What are dental abscesses?
Abscesses, sometimes called phlegmons, are the result of an infection in the mouth usually caused by gum infection, tooth infection or a cavity (hole) in the tooth. An abscess is a collection of pus in the gums, tooth or in a bone in the mouth. It is necessary to see a dentist and it is important to check them because they can spread to other parts of the body and do not heal naturally.
What are the symptoms of an abscess?
You may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Intense throbbing pain in the gum or affected area, which may become worse over time and come on suddenly.
- Pain or sensitivity to chewing or biting
- Pain or sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling in the cheek or other areas around the mouth
- Red and swollen gums
- Possible difficulty sleeping, pain intensified when lying down
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Halitosis
- Fever and general malaise, especially if the infection spreads.
An abscess is a collection of pus in the gums, tooth or bone in the mouth.
What are the causes of a dental abscess?
Oral hygiene is essential and not keeping your teeth and mouth clean can cause an increase of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria can damage the teeth and gums and cause periodontitis, possibly leading to an abscess. Abscesses can also be caused by having a weakened immune system due to underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
Eating foods that stimulate the growth of bacteria, such as sugary or starchy foods and sugary drinks, can cause tooth decay and the formation of an abscess.
Abscesses can also cause damage to the teeth or gums as bacteria can penetrate these parts of the mouth.
What is the treatment?
First, the abscessed tooth must be treated, resolving the cause of the infection and draining the pus from the abscess.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the abscess. A small cut may be made in the gum to drain the abscess. This is usually followed by further treatment and is not a permanent solution. The dentist may perform a root canal which removes the abscess from the affected root and seal it. If this is not possible, the dentist can extract the tooth (pull it out).
How can an abscess be prevented?
Maintaining good dental hygiene can reduce the risk of developing an abscess. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time and floss your teeth to clean the gum line and between the teeth.
Try not to drink too many sugary drinks and cut down on starchy and sugary foods such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and cereals.
Go for regular dental check-ups, the frequency of which will be recommended by your dentist, who will agree when it is best to see you depending on your dental health.
What specialist treats it?
The specialist who performs the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of abscesses and phlegmons is the expert in Dentistry, since he/she has developed his/her professional career in the investigation of the treatment of this type of pathologies.