Tooth abscess: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

A tooth abscess is a type of pocket with pus that can form in the tooth due to an infection, causing symptoms such as intense pain, increased sensitivity of the tooth, fever, change in tooth color, bad breath and swelling of the gums.

Dental abscess is usually a consequence of a cavity, but some factors can favor its appearance, such as poor oral hygiene habits, uncontrolled diabetes, a diet rich in sugar and untreated gingivitis, for example.

It is important that the dentist is consulted so that the type of dental abscess can be identified and treatment can begin, which is normally done by draining the abscess and using medication to relieve pain and prevent infections.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of tooth abscess are:

• Intense and persistent pain, which can radiate to the jaw, neck or ear;
• Sensitivity to cold and hot foods;
• Sensitivity to pressure and chewing;
• Fever;
• Change in the color of teeth;
• Bad breath, in some cases;
• Swelling of the gums and cheek;
• Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck.

If the tooth abscess ruptures, you may experience a bad smell, bad taste, a salty liquid in your mouth and pain relief. In this case, it is essential to consult the dentist so that they can provide guidance and thus prevent infection.

Types of abscess

According to the site of infection and inflammation, and the cause, tooth abscess can be classified into some main types:

• Periodontal abscessor gum abscess, where it develops between the gum and the tooth;
• Periapical abscessin which the abscess forms at the root of the tooth.

It is important that the type of abscess is identified by the dentist so that the best treatment can be initiated and, thus, complications can be prevented.

Causes of tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is caused by an infection, in which bacteria cause inflammation in the area and lead to the formation of an abscess filled with pus. These bacteria can enter through a cavity or crack in the tooth and spread to the root.

Some factors can increase the risk of tooth abscess formation, such as poor oral hygiene habits, a diet rich in sugar, wisdom tooth growth, untreated gingivitis and chronic diseases, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, for example.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for tooth abscess must be guided by the dentist and may vary according to the cause of the abscess, location and severity.

Therefore, it may be recommended that the abscess be drained, making a small cut to facilitate the exit of liquid or devitalized the tooth, in order to eliminate the infection but maintain the tooth, which consists of removing the dental pulp and the abscess. and then restore the tooth. If it is not possible to keep the tooth, the dentist can extract the tooth and then drain the abscess.

Additionally, the dentist may recommend the use of medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of infection.

How to prevent

To prevent an abscess from developing, preventive measures can be taken, such as:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day;
• Use mouthwash with fluoride;
• Use dental floss daily;
• Replace your toothbrush every three months;
• Reduce sugar consumption.

In addition to these prevention measures, it is also recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months to have your oral health assessed and your teeth cleaned, if necessary.