Intruder Alert
Uh-oh! There’s an intruder in the mouth, and it’s called a tooth abscess. If you didn’t know already, a tooth abscess means that you have an infection. There are many situations that can lead to an infected tooth such as advanced decay and broken or chipped teeth. All the more reason to take care of your teeth, right? A tooth abscess can be found in different regions of the tooth or in the gums next to the root. In any case of a tooth abscess, you’ll want to make sure your dentist takes a look at the location in question.
Spreading Through the Body that You’ve Made A Home
The best tooth abscess treatment is (drum roll, please) to see your dentist. We know. That’s not what you wanted to hear, but trying to take care of it at home is ill-advised. Tooth abscesses can be especially tricky as well as dangerous because the infection can spread further. In some cases, the infection can reach the jawbone, bloodstream, neck, and could even affect the brain or heart. You can bet that an infection left untreated will cause a lot more damage the longer you wait. The good news is that we can help get rid of the infection for good and take care of any damage that it may have caused.
Turn On the Alarm
Tooth abscess symptoms are often categorized by a persistent and intense toothache, hot and cold sensitivity, facial swelling, and a bad taste in your mouth. That said, just because you have a bad toothache doesn’t mean that you have a tooth abscess. A cavity, for example, can be rather troublesome as well. Our best advice? Turn the panic button off and end the assumption game. Many of our patients assume and then are surprised by what Dr. Bowie has to tell them.
So, relax. Once you visit a professional, you’ll rest easy knowing what the problem is and how you can finally resolve it. No more guessing. No more worry. It’s amazing what a dental visit could do!
Sometimes You Don’t Feel A Tooth Abscess
What if your tooth caused a ruckus, and it feels better a few days later? The infection is cured, right? Think again! If there is tremendous damage done to the nerve, you may not feel anything anymore. Also, keep in mind that our bodies are simply amazing at making sure we’re feeling as comfortable as possible. The truth of the matter is that everyone can experience a tooth abscess a little differently. Where one person has immense discomfort with the troublesome tooth, another person may not feel a thing. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to come in to see your dentist for regular checkups. If you don’t know there is a problem, it can easily get worse. A dentist will be able to spot a tooth abscess on a dental x-ray even if it is not visible to the naked eye. We know. Our tech is cool.
Trouble in Wisdom Tooth Town
Oh, wisdom teeth. Can’t live with you, can’t live… Oh, wait. We can live without you. Unfortunately, a wisdom tooth infection is a serious risk when these teeth aren’t removed by a professional. From coming into the mouth the wrong way to being difficult to clean (hello, cavities), wisdom teeth can easily lead to a tooth abscess. The situation can be a big disaster waiting to happen. If you have any questions about your wisdom teeth, be sure to check out our previous blog here.
Standing Up To the Troublemaker
With a pesky tooth abscess on the loose, a dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to help manage the infection. Depending on the severity, your dentist will recommend a root canal or tooth extraction in order to remove infected tissue and make the area healthy again. Even if you need the tooth removed, there are many options to consider when it comes to tooth replacement. Additionally, don’t let dental anxiety stop you from coming in. Finding the right dentist means that they’ll be able to guide and support you through the entire process and give you the best options that will make you the most comfortable. Never let an infected tooth boss you around. You can take control of the situation, and it will be a lot easier than you think.
Prevention Tactics Matter
Like many dental problems, a tooth abscess can be prevented much of the time. It all comes down to taking care of your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss regularly by implementing a consistent routine. If this is a struggle, invest in products that you will be more likely to use like a soft-pick for flossing. Check out our products to get started. They are Dr. Bowie recommended!
In addition to a consistent at-home routine, it’s important to check in with your dentist regularly whether you have an oral health concern or not. Reach out today.
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