A dental abscess is an accumulation of pus that occurs inside the teeth or gums. The usual source of an abscess is bacterial infection. But how does an abscess form? What are the its symptoms, causes and risk factors? How does it harm the body? And, what are the treatments to get rid of the infection? Read on to find the answers.
Causes and Risk Factors of Dental Infection
This is how an abscess develops. When the bacteria in your mouth infect and spread inside your tooth or the surrounding tissue, the abscess will then start to form. The mouth is home to millions of good and bad oral bacteria. However, bad bacteria will rule your mouth if you don’t keep it clean or you consume foods that are unhealthy for your teeth.
Plaque build-up is a sticky film that accumulates on your teeth. Poor dental hygiene and consuming foods high in carbohydrates causes the plaque build-up to increase. When this happens, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. These two dental problems can trigger the formation of a dental abscess.
When the bacteria spread into the centre of a tooth through cavities, this is called periapical abscess. If it spreads on your gums and surrounding tissues, this is called periodontal abscess.
Here are the following factors that increase your risk for dental abscess:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Having a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates.
- Having a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
If you experience some of the following symptoms, see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Severe and throbbing toothache
- Swelling of the gum
- Swelling of the face
- Feeling generally ill (fever)
- Spasm of the jaw muscle
Result of Untreated Dental Infection
Dental abscess can worsen if they are not treated professionally. Complications can occur which may require surgeries and other significant dental procedures. Possible complications include osteomyelitis, where the infection spread to nearby bones. On the other hand, any bone in your body may also be affected if the blood spreads the infection.
Severe cases of dental abscess may lead to difficulty breathing and swallowing or a more life-threatening condition called sepsis, where the infection has already spread throughout your body. Other complications of dental abscess are loss of the tooth and sinusitis.
You can avoid these complications by seeking the help of your dentist once you have noticed the signs and symptoms of dental abscess. They can perform an examination and decide on the procedure that would be best for your case in order to remove the infection. Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment, tooth extraction or other surgical procedures to eliminate the infection from your teeth or gums. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if you have a weakened immune system to prevent the infection from spreading.
See Your Petrie Dentist at Prevent Dental Suite for Dental Abscess Treatment
If you experience any symptoms of a dental abscess, visit your Petrie dentist as soon as possible. Dental infections can be prevented with effective home and professional dental care. Prevent Dental Suite believes that the best treatment for oral health diseases is prevention. With regular visits, dental cleaning and examination, you can keep your mouth free from life-threatening dental problems like dental infection. If you have dental abscess, we provide high quality procedures to address your dental concern promptly and effectively.
Call us on +61 7 3886 2428 or book your appointment online.
We are a family friendly dentist serving patients of every age in Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, North Lakes, Petrie,Strathpine, Mango Hill, Dakabin, Kurwongbah, Narangba, Whiteside, Dayboro, Bray Park, Lawnton & Warner and anywhere from Brisbane Northside area. Parking is easy, free, and located at the rear of the building (access via Storey Road).
Our Special Offers
At Prevent Dental Suite, our goal is to make quality dental care affordable. We encourage you to take advantage of our latest offers. To find out more, visit our special offers page today!
