Dental Abscess Symptoms and Causes
There are a few different types of dental abscess, which can appear in different areas of the mouth and have different causes, though all are characterized by a pocket of pus that develops from bacterial infection. Sometimes, this pocket of pus is inside the tooth, deep in its pulp, while other types of abscesses form outside the tooth, in the periodontal tissues. Dental abscesses are often caused by tooth decay or gum disease that goes untreated and can also arise from injury, complications with previous dental work, damaged teeth, and smoking, among other causes. No matter what causes it, a dental abscess won’t go away on its own and requires attention from a dental professional; in addition to pain and discomfort, an untreated abscess can lead to complications that could be life-threatening.
While each person’s experience with a dental abscess is different, there are a few symptoms that occur more consistently. One of the more common signs of a dental abscess is a throbbing, serious toothache that could spread into the jaws, ears, and neck. There may also be pain or swelling in the face or neck that could interfere with swallowing or breathing, and the lymph nodes in your neck or jaw might also be swollen or painful. Pain or discomfort may be more noticeable or severe when the abscess is exposed to extreme temperatures or while biting or chewing. Abscess can cause an unpleasant odor and taste to develop and linger in the mouth, and, if the abscess ruptures, a noticeable rush of foul fluid may wash into the mouth. While this rupture may bring pain relief, the infection is still present and must be addressed by a dental professional. Infection from an abscess could also cause a fever or a feeling of general unwellness, like a flu.
If you have a fever or abscess symptoms that interfere with your ability to breathe or eat and you can’t get in touch with your dentist, go to the emergency room, as these symptoms could indicate that systemic infection is spreading in your bloodstream. If you notice less severe signs of a dental abscess, call your dentist right away; while emergency treatment may not be necessary, promptly treating a dental abscess can prevent symptoms from worsening and ideally save the infected tooth.
Most dental abscesses form when the dental pulp inside a tooth is infected by bacteria. This can happen if the tooth is chipped or cracked or if there’s a cavity in the tooth. Certain risk factors increase the risk of abscess, including improper dental care, ineffective dental hygiene, consuming sugary foods and drinks, smoking, and dry mouth. People with weakened immune systems also face a greater risk of infection spreading when a dental abscess is present, though any untreated abscess poses this risk. Infection can spread into the sinus cavity or the lymph nodes in the neck and jaw and could even enter the bloodstream and lead to sepsis. Dentists can treat dental abscesses by draining the infection with a small incision in the gums and by removing infected pulp from inside the tooth, treating the tooth with topical antibiotics and preventing further infection with oral antibiotics. If damage to the tooth is severe, dentists may need to remove the tooth. Avoiding tooth decay and gum disease with an effective oral hygiene routine and healthy habits can help you save your natural teeth and prevent the pain and potential danger of a dental abscess.