What are the main causes of a tooth abscess. How can you identify the symptoms of a tooth abscess. What treatment options are available for tooth abscesses. How can you prevent tooth abscesses from developing.

Understanding Tooth Abscesses: Types and Causes

A tooth abscess is a severe dental condition characterized by a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. There are two primary types of tooth abscesses:

• Periapical abscess: Occurs at the tip of the tooth root
• Periodontal abscess: Develops in the gums at the side of a tooth root

This article focuses on periapical abscesses, which typically result from untreated dental cavities, injuries, or complications from previous dental work. The infection leads to inflammation and swelling, forming an abscess at the root tip.

How Does a Periapical Tooth Abscess Form?

Bacteria can infiltrate the innermost part of the tooth, known as the dental pulp, through various means:

• Deep cavities
• Chips or cracks in the tooth
• Untreated tooth decay

Once inside, the bacteria spread to the root, causing infection, inflammation, and ultimately, an abscess.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess

Identifying a tooth abscess early is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing complications. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Severe, persistent throbbing toothache that may radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Fever
• Facial swelling, potentially affecting breathing or swallowing
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
• Foul breath odor
• Sudden release of foul-tasting, salty fluid in the mouth (if the abscess ruptures)

Is immediate medical attention necessary for a tooth abscess? If you experience any of these symptoms, especially fever and facial swelling, it’s crucial to seek prompt dental care. In cases where breathing or swallowing is affected, or if you can’t reach your dentist, visit an emergency room immediately.

Risk Factors Contributing to Tooth Abscess Development

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing a tooth abscess:

1. Poor dental hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, creating an environment conducive to abscess formation.
2. High-sugar diet: Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks contributes to dental cavities, which can progress to abscesses if left untreated.
3. Dry mouth: Reduced saliva production, often a side effect of certain medications or age-related issues, increases the risk of tooth decay and subsequent abscesses.

How does a high-sugar diet contribute to tooth abscess formation? Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to increased acid production. This acid erodes tooth enamel, creating cavities that can eventually develop into abscesses if not addressed promptly.

Potential Complications of Untreated Tooth Abscesses

Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious health complications:

• Spread of infection to the jaw, head, and neck
• Development of a sinus infection (if the abscess is near the maxillary sinus)
• Sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection
• Increased risk of spreading infection in individuals with weakened immune systems

Can a tooth abscess resolve on its own? No, a tooth abscess requires professional treatment. Even if the abscess ruptures and pain subsides, dental intervention is still necessary to address the underlying infection and prevent its spread.

Treatment Options for Tooth Abscesses

Dentists employ various methods to treat tooth abscesses, depending on the severity and extent of the infection:

1. Draining the abscess: The dentist makes a small incision to drain the pus and relieve pressure.
2. Root canal treatment: This procedure aims to save the affected tooth by removing the infected pulp and sealing the root canal.
3. Tooth extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.
4. Antibiotics: Prescribed to control the infection, especially if it has spread beyond the abscess site.

What factors determine the choice of treatment for a tooth abscess? The dentist considers the extent of the infection, the overall health of the tooth, and the patient’s general health when deciding on the most appropriate treatment approach.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Tooth Abscesses

Preventing tooth abscesses primarily involves maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting healthy dental habits:

• Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes
• Floss daily or use a water flosser to clean between teeth
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when bristles become frayed
• Consume a balanced diet, limiting sugary foods and drinks
• Drink fluoridated water
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings
• Consider using an antiseptic or fluoride mouth rinse for added protection

How often should you replace your toothbrush to maintain optimal oral hygiene? Dental experts recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. This ensures effective cleaning and helps prevent bacterial buildup on the brush.

The Importance of Prompt Dental Care for Tooth Abscesses

Seeking immediate dental attention at the first sign of a tooth abscess is crucial for several reasons:

1. Early intervention can prevent the spread of infection
2. Timely treatment may increase the chances of saving the affected tooth
3. Prompt care reduces the risk of serious complications, such as sepsis
4. Early diagnosis allows for less invasive treatment options

What are the potential consequences of delaying treatment for a tooth abscess? Postponing treatment can lead to the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, increased pain and discomfort, and a higher likelihood of requiring more extensive and costly dental procedures.

Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-being

The importance of maintaining good oral health extends beyond preventing tooth abscesses. Research has shown strong connections between oral health and various systemic conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease: Poor oral health may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes: Gum disease can affect blood sugar control and increase diabetes complications
• Respiratory infections: Oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia
• Pregnancy complications: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight

How does oral health impact overall well-being? The mouth serves as a gateway to the body, and oral infections can spread bacteria and inflammation throughout the system. Maintaining good oral hygiene not only prevents dental issues but also contributes to better overall health.

The Role of Diet in Preventing Tooth Abscesses

While maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial, diet also plays a significant role in preventing tooth abscesses and promoting dental health:

1. Limit sugary and acidic foods: These can erode tooth enamel and promote bacterial growth
2. Consume calcium-rich foods: Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods strengthen teeth
3. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: These stimulate saliva production and help clean teeth
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria
5. Avoid frequent snacking: Constant eating exposes teeth to acids and increases decay risk

Which foods are beneficial for maintaining strong, healthy teeth? Foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, such as cheese, yogurt, almonds, and leafy greens, help remineralize tooth enamel and promote overall dental health.

Advancements in Dental Technology for Treating Tooth Abscesses

Modern dentistry has seen significant technological advancements that improve the diagnosis and treatment of tooth abscesses:

• 3D imaging: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides detailed 3D images of teeth and surrounding structures
• Laser dentistry: Enables more precise and less invasive treatments
• Digital X-rays: Offer clearer images with reduced radiation exposure
• Intraoral cameras: Allow dentists to show patients real-time images of their oral health issues
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM): Facilitates same-day creation of dental restorations

How do these technological advancements benefit patients with tooth abscesses? These innovations allow for more accurate diagnoses, less invasive treatments, and faster recovery times, ultimately improving patient outcomes and experiences.

The Psychological Impact of Dental Health Issues

Dental problems, including tooth abscesses, can have significant psychological effects on individuals:

1. Reduced self-esteem: Dental issues may lead to embarrassment about one’s appearance
2. Social anxiety: Fear of judgment due to dental problems can affect social interactions
3. Depression: Chronic pain and discomfort from dental issues may contribute to depression
4. Stress: Worrying about dental health and treatment costs can increase stress levels
5. Sleep disturbances: Dental pain can disrupt sleep patterns, affecting overall well-being

How can addressing dental health issues improve mental well-being? Resolving dental problems not only alleviates physical discomfort but can also boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve overall quality of life.

The Economic Impact of Dental Health

Maintaining good oral health and addressing issues like tooth abscesses promptly can have significant economic benefits:

• Reduced healthcare costs: Preventing dental problems is often less expensive than treating advanced conditions
• Increased productivity: Good oral health reduces time lost from work due to dental issues
• Lower long-term expenses: Regular dental check-ups can catch problems early, avoiding costly treatments later
• Improved employability: A healthy smile can positively impact job prospects and career advancement

What are the potential long-term financial benefits of investing in regular dental care? By prioritizing preventive dental care and addressing issues early, individuals can avoid costly emergency treatments and complex procedures, ultimately saving money in the long run.

The Role of Genetics in Dental Health

While proper oral hygiene and diet play crucial roles in preventing tooth abscesses, genetic factors can also influence an individual’s susceptibility to dental problems:

1. Enamel strength: Some people may inherit genes that affect enamel formation and strength
2. Saliva composition: Genetic factors can influence saliva production and its protective properties
3. Immune response: Inherited traits may affect how the body responds to oral bacteria
4. Tooth shape and alignment: Genetic factors can influence tooth structure, potentially creating areas prone to decay

How does understanding genetic factors in dental health impact prevention and treatment strategies? Recognizing genetic predispositions allows for personalized preventive care and early interventions, helping individuals maintain optimal oral health despite potential genetic challenges.

The Future of Tooth Abscess Prevention and Treatment

Ongoing research and technological advancements continue to shape the future of dental care, particularly in preventing and treating tooth abscesses:

• Probiotics for oral health: Developing beneficial bacteria to combat harmful oral pathogens
• Smart toothbrushes: AI-powered devices that provide real-time feedback on brushing habits
• Regenerative dentistry: Exploring techniques to regrow tooth tissue and repair damage
• Nanotechnology: Developing nanomaterials for more effective dental treatments and preventive measures
• Teledentistry: Expanding access to dental care through remote consultations and monitoring

How might these advancements change the landscape of dental care in the coming years? These innovations have the potential to revolutionize dental care by offering more personalized, effective, and accessible prevention and treatment options for conditions like tooth abscesses.

Tooth abscess – Symptoms & causes

Overview

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can occur at different areas near the tooth for different reasons. A periapical (per-e-AP-ih-kul) abscess occurs at the tip of the root. A periodontal (per-e-o-DON-tul) abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root. The information here is about periapical abscesses.

A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury or prior dental work. The resulting infection with irritation and swelling (inflammation) can cause an abscess at the tip of the root.

Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.

Periapical tooth abscess

Bacteria can enter the innermost part of the tooth through either a deep cavity or a chip or crack in your tooth. The resulting infection and inflammation can cause an abscess at the tip of the root.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear
• Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures
• Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting
• Fever
• Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
• Foul odor in your mouth
• Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures

When to see a doctor

See your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess.

If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can’t reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.

Causes

A periapical tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.

Bacteria enter through either a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth and spread all the way down to the root. The bacterial infection can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.

Risk factors

These factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess:

• Poor dental habits and care. Not taking proper care of your teeth and gums — such as not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing — can increase your risk of dental problems. Problems may include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications.
• A diet high in sugar. Frequently eating and drinking foods rich in sugar, such as sweets and sodas, can contribute to dental cavities and turn into a tooth abscess.
• Dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of certain medications or issues related to aging.

Complications

A tooth abscess won’t go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may improve a lot, making you think that the problem has gone away — but you still need to get dental treatment.

If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. If the tooth is located near the maxillary sinus — two large spaces under your eyes and behind your cheeks — you can also develop an opening between the tooth abscess and the sinus. This can cause an infection in the sinus cavity. You might even develop sepsis — a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.

If you have a weakened immune system and you leave a tooth abscess untreated, your risk of a spreading infection increases even more.

Prevention

Avoiding tooth decay is essential to preventing a tooth abscess. Take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay:

• Drink water that contains fluoride.
• Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or a water flosser to clean between your teeth on a daily basis.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever the bristles are frayed.
• Eat healthy food, limiting sugary items and between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Consider using an antiseptic or a fluoride mouth rinse to add an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.

Tooth abscess – Symptoms & causes

Overview

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can occur at different areas near the tooth for different reasons. A periapical (per-e-AP-ih-kul) abscess occurs at the tip of the root. A periodontal (per-e-o-DON-tul) abscess occurs in the gums at the side of a tooth root. The information here is about periapical abscesses.

A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury or prior dental work. The resulting infection with irritation and swelling (inflammation) can cause an abscess at the tip of the root.

Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.

Periapical tooth abscess

Bacteria can enter the innermost part of the tooth through either a deep cavity or a chip or crack in your tooth. The resulting infection and inflammation can cause an abscess at the tip of the root.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear
• Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures
• Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting
• Fever
• Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
• Foul odor in your mouth
• Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures

When to see a doctor

See your dentist promptly if you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess.

If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can’t reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.

Causes

A periapical tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue.

Bacteria enter through either a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth and spread all the way down to the root. The bacterial infection can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.

Risk factors

These factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess:

• Poor dental habits and care. Not taking proper care of your teeth and gums — such as not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing — can increase your risk of dental problems. Problems may include tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other dental and mouth complications.
• A diet high in sugar. Frequently eating and drinking foods rich in sugar, such as sweets and sodas, can contribute to dental cavities and turn into a tooth abscess.
• Dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is often due to the side effect of certain medications or issues related to aging.

Complications

A tooth abscess won’t go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may improve a lot, making you think that the problem has gone away — but you still need to get dental treatment.

If the abscess doesn’t drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. If the tooth is located near the maxillary sinus — two large spaces under your eyes and behind your cheeks — you can also develop an opening between the tooth abscess and the sinus. This can cause an infection in the sinus cavity. You might even develop sepsis — a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.

If you have a weakened immune system and you leave a tooth abscess untreated, your risk of a spreading infection increases even more.

Prevention

Avoiding tooth decay is essential to preventing a tooth abscess. Take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay:

• Drink water that contains fluoride.
• Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or a water flosser to clean between your teeth on a daily basis.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever the bristles are frayed.
• Eat healthy food, limiting sugary items and between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
• Consider using an antiseptic or a fluoride mouth rinse to add an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.

Purulent tooth abscess: symptoms and treatment

What is it?
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection on the inside of a tooth.

A tooth abscess usually results from a cavity left untreated, or from a crack or chip in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter the tooth.

Treatment of a tooth abscess includes draining the abscess and cleaning the affected area of ​​infection. The tooth itself can be saved by root canal cleaning, but in some cases it may need to be extracted. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences.

Tooth abscess prevention requires proper dental care, a healthy diet and regular dental visits.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

Severe, persistent throbbing toothache pressure when chewing or biting

Fever

Swelling (edema) of the face or cheek

Tender, swollen lymph nodes under the lower jaw or in the neck

Sudden breakthrough of foul-tasting fluid in the mouth and cessation of pain after an abscess ruptures

When to see a doctor
See a dentist right away if any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess are found. If you experience fever and facial swelling and a dentist is unavailable, go to an emergency room. Fever and swelling of the face may indicate that the infection has spread deep into the jaw and surrounding tissue, or even to other areas of the body.

Causes
A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Bacteria enters a cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spreads to the root. The bacterial infection causes inflammation and swelling. The limited space in which inflammation occurs causes pus to be squeezed out into a cavity (also called an abscess pocket) at the apex of the root.

Risk factors
The following factors increase the risk of tooth abscess:

· Poor dental hygiene. Improper care of teeth and gums, such as not flossing and brushing twice a day, can increase the risk of caries, periodontitis, abscesses and other dental and oral diseases and their complications.

· High sugar diet. Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar, such as pastries and sweets, contributes to the formation of cavities and, in turn, tooth abscess.

· Associated health problems. Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, can increase your risk of tooth infection and tooth abscess.

Complications
Tooth abscess does not go away without treatment. In the case of self-opening of the abscess, a significant reduction in pain is possible, but the need for dental treatment does not disappear. If the abscess is not drained, the infection can spread to the tissues of the mandible and other parts of the head and neck. It can even lead to sepsis, a common, life-threatening infection.

A tooth abscess left untreated with a weakened immune system carries an increased risk of spreading infection compared to a normally functioning immune system.

Examination and diagnosis
In addition to examining the tooth and surrounding area, the dentist may perform one or more of the following examinations:

· Tapping on the affected tooth. A tooth with a root abscess is usually sensitive to touch or pressure.

X-ray. An x-ray of a diseased tooth can help identify an abscess. An x-ray or other imaging procedures, such as a CT scan, can also be used to determine if the infection has spread to develop abscesses at other sites.

Laboratory tests. In some cases, knowledge of the bacteria that causes the infection can be useful for targeted treatment, especially if first-line antibiotics have failed.

Treatment and drugs
The goal of treatment is to drain the abscess and clear the infection. To achieve this, the dentist can:

· Perform depulpation. This procedure may help clear the infection and save the tooth. To do this, the dentist drills into the tooth, removes the affected central tissue (pulp), and drains the abscess. The pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth are filled and sealed. The dentist can then place a crown on the tooth. With proper care, a restored tooth can last a lifetime.

· Remove affected tooth. If the affected tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will remove the tooth and drain the abscess to clear the infection.

Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the site of the abscess, antibiotics may not be needed. However, if the infection spreads to nearby teeth, the lower jaw, or other areas, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading. Antibiotics may also be recommended for a weakened immune system.

Lifestyle and home remedies
While the lesion is healing, your dentist may recommend the following steps to relieve discomfort:

Gargling with warm salt water

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed

9 0002 Prevention
Prevention of tooth abscess requires the prevention of caries. Good dental care is key to preventing caries. It includes:

Using fluoridated drinking water

Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste

Daily flossing or interdental cleaner

Changing toothbrush every three to four 6 months or bristle wear

Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary foods and snacks between meals

Visiting a dentist for regular check-ups and professional oral hygiene

You can use an antibacterial or fluoride rinse for additional protection against caries

Tooth abscess – causes, methods of treatment in the clinic and at home – ROOTT

The gums are reddened, swollen, sore – these are classic signs of a tooth abscess a, an inflammatory process in which pus is formed. Accumulating in the cavity, as in a bag, pus causes swelling of the gums. In the people it is called flux.

Purulent inflammation can lead to serious consequences, so it is impossible to self-medicate if the gums are swollen. In dentistry, the cause of the abscess will be determined and specific treatment will be carried out.

Purulent tooth abscess – causes

When immunity is weakened, as a result of trauma or infectious diseases of the teeth, pathogens penetrate into the tissues surrounding the tooth (periodontium). In response to this, the body produces special cells, neutrophils. They neutralize pathogens, but die themselves. Pus is the remnants of dead cells, destroyed proteins of bacteria and neutrophils.

In dentistry, there are 3 types of abscess, depending on the cause:

• Periapical
  A purulent sac is formed at the top of the root.

• Periodontal
  An abscess occupies a space between the gum and the root.

• Desnevoy
  Localized in soft tissues, does not affect the root.

The type of abscess depends on how the pathogens have entered the tissues.

Caries leading to periodontitis

Advanced caries destroys the hard tissues of the tooth and penetrates into the pulp – the neurovascular bundle. Most often, pulpitis is accompanied by severe pain, but in some cases, the pain is not very pronounced, paroxysmal. If pulpitis is not treated in time, the tissues around the root become inflamed, periodontitis develops. Active formation of pus begins. Soon the pouch sticks out under the mucous membrane of the gums. In some cases, the root abscess breaks and a fistula forms in the gum, through which the pus comes out. Due to the fact that the pressure on the tissues is reduced, the patient experiences a feeling of relief. However, the formation of a fistula does not mean recovery. The inflammatory process continues and will eventually lead to tooth loss.

Incorrect treatment

Periodontitis can result from the negligence of a doctor. If the canals of the tooth are not completely sealed, then bacteria begin to multiply in the resulting voids, provoking an inflammatory process.

An abscess after tooth extraction occurs in 2 cases:

• The surgeon did not calculate the forces and caused injury during the extraction, damaging the bone tissue.
• The patient did not follow the recommendations of the dentist, which led to the penetration of pathogens into the wound.

Periodontitis

When the periodontium (tissues and ligaments that hold the tooth in the socket) becomes inflamed, the dentogingival attachment weakens, the gum ceases to fit snugly against the tooth, and tartar accumulates in the gap (periodontal pocket). It is a landing site for bacteria that multiply rapidly, causing the body’s immune response, which means the formation of pus. A swelling is formed in the projection of the pocket. It can be an abscess of the front tooth or side. Where the pocket is deeper, the likelihood of suppuration is higher.

Pericoronitis

Teething, especially third molars (wisdom teeth), can become painful. If the incorrect location or thick mucosa does not allow the “eight” to cut through completely, a hood of mucous forms on the tooth. There are leftover food. As they decompose, they provide nutrients for bacteria, which in turn cause inflammation. It can spread to the gum, forming a wisdom tooth abscess.

Trauma

It happens that when brushing your teeth, while eating or with poor-quality prosthetics, the gum is injured. The integrity of the mucous membrane is broken. Pathogens that are always present in the oral cavity penetrate inside. As a result of their active reproduction, accumulation of pus begins, a gingival abscess develops.

Symptoms

It all starts with slight pain when biting. Then there is swelling on the gum. The pain syndrome is growing. The general condition worsens. The temperature rises, Pain gives to the ear and head. Lymph nodes increase in size, an abscess develops independently of the upper tooth, or the lower one. A putrid odor comes from the mouth. When the abscess breaks through, a fistula is formed. It exudes pus. When the acute process subsides, the fistula closes, but only until a new aggravation.

Treatment

Diagnostic measures help determine the cause and plan treatment.

For diagnostic use:

• Patient interview
• Visual inspection
• Radiography

An x-ray will help to identify the causative tooth and show what is causing the suppuration: root inflammation, periodontal pocket or trauma.

At this stage, the decision is made whether to extract or save the tooth.

If it is decided to save the tooth, then the algorithm of therapeutic measures for periodontitis is as follows:

1. All tissues affected by caries are removed.
2. The tooth is depulped, the canals are left open.
3. If the canals have already been treated, then the old fillings are removed, the canals are cleaned, but not sealed. This facilitates the outflow of pus. If there is a crown on the tooth, they immediately proceed to the next stage.
4. The gum is opened. Insert drainage. After a while it is removed. This step is not always carried out.
5. Medical paste is inserted into the canals of the tooth. The cavity is closed with a temporary filling. After 4-8 weeks, a follow-up examination is carried out. If there is no recurrence, the canals are sealed with gutta-percha, a permanent filling is placed on the tooth.

If therapeutic methods do not help, or a fixed prosthesis is on the tooth, then a surgical method is used. The top of the root is amputated, eliminating the cause of inflammation. At the same time, a tooth cyst, abscess or granuloma is removed.

The treatment regimen for periodontitis is somewhat different. The main method of removing pus is open curettage or flap surgery. The periodontist exfoliates the gum flap, opens access to the root and cleans it from hard plaque and decomposition products. The wound is disinfected, sutures or a periodontal bandage are applied. After a week, the stitches are removed.

Gingivectomy is performed in mild cases. An incision is made on the gum through which the pus is removed.

For pericoronitis, the hood is excised, allowing the tooth to erupt. It also ensures free outflow of pus. The wound is treated with an antiseptic solution, a bandage is applied.

In case of injury, the irritant is removed. If the gum injures the prosthesis, it is changed. A foreign object (a fish bone, for example) is removed. Provide an outflow of exudate.

Regardless of the cause of the abscess, antimicrobial therapy is mandatory. For better healing, dentists recommend salt baths for several days.

Common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as paracetamol can help relieve pain. After opening the abscess, relief quickly comes and painkillers are required only in the first day or two.

Home remedies

Folk healers advise rinsing the mouth with saline, soda solutions, infusions of sage, calendula, chamomile. It is recommended to use propolis in the form of alcohol lotions.

These remedies may temporarily relieve pain, but they do not eliminate the cause of the inflammation. Therefore, relief is temporary, inflammation increases and can result in serious complications. And alcohol infusions also lead to a chemical burn of the mucous membrane.

A tooth abscess cannot be cured without the intervention of a dentist. Only an integrated approach to treatment can stop the inflammatory process.

Why an abscess is dangerous

If the symptoms of inflammation are not severe, most people put off a visit to the dentist. This leads to complications, develops:

• Chronic tooth abscess
  The disease acquires a cyclic character: pus-fistula-outflow of pus-closure of the fistula. Then a cold, exacerbation of common diseases or another reason provokes a new cycle. Each time, the risk that pus will penetrate deep into the tissues or be carried by the bloodstream throughout the body increases.

• Phlegmon
  This is already a diffuse purulent process that captures large areas.