What Is a Tooth Abscess?
Having a tooth abscess is one of the most serious dental conditions you can have. It is helpful to understand what causes this and what the effects can be. An understanding of abscessed teeth can also help you to prevent them and maintain good oral health. However, if you fall victim to this condition, there are ways to treat it and find relief. Your dentist is a good resource for prevention and treatment.
Keys to good oral health
Having healthy, strong teeth and gums has positive effects on a person’s oral health and overall wellness. Daily habits can go a long way toward preventing an abscess and other serious issues. As soon as a child gets teeth, brushing at least twice a day is vital. People should make sure the toothpaste has fluoride. While brushing, people should hit both sides and the biting surface of every tooth. Brushing strengthens tooth enamel and helps to remove plaque buildup.
Daily flossing is also important. This habit will reduce the person’s risk of developing gum disease. Flossing removes food particles and bacteria from the gumline and in between teeth. Along with these activities, children and adults should visit the dentist at least every six months.
An overview of a tooth abscess
An abscess develops in a tooth when a pocket of pus forms at the tip of the root. A bacterial infection causes the pus. Various issues can cause this, but it is generally when severe decay has spread and a dentist has not yet treated it. Injuries can also cause abscesses. Ignoring this condition can have severe consequences for a person’s oral health. It can even affect other areas of the body, such as the cardiovascular system and lungs.
Signs and symptoms
Having a tooth abscess is not something that will sneak up on someone through a diagnosis from the dentist. There are obvious signs and symptoms that accompany this condition. A person with it will have an intense toothache where the pain can throb. The pain can also radiate to the ear, neck, and jaw. A person with this problem may also have sensitivity to cold and temperatures.
Swelling is another common symptom. This can be evident in the jaw, neck, or face. It can even be difficult to chew, breathe, or swallow. Fever can also accompany an abscessed tooth.
Causes and prevention
Poor oral hygiene is the most common way in which an abscess develops. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily will help to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Neglecting these activities can introduce bacteria into pockets in between the teeth. Eating a diet high in sugar can also increase a person’s risk of having infections in the mouth. This can lead to cavities, which can turn into an infection.
Take charge of your oral health
If you want to avoid severe dental problems, you need to be diligent about your brushing and flossing habits. If you detect any symptoms of an abscessed tooth, call your dentist. Treatments are available to relieve your pain and discomfort. Do not put off getting help for this condition.
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