A tooth abscess is not the same as a cavity, but can be a complication of tooth decay. An abscessed tooth is caused by a pus pocket of bacteria, which has collected in the root of your tooth.
A dental abscess is caused by an infection in your mouth, face, jaw or throat that often originally spread from an infection in a tooth. Although, this type of infection can also occur because of some other health related condition, like:
- trauma in your oral cavity
- autoimmune disorders ~ Sjogren’s syndrome
- weakened immune system ~ diabetes, cancer treatments
A tooth abscess can also result from trauma to the tooth, for instance when a tooth is broken, chipped or cracked. These injuries open your tooth to a bacterial invasion and abscess.
An abscessed tooth very often causes the telltale symptom of a toothache that is severe, constant or throbbing. On top of your persistent toothache, you may have symptoms of:
- fever
- chills
- bad breath
- facial swelling
- painful chewing
- bitter mouth taste
- tooth discoloration
- swollen neck glands
- hot & cold sensitivity
- surrounding gum tender
A dental abscess can become a very serious health condition if the bacteria causing your toothache spreads to other areas of your body. Possible complications include:
- sepsis
- pneumonia
- endocarditis
- mediastinitis
- osteomyelitis
- brain abscess
A tooth abscess can rupture spontaneously. You’ll know when this happens because the drainage will significantly reduce your gnawing toothache and leave a foul taste in your mouth. If your dental abscess ruptures, rinse your mouth with warm water periodically to promote further drainage.
Abscessed tooth treatment can be done by a dentist and typically cures the infection. This treatment involves drainage and a prescription for an antibiotic. And during your dental abscess healing, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can be soothing and taking OTC pain relievers, i.e. aspirin or NSAIDs, can help with any residual pain.
A frequently recommended home treatment for dental abscesses is swishing around highly concentrated salt and warm water solution whenever your toothache arises.
