What are the symptoms, what is the treatment for dental abscesses and how to prevent them
Abscesses are bacterial infections that occur inside the teeth or gums and result in purulent accumulations around the tooth. In the early stages, they have a reddish colour that, over time, turns to a yellowish hue. These infections occur when there is inadequate oral hygiene, with the most common causes being untreated cavities, trauma, or gum health problems, such as periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar along the roots of the teeth which, if left untreated, can even lead to premature tooth loss.
Types of dental abscesses
Gum or periodontal abscess: Gum abscesses are usually caused by an infection in the space between the gum and the tooth. This infection is often associated with periodontal disease – a bacterial infection of the tissues – and ineffective removal of bacterial plaque.
Dental origin abscess: The dental origin abscess is usually caused by a large cavity and occurs when the “nerve of the tooth” is affected. This abscess also forms within the jawbone, and thus, when it is still at the root of the tooth, it is not visible. However, over time, its size increases until it becomes perceptible externally.
What are the main symptoms?
The symptoms depend on their origin – whether it is dental or gum-related – but some of the most common include:
Severe pain in the tooth or gum (depending on the type of abscess);
Swelling of the gum, face, lower or upper jaw, and/or neck;
Sensitivity to cold and heat;
Fever;
General discomfort;
Bitter taste in the mouth (when pus is released);
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth;
Bad breath.
Symptoms of abscesses in the gums or teeth can last for months or even years, being an infection that only disappears with proper treatment. In fact, if it is not adequately treated, it can cause damage not only to the gums and teeth but also to the bone around it, potentially infecting the bloodstream, resulting in more serious complications, such as septicemia, which leads to changes in the functioning of certain organs.
How is the diagnosis made?
In most cases, the dentist can diagnose a dental abscess through a simple clinical observation. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to perform an X-ray of the area to locate and identify the affected tooth. This examination can also detect the presence of other abscesses or oral problems.
And what are the treatments?
Like the symptoms, the treatments for dental abscesses depend on their origin:
Treatment of gum abscess
When the abscess is in the gum, a small incision made by the dentist should be used to drain the accumulated pus, relieving pain and pressure. However, strict control of the patient's oral hygiene must be maintained, and root planing treatments may need to be combined with regular oral hygiene visits.
Treatment of dental abscess
In the case of a dental abscess, the treatment depends on the state of the infection:
When the infection has not completely damaged the tooth, root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) should be performed, removing the infected pulp and cleaning the root canal, followed by filling and sealing the affected tooth.
If, on the other hand, the tooth is already too damaged to be “saved,” extraction may be unavoidable.
Generally, antibiotics are also prescribed by the doctor to control the infection, especially if it has spread beyond the abscess site.
Prevention of dental or gum abscess
The best way to combat abscesses (dental or gingival) is to prevent them. Some of the main ways to do this include:
Maintain good oral hygiene habits: Keeping the mouth clean and avoiding the accumulation of bacteria is essential to prevent the occurrence of such infections. To achieve this, it is important to ensure brushing teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss daily to prevent food debris from accumulating in the spaces between the teeth.
Visit the dentist regularly: In addition to daily oral hygiene habits, visits to the dentist or dental hygienist are also essential to monitor the patient’s oral health. Conducting check-ups and professional cleanings at least every six months is important to detect and treat problems early, preventing their worsening.
Maintain a varied and healthy diet: One of the main causes of dental abscess is untreated cavities. For this reason, excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages that can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities should be avoided.
Dental abscesses are a medical emergency and need to be treated promptly to avoid serious complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body. Therefore, if symptoms of a dental abscess arise, it is essential to seek a dentist immediately, addressing the issue quickly.
