Dental abscess
What is a dental abscess
Dental abscess is an infection of the oral cavity, face, jaw or throat that starts from inflammation of the tooth, gum or caries.
Although these infections can also be caused by untreated dental diseases, it is also possible that they are the result of concomitant diseases such as autoimmune ones (Sjögren’s syndrome and other similar conditions) or diseases and conditions that lead to a weakening of the immune system such as diabetes and in the period after radiation and chemotherapy. Dental abscesses can also appear from very minor injuries to the oral cavity.
Bacteria that inhabit the space inside the cavity can spread and cover the gums, cheeks, throat, the area under the tongue or even the jaw. A dental abscess can cause severe pain due to the inflammation of the affected tissues or due to the increased pressure resulting from the swelling.
A gum abscess develops when there is an infection or trauma to the surface tissue of the gum. Periodontal abscesses are in most cases caused by the spread of inflammation in the deeper areas of the gum.
In rare cases, a dental abscess can progress to such an extent that it creates a danger of blocking the airways, causing breathing difficulties.
What are the symptoms of a dental abscess
The symptoms of a dental abscess are usually pain, swelling and redness of the mouth and face. As the infection progresses, you may experience nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.
Symptoms of a dental abscess usually include, but are not limited to, tooth decay, gum inflammation, swelling of the mouth, soreness to the touch, pus formation, and sometimes difficulty or pain when opening the mouth fully or swallowing. Increased sensitivity of the affected area during palpation – feeling.
What are the causes
the cause of a dental abscess is often rooted in the presence of dental caries. Dental caries is a disease that affects the tooth enamel surface and gradually destroys the tooth tissue.
When tooth decay is left untreated, it continues to develop and progress to the deeper layers of the tooth, reaching the dental pulp where the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth are located.
When the infection from tooth decay reaches the dental pulp, it can easily spread to the soft tissues and bones around the tooth. This creates ideal conditions for the development of a dental abscess.
The infection penetrates the tissues and causes an inflammatory process, which is characterized by the following symptoms: pain, swelling, sensitivity, a red roof of the tooth and a general deterioration of the general health of the patient.< /em>
It is important to note that caries can develop and progress without obvious symptoms, especially in the initial stages. This means that patients do not always realize the problem in time and consult a dentist.
This delayed process of diagnosis and treatment can contribute to the development of dental abscesses and the complications associated with them.
In addition to tooth decay, there are other factors that can predispose a person to dental abscesses. Some of these factors include:
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Suppression of the immune system: A weak immune system can make the body more vulnerable to infections, including those affecting the teeth and oral cavity.
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Trauma and Injuries: Blows to the mouth or teeth can damage tissues and create the possibility of infection.
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Inadequate oral hygiene: Failure to use proper methods of cleaning the teeth and oral cavity, as well as improper use of dental floss and interdental brushes, can contribute to the development of caries and dental abscesses.
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Eating habits: Consumption of foods and drinks high in sugars and acids can promote the development of cavities and infections in the oral cavity.
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Genetic factors: Some people are more prone to dental problems and infections due to genetic factors.
Treatment of dental abscess
For tooth decay and toothache, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be taken to relieve pain and inflammation. However, these medicines will not cure the infection, they will only relieve the condition temporarily.
If the abscess ruptures, frequent rinsing of the mouth with warm water will clean the area around the abscess and accelerate the drainage of its contents. But even if the abscess bursts, it is necessary to have an examination by a dentist.
If the abscess does not rupture, the dentist may prescribe antibiotic treatment to cure the infection. But in the majority of cases, bursting the dental abscess is the only way to completely cure the infection.
For a dental abscess, dentists prescribe pain relievers and, at the dentist’s discretion, antibiotics to fight the infection.
When the dental abscess has also covered the area under the tooth root or the neck, a surgical intervention may be necessary, in which the dental abscess is drained under anesthesia.
Raw juice is very useful in dental abscess and can completely cure the infection. For this, take a clove of raw garlic and squeeze it so as to extract juice from it and apply the juice to the dental abscess area in the mouth.
How to protect yourself from a dental abscess
Prevention is standard, as for all other dental diseases, regular brushing of the teeth with a brush and toothpaste, the most suitable being pastes containing soda. At least once a day the teeth should be cleaned and flossed.
