Ignoring pain, especially in your mouth, is never a good idea. Oral pain is a warning sign of potential problems, including infection, that can quickly worsen if left untreated. One serious condition that can cause significant pain is a dental abscess.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It’s often a complication of untreated tooth decay (a cavity). Here’s how it develops:

Cavity Formation: Bacteria (plaque) accumulate on teeth and produce acids that erode the enamel, creating a cavity.
Infection: If the cavity isn’t treated, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the tooth, reaching the inner pulp (which contains nerves and blood vessels).
Abscess Development: The body’s immune system responds to the infection, leading to inflammation and the formation of pus (a mixture of bacteria, dead cells, and white blood cells) within a pocket—the abscess.
Spreading: Infections will often spread to the gums

Types of Dental Abscesses:

There are three main types of dental abscesses, categorized by their location:

Gingival Abscess: This type affects only the gum tissue and doesn’t involve the tooth itself.
Periodontal Abscess: This abscess starts in the supporting bone structures of the teeth.
Periapical Abscess: This type forms at the tip of the tooth root and is caused by infection within the tooth’s pulp.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess:

Besides pain, other symptoms can include:

Throbbing Pain: Often intense and persistent.
Sensitivity: Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Swelling: Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw.
Redness: Redness of the gums.
Bad Breath/Taste: A persistent foul taste or bad breath.
Pus Drainage: A pimple-like bump on the gums that may drain pus.
Fever: A fever may develop, indicating a more widespread infection.
Loose Tooth: In advanced cases, the tooth associated with the abscess may become loose.
Swollen Glands

Why Prompt Treatment is Crucial:

A dental abscess won’t go away on its own and requires professional treatment. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the jaw, face, or even the bloodstream, leading to serious complications. In rare, severe cases, swelling from a dental abscess can obstruct the airway, making breathing difficult.

Treatment for a Dental Abscess:

Draining the Abscess: The primary goal is to drain the pus and eliminate the infection. This may involve a small incision to allow the pus to escape.
Root Canal Treatment: If the abscess is caused by an infection within the tooth (periapical abscess), a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight the infection, especially if it has spread.
Tooth Extraction: In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged, it may need to be extracted.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent dental abscesses is to maintain good oral hygiene:

Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss Daily: Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Use Mouthrinse: Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria.
Regular Dental Check-ups: See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. This allows your dentist to detect and treat any problems early, before they can lead to an abscess.
Inform of any pain: Notify any swelling.

If you experience any symptoms of a dental abscess, seek immediate dental care. Prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent complications, and save your tooth.

By Alexander Ash, DDS

Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.