A tooth abscess, also known as a dental abscess, is an inflammation of the mouth, face, jaw, or throat caused by gum infection, tooth infection, or cavity. These infections are prevalent in individuals who have poor oral health, and they are caused by a lack of appropriate and timely dental treatment.

While the overwhelming majority of gum or periodontal cases are painless and seldom require immediate dental care, a gum abscess is a frequent exception. This severe issue will need a visit to a dentist for diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort. Swelling, redness, bleeding, and discomfort while chewing are indications and symptoms of a gum abscess.

What Are the Types of Gum Abscess?

  • Periapical Abscess – The periapical abscess is the most common type of abscess, occurring when germs invade the pulp of one of your teeth.
  • Gingival Abscess – Gingival abscesses are named so because they are located in the gum region closest to the tooth’s neck. There are typically no preexisting pockets or bone loss in the tooth. This condition involves irritation produced by food or foreign-body contact into the gum region surrounding this specific tooth.
  • Periodontal Abscess – A periodontal abscess is a more advanced type of gum abscess. This is linked to a tooth that already has a periodontal pocket and some bone loss. However, like gingival abscesses, it may be caused by food or a foreign item impacted into the pocket surrounding the tooth. This disease may develop on its own when your gum problem develops. After a dental cleaning, it may also occur if bacteria continues to overgrow despite having just had treatment in the region.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Gum Abscess

A tooth abscess is characterized by pain, swelling, redness of the mouth and face, a foul taste in your mouth, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks. You may suffer nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea if you have an advanced infection. Other symptoms may include swollen glands in your neck or top or bottom jaw, difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing, discomfort upon contact, oral swelling, and more.

The direct development of germs from a cavity into the soft tissues and bones can cause dental abscesses. Bacteria from a cavity may spread to the gums, cheeks, neck, under the tongue, and even the jaw or facial bones. When tissues become inflamed, a dental abscess may become excruciatingly painful.

Pus accumulates at the location of the infection and becomes increasingly painful until it ruptures and drains on its own or is surgically drained. The condition may sometimes progress to the point that swelling threatens to obstruct the airway, making it difficult to breathe. Dental abscesses may also cause general illness, such as nausea, vomiting, fevers, and more. 

What Can I Do to Treat Any Painful Experience from Gum Abscess?

Call your dentist if you have any of the above symptoms and suspect you have an abscess. If you cannot contact a dentist, go to the emergency room of a hospital for examination, particularly if you are feeling ill. If an infection gets so painful that nonprescription medications are no longer effective, or if you have a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, visit your doctor. However, if you are in excruciating pain or have difficulty breathing or swallowing, visit the emergency room immediately.

It is critical that you get gum abscess treatment to address the underlying cause and because it may lead to additional bone loss surrounding the tooth above it. This therapy typically entails draining the abscess via the gum pocket or by an incision on the exterior of the gum. In most of these instances, a local anesthetic is needed.

Following that, the tooth root must be cleansed to eliminate any food, tartar, foreign substance, or germs. This is accomplished using several dental tools that you may have seen used before. Finally, depending on the severity of the illness, local or systemic antibiotics may be used to prevent infection. Of course, pain medication may be given if there is persistent discomfort or if the patient is young.

Alternative Treatments Worth Trying

Consider washing your mouth with warm saltwater and mouthwash before seeing the dentist. Aside from your twice-daily regimen, you may need to brush or floss the region to eliminate any foreign bodies or food that may still be trapped within. However, prevention is the best way to avoid gum abscesses. Visit your dentist regularly and utilize excellent oral health products to prevent any periodontal discomfort from sneaking up on you before it becomes too much for you to manage on your own.

Prevent and stop your gums from causing you any pain. Visit one of the best and affordable dentists in Edmonton to make your day always pain-free. Check us at Edmonton Smiles today and book your first appointment!

Posted in Dental News & Advice