An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms inside the tissues of our body. It occurs as a result of bacterial infection. When an abscess is formed in the gingival tissue, it is known as a gum abscess. In the absence of dental hygiene, plaque damages the gums around the teeth. This leads to periodontal pockets around the teeth and the bacteria get access to the soft gingival tissues and infect them. Similar infections can also be caused by a decaying tooth or a dental cavity. When the tissues get infected, the bacteria breed and the pocket of pus is formed.

Symptoms of Gum Abscess

The very first step in the formation of a gum abscess is the accumulation of plaque. It leads to the inflammation of the tissues, causing an infection and leaving the patient in pain and agony. Most of the symptoms of dental problems like gum recession or periodontal issues don’t show up until much later. But gum abscess can be easily diagnosed in general dentistry as its symptoms are quite clear.

Pain in the Affected Area

If you have an abscess in the gums, you’ll feel a tenderness and severe pain in the affected area of the gums. The pus that is formed in the gums also affects the jaw bone and causes intense pain and soreness in the affected area. The affected area hurts more if you touch it or chew something.

Heightened Sensitivity

The infection caused by bacteria in the plaque exposes the soft pulp of the teeth to any substance hot or cold. This leads to heightened sensitivity in the affected area.

Foul Mouth

When the pus is discharged from the affected area, it causes a foul taste in the mouth and also bad breath.

A Loose Tooth

The gingival tissues affected by the bacteria in plaque get weak and can’t keep a hold of the tooth in the affected area. The tooth, thus, becomes loose and hurts every time you touch it.

Fever

When an infection happens in any part of the body, your immune systems fire up and you get a feverish feeling because the body is using its full potential to contain the infection or remove it altogether. In some elevated cases, the fever increases due to the infection.

Swollen Gums

The infection from the bacteria causes inflammation in the gums and, thus, the affected area of the gums look swollen and red. This is also a sign that your immune system is trying to fight off the infection.

If you find any of the symptoms of a gum abscess, visit the dentist as soon as possible. She will take an x-ray of the mouth to check the loss of tissue and begin the treatment, which might include a root canal.

If you have persistent pain in your jaw and you suspect swelling, visit the emergency dental services of Edmonton Smiles. Don’t ignore such symptoms as a delay in treatment only means that you will have to deal with an ever-increasing pain longer.

Posted in Clinical Advice and Oral Health Tips