Tooth abscess

Tooth Abscess

A Tooth Abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in different parts of the tooth due to a bacterial infection. It can cause severe toothache, sensitivity, fever, and a range of other symptoms. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications.

Causes

A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp, the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including severe tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or gum disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a tooth abscess include severe, persistent, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, fever, swelling in the face or cheek, tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck, and sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures.

Treatment

Treatment for a tooth abscess involves draining the abscess to relieve the infection, performing a root canal to remove the infected tissue, or extracting the tooth if it can't be saved. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help fight the infection.

Prevention

Preventing a tooth abscess involves maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. A healthy diet that limits sugary foods and drinks can also help prevent tooth decay and abscess.

See Also

• Dental Pulp
• Root Canal
• Gum Disease
• Tooth Decay