If a tooth infection invades the soft tissue around a tooth root, it will create a pus pocket at the end of the root. This pus pocket is called an abscess and is full of bacterial infection. As the infection increases, the pressure escalates, causing some intense discomfort and pain. A tooth abscess is usually caused by an untreated dental cavity, or an injury from an accident, or even some prior dental work.
Your dentist will treat the abscess immediately by draining the pus and eliminating the infection. The tooth can often be saved with root canal therapy, but in some cases the tooth will need to be extracted. If you choose to ignore a tooth abscess and not have it treated, it can very easily lead to an infected jaw and even other serious health complications.
Common Indicators of a Tooth Infection
Frequent signs of a tooth abscess can include an intense, throbbing-like pain that happens abruptly and increases in intensity rapidly. This pain, starting at the tooth root, can spread to your jaw, or an ear and your neck on the side of the infection.
Other symptoms of a tooth abscess can include:
* Discomfort with the pressure of biting and chewing.
* An intense, consistent, throbbing toothache that radiates into your jaw.
* An escalation in sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures.
* Some swelling in your cheek or face.
* A fever.
* Your lymph nodes are swollen and become tender to the touch.
* Some difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Frequent Causes of a Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess is caused by bacteria invading and damaging the pulp, which is at the center of each tooth, and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that support the tooth.
The bacteria can invade a tooth through a cavity, a crack, or a in the tooth and then proceed down to the root. As the infection expands it causes the inflammation at the tip of the root.
Risks to Both Observe and Control
These factors will increase your risk of a tooth infection:
* Too much sugar - If you frequently eat foods or drink beverages high in sugar, it can easily result in a cavity causing a tooth infection.
* Poor dental hygiene – By not practicing the proper care of your teeth and gums, which is as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, you will escalate the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, a tooth abscess, and even other oral complications.
* Dry mouth - A dry mouth will also increase the risk of a tooth infection. A dry mouth might be a side effect of a medication or can also change with aging.
Difficulties Arising from a Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess will not go away without dental treatment. If the abscess does rupture, the intensity of the pain will decrease, but you are now in for more problems. If the abscess is not drained properly, the infection will spread through the soft tissue and into your jaw.
Schedule an appointment to see your dentist promptly if you have any symptoms. If you cannot see your dentist, visit an urgent care facility near you.