Summary
Do you feel a shooting pain that radiates into your jaw? Do you notice swelling that makes it difficult to open your mouth, or worrying redness on your gums ? You are probably facing a tooth abscess ! Discover the symptoms and treatments of gum abscesses in this article.
What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a buildup of pus due to infection, usually caused by bacteria . There are mainly two types of gingival abscess :
- Periapical : this gum abscess is located at the tip of the root of a tooth. Untreated decay is often the cause.
- Periodontal : this gum abscess forms in the tissues surrounding the tooth. It owes its appearance to gum problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis .
What are the symptoms of a gum abscess?
An abscess on the gums manifests itself with the appearance of recognizable symptoms. The pain is usually shooting and often radiates to your jaw or ears .
You may notice swelling in your gum or cheek, causing pus to build up in the infected area of your oral cavity.
Also, the gums often appear red, inflamed, and become very sensitive to the touch .
Finally, you feel pain that is exacerbated by heat or cold.
How to treat a dental abscess?
At home
While waiting to consult your dentist , and before planning a potential extraction , rinsing with lukewarm water with salt is often beneficial to relieve inflammation and disinfect the oral cavity. And there is no risk to your health!
Another possibility: apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling and calm the pain. For immediate relief, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen , can ease your pain.
Treatment by a dentist for a dental abscess
A dental abscess requires the intervention of a health professional for complete healing. Your dentist will be able to drain the abscess in order to eliminate the accumulated pus and relieve the pressure on the gums.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection and prevent it from spreading to surrounding tissues. These medications work deeply to reduce inflammation and control bacterial proliferation.
Note that if the tooth abscess is deep and reaches the root of your tooth, a root canal treatment will surely be recommended to save your tooth. In cases where the tooth is beyond repair, your dentist will perform an extraction to permanently eliminate the source of the infection.
What are the risks of a gum abscess without treatment?
Leaving a dental abscess untreated can lead to serious complications in some cases. Without care, the infection may spread to surrounding tissues, such as the jaw, face, and lymph nodes. This then causes more inflammation in your mouth.
In extreme cases, the infection is able to reach the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis , a medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization and more extensive care!
How to prevent gum abscesses?
Prevention of dental abscesses requires impeccable oral hygiene. Daily brushing , ideally after each meal, is essential to eliminate bacteria that causes infections and dental plaque .
Furthermore, if you use an electric toothbrush , you benefit from increased brushing power which removes plaque more effectively. By adding floss or interdental brushes to your routine, you reach the tight spaces between teeth where food residue and bacteria accumulate most easily. You reduce the risk of a dental abscess or gum abscess forming.
These accessories clean deeply and prevent the formation of tartar and plaque in often neglected areas. Your dental health will only be better!
Regular visits to a dentist or dental surgeon are essential to identify any issues that are causing these dental problems. And if you want even better cleaning, the MyVariations sonic toothbrush is an ideal option! Thanks to its fast and precise vibrations, it reaches difficult areas and keeps your gums and teeth healthy. The dental plaque causing abscesses is eliminated more effectively. At this stage, there is little chance of a periodontal abscess or a periapical abscess forming.
A rigorous hygiene routine, combined with quality accessories, is the key to avoiding abscesses and preserving the health of your gums and your mouth in general!
