Tooth problems have become common in the daily life of individuals. It begins with a little pain when chewing, bad breath, or sometimes yellowing of teeth. It can stay for months unnoticed, but when it blows up, your dental health becomes an issue. One of the most severe tooth problems that should be avoided at all costs are a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that is frequently caused by a bacterial infection. It occurs in different parts of a tooth. There are two common types of tooth abscess; periodontal abscess, which occurs at the gums, and periapical abscess, which appears on the tip of a tooth.

Causes of a Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess, especially, periapical abscess, is caused by an untreated dental cavity or sometimes injuries as a result of dental work. It occurs when bacteria invade the delicate dental pulp and affect nerves, connecting tissues and blood vessels. The entry of the bacteria is mostly through a crack on the tooth or a dental cavity. It then moves downwards of the root, which consequently causes inflammation and swelling at the tip of the tooth.

A dentist treats this condition by draining the tooth and removing the infection. Sometimes draining becomes difficult, but they can still apply the root canal treatment. When the condition worsens, it can call for the total removal of the tooth.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• The sensitivity of your tooth during chewing or biting.
• Severe throbbing toothache that can cause pain on the jawbone, ear, and neck
• Swelling in your cheeks and the face
• Difficulties in swallowing and breathing
• Fever
• High sensitivity to temperature
• Swollen lymph nodes on the neck or under the jaw

Factors that Increase Chances of Developing Tooth Abscess

• Poor dental hygiene – this occurs when you do not take proper care measures to your teeth e.g., not brushing your teeth twice a day.
• Dry mouth – dry mouth can result in tooth decay.
• Sugary foods – frequent consumption of sugary foods can increase the chances of developing dental cavities.

If you are experiencing severe dental pain or you have any of the above-mentioned common symptoms of a tooth abscess, please contact your dentist today to book an appointment.