Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Assess Your Risk of Tooth Abscess
• Part 2 of 2: Diagnosing a Tooth Abscess
• Tips
• Warnings

Tooth abscess is a painful bacterial infection in which pus collects at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and the gum. It is usually caused by advanced tooth decay, untreated gum disease, or tooth trauma. While you may not experience any symptoms right away, a tooth abscess is a serious problem that can lead to serious medical consequences. It is best to identify it before the infection spreads to the mouth and body.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Assess Your Risk of Tooth Abscess

1. 1 Watch out for tooth decay and cracked teeth. If you have an untreated cavity or tooth fracture that reaches the pulp, you may develop an abscess. See your dentist as soon as possible and watch for any symptoms.
   • Tooth decay and fissures usually lead to an infection known as a "periapical abscess".
2. 2 Pay attention to your gums. Damage to the gums can lead to an abscess. Inflammation of the gums can also lead to an abscess: when you have gum disease, the space between the tooth and the gum expands, allowing bacteria to enter there. These bacteria can cause an abscess even if the teeth themselves are healthy and you don't have tooth decay. If you are having gum problems, be sure to check for abscess symptoms.
   • Injury and gum disease usually lead to an infection known as a "gingivitis abscess" (or "gingival abscess"). If the infection spreads to pockets in the gums, blocking the drainage of pus, then it is called a periodontal abscess.

Part 2 of 2: Diagnosing a Tooth Abscess

1. 1 Watch for toothache. Toothache is one of the most common symptoms of an abscess; this is often due to the pus putting pressure on the nerves in the tooth. You may feel throbbing or shooting pain around the tooth.
   • Pain can be felt around the tooth, but it can also radiate to the ears, jaw, and cheeks. Usually, if the pain radiates to the sides, it does not cross the face; you will only feel it moving up or down, not side to side. This pain may increase when you swallow or move your mouth and may resemble the pain caused by a migraine.
   • The pain may be accompanied by a feeling that the tooth is loose. This sensation is caused by pus near the tooth.
   • If you have a severe toothache that radiates to the side, do not assume that the abscess is gone. Most likely, the abscess has killed the root of the tooth and the infection remains.
2. 2 Watch for pain while eating or drinking. An abscess can make chewing painful, and you may also notice sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks.
3. 3 Pay attention to the swelling. As the infection grows, there may be swelling in the mouth, on the gums, and on the inside of the cheeks. Your gums may become red and swollen.
   • In addition to swelling, you may see pus in your mouth or notice a so-called “boil on the gum” - a pimple on the gum that resembles a lump, which is especially common in children and is an indicator of the presence of an abscess.
   • If you notice swelling in the neck, jaw, or face, the abscess may have perforated the bone and began to release pus into the surrounding tissue. This type of swelling can be hard and painful to the touch. See your dentist immediately.
4. 4 Watch out for bad mouthfeel or bad breath. When pus drains into your mouth, you may experience a bitter, salty, or metallic taste. You may also notice more bad breath.
5. 5 Notice the color change. A tooth abscess can change in color from pale yellow to brown; if left untreated, the tooth can turn dark brown, gray, or even black. These color changes are due to the death of the tooth pulp.
6. 6 Pay attention to the general symptoms of the disease. When the abscess becomes severe, you may feel sick. You may feel weak and have a low-grade fever.
   • If you experience a high fever or if the temperature is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, the infection can be widespread. See a doctor or dentist immediately.
   • In children, fever is one of the most common abscess symptoms and over-the-counter fever medications may not help. If your child has a high fever or is also experiencing nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention right away.

Tips

• To relieve the pain of an abscess while you are unable to see your dentist, try over-the-counter pain relievers. Do not apply aspirin or other medications directly to your teeth or gums; contrary to popular belief, this practice only injures the gums, causing more problems than benefits.
• An abscess is a serious problem and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.The dentist can determine the source of the abscess, prescribe antibiotics if necessary, and heal the abscess itself (usually by draining, root canal procedures or root canal filling, or simply by removing a tooth).
• You can also try gargling with warm salt solution and applying a cold compress to your cheek every fifteen minutes. This can help relieve pain until you can see your dentist.
• To prevent abscess, practice good oral hygiene, use fluoride pastes, and visit the dentist at least once a year (children should be helped to clean their teeth properly and take to the dentist every six months).

Warnings

• Don't try to treat the abscess yourself. Ultimately, you will need to visit your dentist to heal him.
• If you are in severe pain or if you have difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing, go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.
• Don't think the infection is gone when the pain subsides. The tooth may die and you will no longer experience any symptoms, but the infection will remain, spread and destroy the tissue.