If you’re wondering how to tell if you have an abscessed or infected tooth, you’ve come to the right place. The infection won’t go away on its own. Left untreated, bacteria will continue to spread and destroy tissue. As a result, your tooth won’t be able to function normally. Here are some symptoms that may signal that you have an abscessed tooth.
Symptoms
An abscessed tooth is more serious than a simple toothache. It is an infection of the tooth pulp chamber, which contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. An abscess results when the tooth has lost its ability to fight infection, and the bacteria in the cavity spread through the pulp chamber and out the root into the bone. Here are some symptoms of an abscessed tooth.
If a severe dental abscess develops, it can cause difficulty in opening the mouth and breathing. It is imperative to see a dentist as soon as possible. Emergency dental treatment may be necessary if it becomes worse or the infection spreads to other areas of the body. Taking painkillers to treat the infection can help control the symptoms of an abscessed tooth. Generally, ibuprofen is preferred, but paracetamol is fine. Taking aspirin is not recommended for young children, and if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should seek dental treatment.
Causes
An abscessed tooth is an infection of the teeth and surrounding bone. If left untreated, an abscess can cause severe pain and swelling, as well as spreading to vital organs, such as the heart and brain. The infection may also spread to the jawbone or soft tissue, putting the patient at risk for serious systemic complications. Ludwig’s angina, a type of cellulitis that affects the floor of the mouth, is particularly dangerous. It may prevent the patient from breathing and can even block the airway.
The swelling in the jaw bone is a symptom of an abscess and can cause bone death around the affected tooth. Sometimes, it can spread to neighboring teeth, causing the tooth to fall out. Upper molar roots can become infected, affecting the maxillary sinus, which houses the brain. The infection could travel through the sinus to the brain and cause septicemia or sepsis.
Treatment
Treatment for an abscessed tooth usually begins with clearing up the infection, but in some cases, antibiotics are not needed. To drain the pus, a dentist will open up the tooth, and perform an incision and drainage of the soft tissues around it. If the infection has spread to the jawbone, the tooth may need to be extracted. If this is not an option, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to fight off the bacteria.
Often, abscessed teeth are the result of not brushing your teeth twice a day and eating too much sugar. This is because sugar helps bacteria grow, which can cause cavities and other problems. Abscessed teeth are often accompanied by sharp, throbbing pain that may spread to the jaw or face. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit your dentist right away. The pain you feel may be due to an abscessed tooth, but the symptoms are generally easy to identify.
Predisposing factors
There are certain predisposing factors for having an abcessed tooth. Among these factors are age, dental health, and gum disease. An abscessed tooth can cause extreme pain and discomfort. It can be dangerous if it spreads to surrounding tissue. Some people even end up with a brain abscess. If you are at risk of developing an abscess, it is imperative to seek dental care immediately.
People who do not visit the dentist regularly are more prone to tooth infection. Not only do they have poor oral hygiene, but they are also more likely to consume sugary foods and beverages. These foods and drinks feed bacteria, which lead to cavities. Tooth abscesses can also be caused by diabetes or autoimmune disease. People who are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer are also at risk of developing an abscess.