There are various technical jargons that you may already hear from dental professionals. One of these terms is a dental fistula. Several factors can cause it, and when not given proper dental attention, dental fistula can lead to even worse conditions.

What Is Dental Fistula?

A dental fistula refers to a new and abnormal pathway that develops under the gumline, which is responsible for draining infection resulting from an abscess. An abscess occurs when bacteria infect some parts of the gum and tooth, and fill them with pus. Once you have an abscess or dental fistula, you need to have treatment from a dental professional.

Causes of a Dental Fistula

A dental fistula commonly occurs when the discharge from an abscess creates pressure and has nowhere else to drain.

As per a published article by Mayo Clinic, the main causes of abscesses and dental fistula are the following:

  • Injury
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Prior dental treatment, such as a root canal operation

You are at risk of developing a dental fistula when you follow a high-sugar diet, dry mouth, and improper dental routine.

Symptoms of a Dental Fistula

A dental fistula may not be painful; however, there can be pain from the abscessed area that may come and go. Although you may not experience too much pain and discomfort due to a dental fistula, it is still recommended to schedule a visit with your dentist. Finding the right treatment to prevent the worsening of the infections can be prevented.

The following are the signs and symptoms of dental fistula:

  • Appearance of small bumps on the gums, also known as a gum boil
  • Pus discharge in the mouth, sometimes with an unpleasant taste
  • Toothaches that may radiate or throb to the neck and ear
  • Swelling
  • Fever
  • Inflamed and enlarged nodes in the jaw and neck area
  • Tooth sensitivity

Also, you may have difficulty swallowing and breathing. When that happens, you should seek urgent medical attention or call 911.

How to Treat a Dental Fistula?

Whether you have just recently discovered or you already know for a while that you have a dental fistula, it is critical to have it treated immediately. If the infection progresses, it will not heal fast and may require other medical procedures. Also, the infection may spread and result in severe and life-threatening complications.

Gum and teeth abscesses cause dental fistulas, and there’s not much that you can do to treat them directly. Often, the treatment of your fistula is to resolve the underlying causes of the infection itself.

The treatment for a tooth abscess may include:

  • Extraction of an infected tooth
  • Root canal
  • Effects of an antibiotic to treat the cause of the infection
  • Draining the area of the infection

Home therapies, such as the following, can also be done to lessen the pain of the abscess or fistula:

  • Application of a cold compress to the cheek’s area near the painful part
  • Observe the normal oral care routine gently
  • Take over-the-counter pain reliever medications prescribed by a doctor
  • Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater

How to Prevent Dental Fistula

You can prevent having dental fistula by doing the following:

  • Regularly brushing of teeth for two minutes twice daily
  • Flossing every day
  • Using toothpaste when brushing and gargling with mouthwash
  • Eating a healthy diet, avoiding sugary and acidic foods
  • Chewing sugar-free gum
  • Eating dairy products to aid in producing saliva
  • Scheduling a regular appointment with your dentist

Conclusion

Your oral health requires care and attention from you. Dental fistula is only one of the other dental issues that a person may acquire if good dental hygiene is disregarded. It is important to learn the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this condition so that the risk of having more adverse issues will be lessened.

If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in Edmonton, we are at your service. Edmonton Smiles provides excellent emergency dental, teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, and other preventive services. Book an appointment today!

Posted in Dental News