While not the most pleasant dental topic to address, a tooth abscess can be a serious condition caused by a bacterial infection, leading to a pocket of pus forming in or around the root of a tooth.
How Do You Know If You Have a Tooth Abscess?
It’s important to recognise the signs of a tooth abscess, which can help you take action quickly. Some common ones include:
- A persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to your jaw, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- A bad taste in your mouth from pus discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
- Fever and general feelings of being unwell
If you notice these symptoms, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible.
How Does It Develop?
Tooth abscesses often result from preventable issues like untreated cavities or gum disease. When bacteria are allowed to build up due to poor oral hygiene or missed dental checkups, they can penetrate the tooth’s enamel and infect the softer tissues inside. Trauma to a tooth, such as a crack or chip, can also provide bacteria with an entry point.
Why It’s Dangerous to Drain a Tooth Abscess
While it may be tempting to take a DIY approach by draining a tooth abscess at home, doing so poses significant risks. Poking or squeezing the abscess can worsen the infection, spread it to surrounding tissues, or even lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis. Without addressing the underlying cause, the infection is likely to come back.
Who Is More Likely to Experience One?
While anyone can develop a tooth abscess, certain factors increase your risk. People with poor oral hygiene practices are more vulnerable because bacteria thrive in plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, conditions like dry mouth, often caused by medications or ageing, reduce saliva’s protective effects. Those with underlying health issues, such as diabetes, may also be more prone to infections, including dental abscesses.
A More Conservative Solution: Professional Treatment
Home remedies for tooth abscesses may seem convenient, but they can definitely do more harm than good. Popular suggestions like saltwater rinses, essential oils, or over-the-counter pain relievers may temporarily ease discomfort but won’t address the root cause of the infection. Ignoring professional treatment can lead to severe complications, including:
- Increased pain and swelling.
- Spread of infection to the jaw, neck, or even the bloodstream (a condition known as sepsis).
- Permanent damage to your tooth and surrounding tissues.
The safer approach: seeking professional treatment.
Don’t Wait for Relief
If you suspect a tooth abscess, contact Dentist in Hervey Bay today. Dr Eric Feng offers daily emergency appointments to diagnose and treat dental abscesses safely. Remember: early intervention can save your tooth and prevent serious health risks.
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Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.