A dental abscess can be a painful and frightening health condition, but understanding it helps one to keep calm and know how to react in case they get one. Now, let us understand what a dental abscess is, the symptoms one may have, how it can be treated, and ways to prevent it from happening one-by-one.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a collection of pus due to a bacterial infection. It can occur in various parts of your mouth. Following are some of the types:

  • Periapical abscess: This occurs at the tip of the root of a tooth.
  • Periodontal abscess: This is between the gums and a tooth root.
  • Gingival abscess: This usually forms in the gums.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

Following are a few indications that you may have a dental abscess:

  1. Pain: Most often, the pain is very severe, sharp, or throbbing.
  2. Swelling: Your face, cheek, or neck might swell up.
  3. Red and Swollen Gums: The area around the infected tooth may appear red and puffy.
  4. Bad Taste in Your Mouth: This happens in cases where the abscess has ruptured, as pus tastes foul.
  5. Fever: With chills, you might develop a rise in temperature in the case of a really bad infection.
  6. Trouble Swallowing or Breathing: At worst, it can cause trouble swallowing or breathing.

One must consult a dentist as soon as such symptoms arise.

How is a Dental Abscess Treated?

A dental abscess is normally treated by removing the infection, thus relieving the pain. The following are the most common treatments:

  1. Abscess Draining: A small incision into the abscess allows the pus to come out of it. A gum disease treatment near you may be done to help ease immediate pain and swelling.
  2. Root Canal Treatment: When the abscess is on the root tip of the tooth, root canal treatment could be performed. The dentist will remove the tissue that is infected from inside the tooth, clean it, and fill it to protect it from further infection.
  3. Tooth Extraction: In case the tooth is too damaged, the dentist may have to pull it.
  4. Antibiotics: Depending on how bad the infection is or if you have spread it somewhere else, he or she may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
  5. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medication helps in containing the pain until the infection gets treated.

Preventing Dental Abscesses

Good hygiene and oral health are important in preventing dental abscesses. Some of the tips in this direction include:

  1. Brushing teeth at least twice a day: One should use fluoride toothpaste, and brushing time could be a minimum of two minutes.
  2. Daily flossing: Flossing removes food particles and plaque between the teeth and below the gum line.
  3. Use mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash will help reduce bacteria inside your mouth.
  4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings will allow most problems to be identified early, before they turn into abscesses.
  5. Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit your sugar intake, which can lead to cavities that sometimes produce infections. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for healthy teeth and gums.
  6. Don’t Ignore Tooth Pain: If you have a toothache, you should see your dentist right away. Early treatment can assist in keeping an abscess from forming.

Blackfalds Dental Centre Can Eliminate Dental Abscess

Dental abscesses are hazardous and painful, but with a little care and attention, you will be able to prevent them. Always keep your teeth clean, visit the dentist often, and then seek help as soon as you begin to notice the first symptoms of an abscess.

If you do this, you’ll be able to keep your smile healthy and bright. Schedule an appointment with our in-house dentist in Red Deer at Blackfalds Dental Centre to examine your abscess level and suggest you the most appropriate treatment right away.