Abscess Tooth Symptoms
When you have a dental abscess, it can be extremely painful — but there are many other symptoms to be aware of. A dental abscess happens when an infection in your teeth or gums leads to a buildup of pus. The symptoms of an abscess can vary, but common ones include:
- An intense toothache or pain in your gums.
- Difficulty chewing food or opening your mouth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink around the abscess.
- Redness inside or around your mouth, or around your jaw or face.
- A swollen jaw or face.
- Swollen glands on either side of your neck.
- A high temperature.
- A bad taste in your mouth.
A dentist can often confirm a dental abscess by examining it, although an X-ray may be necessary to determine whether the infection has spread.
What Are the Causes of a Dental Abscess?
Common causes of this infection include:
- Injured teeth, mouth or gums.
- Gum disease.
- Tooth decay.
- An impacted tooth, which is when your tooth hasn’t properly pushed through your gums as it grows. Often, wisdom teeth can cause dental abscesses in this way.
How Do You Treat a Dental Abscess?
If you think you have a dental abscess, it’s important to see a dentist, as the abscess won’t go away on its own. Left untreated, the abscess could cause sepsis.
Treatment for a dental abscess could include:
- Draining the abscess: Your dentist will make an incision in your abscess to allow the pus to drain out. They will then clean the area with saline and may place a rubber drain to keep the abscess open until the swelling reduces.
- Performing a root canal: Your provider will drill into your tooth, remove the diseased tissue and then drain the abscess. They will then reseal your tooth and may cap it with a crown for additional strength.
- Pulling the tooth: Your dentist may extract the tooth around the abscess if it can’t be saved before draining it.
- Prescribing antibiotics: You may be prescribed antibiotics if the infection has spread or if you have a weakened immune system.
While you wait to receive abscess treatment from a dentist, you should eat soft foods, use a soft toothbrush and avoid hot or cold food and drink to alleviate your pain.
How to Prevent Dental Abscesses
You can reduce the chances of a dental abscess by:
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice each day.
- Flossing between your teeth daily.
- Replacing your toothbrush every 3 months.
- Having regular checkups with your dentist.
- Not smoking.
- Not using mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth.
Schedule a Dental Abscess Treatment With Boise Family Dental Care
When you have a dental abscess, fast and effective treatment is vital. Contact us today to find out how Boise Family Dental Care can treat your dental abscess.