A dental abscess can be a painful, uncomfortable experience. It’s important to know when an abscess is developing so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent it from becoming worse.
1. A dental abscess is a painful infection that develops when bacteria grows in the tissues surrounding a tooth.
A dental abscess is a painful infection that develops when bacteria grows in the tissues surrounding a tooth. The bacteria can spread through your gums, jawbones and even into your bloodstream.
An abscess usually starts as an infected cavity or gum disease (periodontal disease). If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause teeth to become loose or fall out. You’re also more likely to get other infections like pneumonia if you have periodontal problems because bacteria from your mouth can enter your lungs through breathing or swallowing air bubbles while eating or drinking water.
2. There are times when you might suspect an abscess is starting to develop.
- Pain. Abscesses are generally accompanied by pain in your mouth, including swelling and redness around the socket of your missing tooth. If you have an abscessed molar, it will feel like there’s something stuck in your mouth–and that something is pus! The same goes for any other kind of abscessed tooth: if you can feel a lump under the gums or see discoloration on them, get help immediately.
- Swelling and redness around the socket of a missing tooth may also indicate that an abscess has developed there too (and if it doesn’t hurt yet, then consider yourself lucky).
3. It can be hard to tell the difference between a regular toothache and an abscess.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a regular toothache and an abscess. A toothache can be caused by many things, including cracked teeth, TMJ disorder and dental cavities. However, if you’re experiencing pain in your gumline or jawbone that doesn’t go away after taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), it could be an indication of a dental abscess.
You may also have both an abscess and a toothache at the same time; this is why it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you think you might be experiencing symptoms of an infection in your gum tissue or jawbone area
4. If you’re worried about an abscess forming in your mouth, see your dentist.
If you’re worried about an abscess forming in your mouth, see your dentist.
- If you are in pain, see a dentist.
- If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold, see a dentist.
- If you have swelling around your jaw or face, see a dentist.
- If you have a fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit), see a dentist immediately!
Conclusion
The best way to avoid a dental abscess is by having regular checkups at the dentist. If you’re worried about an abscess forming in your mouth, see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
FAQ:
1. We’ve all had a toothache at some point in our lives. But what happens when the pain becomes so unbearable that you have to go to the emergency room? That’s where I come in! I’ll help you understand what makes a dental abscess an emergency, and how to tell if you’re facing one of these situations.
2. What Point Becomes an Emergency with a Dental Abscess? An abscess is an infection that happens when bacteria gets inside your body and starts to multiply, causing inflammation. An abscess can be caused by a toothache, but if it’s not treated in time, it can become much worse. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, call your dentist as soon as possible: * A high fever that doesn’t respond to medication * Neck pain or swelling * A tender spot on the gums that doesn’t go away within a few days of treatment * Pain or difficulty opening your mouth