What Is a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus created inside the teeth, gums, or the bone that keeps the teeth in place. It is often caused by a bacterial infection that results from tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, or gum disease. Tooth abscesses are classified into three types:
- Periapical abscess: This occurs at the start of the tooth’s root.
- Periodontal abscess: This affects the gums and the structures surrounding the teeth.
- Gingival abscess: This occurs in the gums.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
The signs of a tooth abscess can vary and depend largely on the severity and location of the infection. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for seeking prompt and appropriate dental care. Here are the common tooth abscess symptoms that you should be aware of:
Severe Tooth Pain
One of the most prominent symptoms of tooth abscess is severe tooth pain. This pain often comes on suddenly and is persistent. It can be described as a throbbing or sharp pain radiating to the jawbone, neck, or ear. The pain typically worsens when lying down as the pressure inside the tooth increases.
Swelling and Redness
Swelling in the face, cheek, or neck is a common symptom of a tooth abscess. The swelling can cause visible puffiness and redness in the affected area. This is the body’s response to the infection as it tries to fight off the invading bacteria.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
An abscessed tooth is often sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This sensitivity can cause sharp pain when consuming hot drinks, cold beverages, or sweet foods. This reaction occurs because the infection affects the tooth root and the surrounding nerves.
Fever and General Malaise
The body may respond with a fever to fight off the infection. High temperature, chills, and general feelings of unwellness (malaise) are common symptoms associated with dental abscesses. These symptoms indicate that the infection is spreading and the body is mounting an immune response.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes beneath your jaw or neck indicate the body responds to a tooth infection. Lymph nodes are immune system components and swell in response to infection.
Bad Taste or Odour in the Mouth
A consistent bad taste or odour in the mouth can be a symptom of a tooth abscess. This is often due to the pus from the infection draining into the mouth. If the abscess ruptures, the bad taste may suddenly become more noticeable.
Causes of Tooth Abscesses
The primary cause of tooth abscesses is a bacterial infection. Bacteria can get into the tooth through a cavity, a crack, or a chip, and then spread to the soft tissues (the tooth pulp) inside the tooth. Poor dental regime, a diet high in sugar, and untreated tooth decay or gum disease are significant risk factors for developing a tooth abscess.
Complications of Untreated Tooth Abscesses
When left unhealed, a tooth abscess can lead to several serious complications:
Spreading to the Body
A tooth infection spreading beyond the abscess site can affect other body parts, including the jaw, neck, and brain. This can result in severe conditions such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), cellulitis (skin infection), or sinusitis (sinus infection).
The spread of a dental abscess to other body parts can result in systemic symptoms, such as high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and a general feeling of being unwell. This systemic involvement is a sign that the body’s immune system is trying to ward off a severe infection, indicating that the situation has escalated to a critical level.
In extreme cases, the infection can reach vital organs such as the heart, lungs, or brain, leading to endocarditis, pneumonia, or brain abscesses, respectively. These conditions are medical emergencies and can be lethal if not treated promptly. Therefore, recognising the signs of a tooth abscess and seeking early treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious health complications.
Life-Threatening Conditions
In rare cases, the infection can cause sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. This requires instant medical attention and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Tooth Loss
The affected tooth may become so damaged that it cannot be saved, leading to tooth loss. This can affect your bite, speech, and overall oral health.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing a tooth abscess typically involves a dental examination, X-rays, and sometimes a CT scan to determine the extent of the infection. Once diagnosed, treatment options include:
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotics are often prescribed to help fight the bacterial infection. This is particularly important if the infection has spread or you have a weak immune system.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment may be needed to eliminate the infected tooth pulp and save the affected tooth. This involves cleaning the infection from the root canals, filling them, and sealing the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
Extraction might be the only option if the tooth cannot be saved. This helps prevent the infection from spreading to the surrounding teeth and tissues.
Incision and Drainage
Sometimes, the dentist may need to cut the gum to drain the pus from the abscess.
Preventing Tooth Abscesses
Maintaining a good oral regime is the best way to prevent tooth abscesses. Here are some tips to help you avoid this painful condition:
- Brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to eliminate plaque between teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for consultation and cleanings.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can add to tooth decay.
- Treat any cavities or gum disease promptly to prevent complications.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Early tooth abscess treatment can prevent serious complications and save the affected tooth. If you notice any tooth abscess symptoms, seek dental care immediately. Delaying proper treatment can spread the infection and become more difficult to treat.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek quick medical attention if you experience:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Swelling in your face, neck, or jaw
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- High fever
These signs indicate that the infection may have spread and could be life-threatening.
The Role of Good Oral Hygiene
Good dental hygiene is crucial in preventing dental abscesses and other dental issues. A consistent brushing routine, flossing, and dental check-ups can help keep teeth and gums healthy, decreasing the risk of infection.
Conclusion
If a tooth pain spreads to the rest of the body, it becomes a serious condition that requires prompt and proper medical treatment. Ignoring the symptoms can cause severe complications, including tooth infections spreading to other body parts. If you doubt you have a tooth abscess, seeking professional dental care instantly is crucial.
Our dental clinic provides intensive care for all your dental needs. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a tooth abscess or have concerns about your oral health, please do not hesitate to contact us at (08) 7078 8263. Early intervention can prevent severe complications and help maintain your overall health. Take action today to protect your smile and well-being.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-body
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-the-body