Tooth abscess: causes, symptoms, drugs, and other & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is a pus-filled pocket or lump that forms around a tooth due to a bacterial infection. The abscess can affect the area in the tooth, gums, or the spine that holds the tooth.

This condition can appear on any part of the tooth for different reasons. There are three types of tooth abscess depending on where it appears, namely:

Gingival abscess: only occurs in the gum tissue and has no impact on the teeth or gum ligaments.
Periodontal abscess: usually starting from the structure of the supporting bone tissue around the tooth.
Periapical abscess: occurs when a pocket of pus forms at the root of a tooth.

When an abscess occurs, you should see a doctor immediately because this dental disease cannot improve on its own.

Tooth abscess needs to be treated by a dentist. If not, the condition can get worse and cause tooth bone tissue damage.

How common is this dental health condition?

Tooth abscess is a common dental health problem. This condition can be experienced by children and adults.

You can prevent this condition by avoiding the existing risk factors. Please consult a dentist for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess?

The main symptom of a tooth abscess is a throbbing pain in the mouth which may be very painful. The pain can appear suddenly, then become more intense over several hours and can get worse at night.

Pain can spread to the ears, jawbone and neck. Here are other typical signs and symptoms of tooth abscess that you need to pay attention to:

Pain in the area where the abscess is growing, especially when biting or being touched
Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks
The gums are swollen, reddish, and feel tender
Rancid taste in mouth
Bad breath
Unwell
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Swelling on the face, cheeks, or neck

When the infection starts to spread to other parts of your body, you may have a fever and feel unwell.

In severe cases, it may be difficult for you to open your mouth. As a result, activities such as chewing, swallowing, talking, and even breathing can be very torturous.

Chances are, there are other symptoms besides the ones mentioned above. If you are worried about certain symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above or you have any questions, talk to your doctor right away.

Everyone's body is different, so discuss it with your doctor for the best diagnosis and treatment.

Cause

What are the causes of tooth abscess?

Most tooth abscesses occur as a result of complications from bacterial infection of the teeth and mouth. Bad bacteria that normally live in plaque will infect and find a pathway to attack the teeth.

Therefore, there is swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root. Here are some of the causes of tooth abscess.

Periapical abscess

The bacteria enter the teeth through small holes caused by caries. Cavities or caries form in tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth). Caries eventually breaks down the tissue underneath the tooth enamel called dentin.

If this continues, eventually the hole will arrive and hit the soft part of the tooth called the pulp. Pulp infection is called pulpitis.

As pulpitis develops, bacteria will penetrate the bone that supports the tooth (alveolar bone). As a result, a periapical abscess is formed.

Gum abscess

Bacteria that live in plaque can infect the gums, causing periodontitis. This condition causes the gums to become inflamed, so that the gum ligaments (the tissue that surrounds the roots of the teeth) will be released from the base of the teeth.

Removing the gum ligaments will create small holes that are easy to dirty and difficult to clean. The more bacteria that live in the hole, the gum abscess will occur.

Apart from a dirty mouth condition, gum abscess can also be caused by side effects of surgery or other medical procedures on the teeth and mouth.

In some cases, gum damage can lead to gum abscess even if you don't have periodontitis.

Risk factors

What are the risk factors for tooth abscess?

Generally, the risk factors for tooth abscess come from bad habits that affect dental health. Some of the things below can make you more prone to tooth abscesses.

1. Rarely brush your teeth

Poor dental hygiene because you rarely brush your teeth is a major cause of various oral and dental problems. Food debris left on the surface or between the teeth can form plaque.

If you rarely brush your teeth, plaque will continue to build up and cause decay. This decay can trigger a tooth abscess.

2. How to brush your teeth is wrong

You may feel like you are diligently brushing your teeth every day. However, is it true how to brush your teeth? Wrong brushing technique can be a factor causing abscess without realizing it.

The most common mistake is brushing your teeth too hard or too hard. Brushing your teeth too hard can actually damage your teeth and gums. Strong pressure on the teeth can erode enamel and make teeth more sensitive.

The same thing happens if you pull the thread too tight when flossing. Remember, your gums are made up of thin soft tissue.

This means that a hard friction or impact can cause the gums to hurt and bleed. Well, this wound can trigger the appearance of an abscess bag.

You are encouraged to brush your teeth and flossing regularly. However, make sure you do it in the right way so that your teeth and gums are always healthy.

3. Smoking

The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), aka the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that active smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease (periodontitis) as non-smokers.

In principle, the more cigarettes you smoke each day, the greater your risk of developing gum disease. Especially if you have been doing this habit a long time ago.

The toxic and dangerous chemicals in cigarettes can trigger the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth.

This is what makes you more susceptible to infections which can cause the gums to become inflamed, swollen gums, and even fester.

On the other hand, smoking can also weaken the immune system to fight infection-causing bacteria. A weak immune system makes gum tissue that has already been damaged more difficult to repair.

That's why smokers are more prone to experiencing various gum and tooth problems.

Medicine and medication

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess can be diagnosed by a physical examination. First of all, the doctor will ask you to open your mouth. By using a special tool the doctor will observe one by one the condition of your gums and teeth.

During the exam, your doctor may ask about your dental medical history. The doctor can also ask about your habits in treating teeth.

Some medications have side effects that affect your teeth. Therefore, tell your doctor all medicines that you are regularly taking. Whether it's drugs with or without a doctor's prescription, dietary supplements or herbal medicines.

If necessary, the doctor can X-rays of the teeth. Dental X-rays can give a more detailed picture of the condition of your oral cavity. This includes where the infection is located and what is the possible cause of your tooth abscess.

A CT scan can also be done if the infection has spread to other parts of the body.

How to treat a tooth abscess?

Only dentists can treat tooth abscesses. Tooth abscess treatment may include the following medical procedures.

1. Incision to drain abscess

The abscess that appears must be sliced open so that the pus containing the bacteria can come out and dry up. You may be given a local anesthetic so you don't feel pain during the process.

2. Root canal treatment (root canal)

Root canal treatment can also be done to remove pus pockets in the teeth. The tooth with the problem will be perforated so that the pus can come out. The damaged tissue will be removed from the tooth pulp. Then to prevent infection, the holes will be patched.

The abscess will dry out and the hole will be cleaned. The surface of the tooth root will be smoothed with scaling under the edge of the gum. This will help the tooth heal faster and prevent infection.

3. Remove the tooth

Patients with frequent tooth abscesses and infections may have to undergo surgery to remove the damaged tissue. Usually this procedure is performed by an oral surgeon dentist.

If the tooth abscess still occurs after surgery, the option to extract the tooth may be considered.

4. Antibiotics

Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to your gums, jaw, or other parts. Antibiotics are effective against and kill bacteria that cause infection.

These drugs are only available by prescription. Make sure you take the antibiotic medication as directed. Improper use of antibiotics can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Usually doctors also prescribe antibiotics for people with weak immune systems.

5. Pain relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain. However, read the information listed on the drug packaging. Remember, pain medication can only help control pain, not treat illness. You still have to go to the dentist.

Medicines that can be consumed include aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol (acetaminophen). However, some drugs are not recommended for patients with certain conditions.

Ibuprofen is not recommended for people with asthma and stomach ulcers.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a tooth abscess?

Before visiting the doctor, there are several ways to reduce the pain caused by a tooth abscess. Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help with pain and prevent tooth abscesses.