Dental chewing: symptoms, causes and solutions

You may have already experienced that small, painful lump on your gum . It's a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored, as it usually indicates a hidden infection . Far from being a simple, harmless canker sore , it deserves your full attention.

In the following lines, we will break down the subject to help you identify and treat it, obviously under the guidance of your dentist.

It is actually an abscess on a tooth or gum. Specifically, it's a small pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection . It appears as a lump , often painful, and is whitish, yellowish, or red in color.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they cover slightly different realities.

• Dental chique : the common expression which refers to an infectious lump visible on the gum, usually the manifestation of an abscess.

• Dental abscess : the deep infection itself, located at the root of the tooth or in the gum, where pus accumulates,

• Dental fistula : a small duct that the body develops to drain pus from a lingering abscess.

It often manifests itself through a few fairly typical signs.

• A small ball or a swelling on the gum , usually near a tooth,

• A pain that sometimes throbs and increases when you chew.

• Increased sensitivity to heat, cold , or pressure,

• Red , swollen , or shiny gums around the area,

• A bad taste in the mouth or persistent breath , often due to pus.

If the infection worsens or is not treated in time, more alarming symptoms may appear:

• A marked swelling of the cheek or face,

• Intense and constant pain that does not respond to painkillers.

• Fever , a sign that the infection is spreading,

• Unusual fatigue or general malaise,

• Difficulty opening the mouth , swallowing or speaking.

These symptoms indicate that the infection has spread beyond the gum and may affect the surrounding tissues. A dental stump is then no longer a simple local issue, but a genuine health problem requiring prompt attention.

Most often, it stems from an untreated dental problem . Bacteria then infiltrate the system and cause an infection. The most frequent causes are:

• A deep cavity that has reached the nerve of the tooth,

• A cracked or broken tooth , which allows bacteria to pass through,

• An infection following a procedure (filling, root canal) that did not heal properly.

• A necrotic tooth , sometimes without pain at first.

The infection progresses slowly until it forms an abscess, which eventually appears as a lump.

It can also originate from the gums, especially if the tissues supporting the tooth are weakened; here are the main causes:

• Gingivitis or periodontitis , which promotes bacterial growth,

• A significant accumulation of plaque and tartar ,

• A small piece of food or a foreign object stuck under the gum,

• Insufficient or irregular oral hygiene .

Some people are also more at risk, particularly in cases of diabetes, weakened immune defenses or smoking, which weaken the natural defenses of the mouth.

Even if the pain seems to subside, the infection remains and can spread. Without treatment, there are risks including:

• That the infection spreads to the surrounding tissues,

• A progressive deterioration of the bone that supports the tooth,

• Eventually losing the affected tooth,

• In rarer but serious cases, the bacteria pass into the bloodstream .

Getting a piercing is a very bad idea. Even if the urge is strong to relieve the pressure, it can make things worse:

• Spreading the infection by dispersing the bacteria,

• Delaying proper treatment by masking the symptoms,

• To cause even more inflammation,

• Increase the risk of local complications .

Only a dentist or healthcare professional can properly drain an abscess while addressing the underlying cause of the problem.

He will begin by establishing a diagnosis, usually through an examination and an X-ray, and will then propose:

• Drain the abscess to remove the pus and relieve the pain.

• Treating the affected tooth (treating a cavity, root canal),

• Treat the gums if the infection originates there.

• In some cases, the tooth will be extracted if it can no longer be saved.

Antibiotics may be prescribed as an additional treatment, but be aware: they are not sufficient on their own.

While waiting to see the dentist, a few simple steps can provide relief, but they do not replace proper treatment.

• Continue to brush your teeth gently , even in the sensitive area.

• Use antiseptic mouthwash ,

• Take a pain reliever if needed, respecting the dosage instructions.

• Avoid chewing on the painful side.

Certain habits can worsen the situation and delay recovery:

• Pierce it or squeeze it,

• Applying irritating or unsuitable products ,

• Taking multiple medications without medical advice,

• Ignoring symptoms under the pretext that the pain is subsiding.

Sometimes you shouldn't wait: the infection can be severe or spread rapidly. Consult a doctor immediately if you have:

• Intense pain that doesn't subside , even with painkillers.

• Significant swelling of the face or cheek,

• Fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell ,

• Difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing

• A rapid onset or worsening of symptoms.

It all depends on how quickly it's treated and what caused it. Without treatment, it can linger for weeks, even months. With the right care:

• The pain usually subsides within a few days.

• The swelling gradually decreases.

• Complete healing occurs once the cause is resolved: the tooth is treated or extracted, or the gum infection is controlled.

The earlier action is taken, the faster the recovery and the more limited the risks.

It all starts with good oral hygiene :

• Brush your teeth twice a day , gently but effectively.

• Don't forget the spaces between your teeth : use dental floss or interdentalbrushes .

• Choose a toothpaste that protects your gums and strengthens enamel.

• Try to limit sweets and acidic drinks between meals.

• Don't forget your appointments with the dentist for a check-up and regular teeth cleaning.

Some people need to be extra vigilant. If you are more prone to oral infections, pay particular attention, especially if you:

• Diabetes or other metabolic disorders,

• Gum disease already diagnosed,

• Weakened immune system

• Smoking,

• Period of prolonged stress.