bearable to intense levels, possibly affecting other parts of the head like the ear, jaw, and neck.
Moreover, functions like chewing and biting may be challenging when having an abscessed tooth due to pain, teeth sensitivity, and irritation when used.
Other obvious symptoms may include bad breath and a bitter taste.
While most, due to unbearable pain and discomfort, may also experience fever.
When these symptoms occur, the primary solution is to consult a dentist.
Dentists follow necessary actions and procedures to know severity, identify the spread of the infection, and further check the tooth’s condition.
The findings will then be the basis of the appropriate treatment plan depending on the patient’s needs.
The most common treatment options may include draining the abscess to remove pus formation or a root canal to drill the infected tooth, drain the abscess, and remove the damaged tooth pulp.
Other procedures may also require tooth extraction or removal of foreign objects directly impacted on the gums.
Moreover, dentists may prescribe antibiotics like Metronidazole to eliminate bacterial infections and avoid further spread.
If needed, these antibiotic prescriptions can be purchased with discounts using an available Metronidazole Coupon that offers patients up to 80% of savings.
Can It Be Prevented?
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can lead to the prevention of dental infections like abscessed teeth.
Some simple steps include regular dental checkups and consultations so you always get immediate treatment for existing tooth problems.
Of course, thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth can also help.
In terms of things to avoid, remember that foods and drinks containing more sugar can contribute to plaque and dirt buildup in your teeth.
Limiting or avoiding similar intake can lead to lesser chances of getting common oral problems that can lead to abscess conditions.
Conclusion
It is undeniable that dental abscess poses a great threat to one’s overall oral health.
It is essential to understand that even without common symptoms, an untreated abscessed tooth may still lead to serious oral problems.
Thus, as mentioned, asking for professional help from your dentist should be a priority to ensure you get the appropriate care and treatment you need, eventually leading to a healthier and stronger oral condition.
