Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : July 14, 2014 1:22 AM IST
A toothache isn't just a symptom of tooth decay or cavities. Sometimes a sharp shooting toothache can signify that your teeth need more attention than you think is necessary and can signify a severe oral crisis. Oral infections are common in people with poor dental health and hygiene. Tooth abscess is one such condition that results from improper oral hygiene and affects the gums and the soft pulp or root of the tooth causing severe pain and distress.
What is tooth abscess?
Tooth abscess is an accumulation of fluid or pus in the gums or the soft pulp or root of the teeth. 'It is generally an outcome of the combination of bacteria and excess acid production in the mouth. When food particles get trapped in-between teeth, the bacteria in the mouth combine with these remnants and the saliva to form plaque build-up on the surface of the tooth and areas surrounding it. Constant plaque build-up erodes the tooth enamel to an extent leading the bacteria and tartar to plunge in and cause an infection or cavity,' says Dr Shantanu Jaradi, aesthetic dentist, Dentzz Dental Care. The bacteria and tartar can also make the gums and soft pulp of the roots swell with pus leading to a dental abscess. If ignored, the infection can travel deep down from the root to the bones and can cause severe discomfort. Very often, a dental abscess is the beginning of an infection or a cavity.
What causes tooth abscess?
Some of the common causes that lead to a tooth abscess are as follows,
An existing infection or cavity: Usually the bacteria from an existing cavity travels deep down to the root or bone of the teeth making the area inflamed and painful filling it with pus.
A neglected tooth infection: A tooth infection is usually the a result of a bacterial attack in the oral area for some reason or the other, which needs immediate attention. An ignored infection of any kind gives the bacteria a chance to erode and form an abscess in the gums or root of the tooth.
Poor oral hygiene: There is a reason why the importance of brushing and flossing is emphasised so much. This one minor act can save you from bacteria and plaque build-up keeping your oral cavity free from infections, allergens or even abscesses.
Wrong food habits: 'Sometimes the food we eat, even the healthy ones have an impact on our oral health. Eating foods rich in carbohydrates can cause the bacteria in plaque to become more active leading to the spread of an abscess. Also, various sugary and fizzy drinks contain bacteria which produce acids in the mouth,' says Dr Jaradi.
What are the types of abscess that can occur?
There are two types of abscesses that can cause tooth distress,
Periapical Abscess: This kind of abscess occurs inside the tooth and affects your dental health through the formation tiny holes that set the stage for tooth decay. 'The bacteria continue to infect the center of the tooth until it reaches the bone that surrounds and supports your tooth. This results in throbbing pain, swelling and heaviness in the area,' says Dr Jaradi.
Periodontal Abscess: This kind of abscess is restricted to the gums. It usually happens when food particles get trapped between a tooth and the gum causing the bacteria to give rise to infection and making the gums swell with fluids trapped within.
What are the symptoms of dental abscess?
Some of the common symptoms of dental abscess are as follows:
How is tooth abscess treated?
Remember that a tooth abscess won't vanish of its own accord. You will need the care and attention of a professional to get rid of it. The treatment options for this painful condition are as follows:
Getting started
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection becomes severe and starts to spread deeper and make your face and neck swell. Once the swelling and the pain is in check, the next step would be to drain the excess pus or fluid accumulation to treat the abscess. This is done by administering a local anesthesia, which means that the patient remains awake during the procedure, but the affected area becomes numb so that there is little to no pain.
Treating periapical abscess
In case of periapical abscess, root canal treatment is typically suggested by the dentist. The procedure includes drilling the affected tooth to release the pus and removing any damaged tissue from the centre, after which filling is then inserted into the space to prevent further infection. However, if the infection recurs, one may need to undergo oral surgery to take out any further unhealthy tissue.
Treating periodontal abscess
If you suffer from a periodontal abscess, your dentist will drain the pus and sanitise the gum area. The surfaces of the root of the tooth will be smoothened by filing below the gum line to heal the tooth and avoid further infection. In case of recurrence, the gum tissue needs to be reshaped to permanently remove the periodontal pocket.
In certain cases, a dental abscess infection may recur even after dental and surgical techniques have been applied. In such a case, if the tooth is severely damaged or broken, extraction may be the only viable option.
Can untreated dental abscess give rise to any complications?
Dental abscess with its nagging pain can disrupt your general well-being, but rarely will it lead to any severe complications beyond that. If ignored however, it can definitely pose a threat to your heart health. Sometimes the infection can travel to the air cavity and block the airways causing breathing difficulties. It can also give rise to symptoms like nausea, vomiting or lead to a low grade fever.
How can dental abscess be prevented?
When it comes to oral health, prevention is always the key. A variety of dental conditions, from abscesses to cavities, can often be prevented by instilling good dental hygiene practices. Follow these rules to ensure the same:
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