Poor oral hygiene can lead to various dental issues, including tooth abscess, which is a bacterial infection characterised by swelling in the gums that releases pus and blood. It can either occur at the tip of a tooth or around it and can be of three different types: gingival, periodontal, and periapical.
For those of you who are suffering from a dental or tooth abscess, or if you’re at risk, it is important to note that this condition does not heal on its own and requires medical assistance. To do so, it is crucial that you know its signs and symptoms to identify it on time.
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What Causes Tooth Abscess?
Tooth abscess can develop due to an untreated dental cavity, an injury, or previous dental work, Dr Sreea Roy, Assistant Professor - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, told the OnlyMyHealth team.
She said, “Inadequate oral hygiene, resulting in insufficient cleaning of teeth and gums, leads to this condition,” adding that the ensuing infection, accompanied by irritation and swelling (inflammation), can cause an abscess to form at the root tip.
Research also suggests that dental abscesses or periapical infections typically arise secondary to dental caries, trauma, or failed dental root canal treatment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries, or cavities, are the most common noncommunicable disease worldwide, caused primarily by free sugars found in foods such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, and some fizzy drinks and juice drinks.
Dr Roy also noted that chronic smokers, diabetes patients, individuals taking steroids, patients undergoing anticancer treatment, those undergoing radiotherapy, and pregnant women are at an increased risk of tooth abscess.
When To Visit A Doctor?
Initial symptoms may include:
- A blister-like lesion in the mouth
- Bleeding or pus discharge
- Pain or discomfort when exposed to hot or cold temperatures and while chewing or biting
If left untreated, these symptoms can progress to:
- Severe throbbing pain
- Swelling in the face, cheek, or neck
- Fever
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the jaw or neck
In some cases, it may even lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing, Dr Roy warned.
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If you develop any of these signs, it is best to consult a dentist, who will conduct a clinical evaluation and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infection and can include root canal therapy (RCT), incision and drainage, or extraction of the affected tooth.
Can Tooth Abscess Heal On Its Own?
The short and unfortunate answer is no, Dr Roy said.
“Even if an abscess ruptures on its own, the problem can persist, and there is a high likelihood of recurrence,” he shared, advising that a tooth abscess should never be left untreated.
In fact, leaving a tooth abscess untreated can allow the infection to spread to the jaw and other areas of the head and neck.
The doctor warned, “If the affected tooth is near the maxillary sinus—tthe large space beneath your eyes and behind your cheeks—iit can lead to a connection between the tooth abscess and the sinus, causing a sinus cavity infection. In severe cases, this could progress to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can spread throughout the body.”
Preventive Measures
The good news is that tooth abscesses can be entirely prevented.
How? “Firstly, brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles become worn out. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial by limiting sugary foods and snacks between meals. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings are also essential, along with the use of mouthwash when appropriate,” Dr Roy advised.
In conclusion, the doctor emphasised the need for vigilance when it comes to one’s oral health and urges people to place their trust in a dentist.