Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is an infection, or decay, of a tooth. The infection is painful at the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth.

Causes of a tooth abscess may include trauma (fracture) or disease of the tooth. As a result, micro “holes” can form in the surface layer of the tooth (enamel), allowing bacteria to enter and infect the center of the tooth (pulp).

As the infection progresses, pockets of pus will form at the root of the tooth. The patient may not realize for a long time that there is an inflammatory process in the tooth if they do not feel pain. However, sometimes the inflammation is accompanied by severe pain and swelling.

Symptoms of an abscess include:

• Severe pain when chewing
• Fever
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Bad breath
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Swelling in the upper or lower jaw area
• Sensitivity to cold and hot drinks or foods

If not treated in time, the infection can spread to the entire mouth and lead to tooth loss, immune system damage, and even facial disfigurement (the bone becomes infected and disintegrates). Other symptoms in advanced stages include a hoarse voice, difficulty sticking out the tongue, and decreased salivation. If the infection continues to spread, it can affect the respiratory system and lead to death.

An examination by your dentist will determine if you have an abscess, such as with a special instrument called a probe, with light pressure, if you feel pain or have redness of the gum around the tooth. An X-ray, of course, will give the most accurate information about the presence of an abscess and whether there is bone erosion.