Abscess Tooth Identifiers
There are several symptoms that may tell you that you do have an abscessed tooth and need to seek treatment.
A collection of infected material, also known as pus which is caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth's pulp, or center, is an abscess.
Bacterial growth from an existing cavity spreading into the soft tissues and the bones of the face and neck is most likely the cause.
If an infected tooth has not had proper dental treatment an abscess can form easily.
Poor dental hygiene, such as not properly brushing teeth or flossing results in cavities that lead to infection and later, if not properly treated results in abscesses.
The most obvious symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness of the face and mouth.
Signs of an abscessed tooth include cavities, gum inflammation, oral swelling tendernesswhen touched and pressure, as well as drainage.
However, each person is different and may suffer a varying amount of signs or symptoms, or even experience symptoms not included here.
Many people with an abscessed tooth have general discomfort, uneasiness, an ill feeling, as well as breath odor, difficulty opening one's mouth or swallowing.
Bitter taste in the mouth or sensitivity to hot or cold are also common indicators.
Advanced infections can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and diarrhea.
Another serious symptom is swelling of the upper jaw or lower jaw.
Shooting or throbbing pain while trying to chew canalsobe common.
Another sign of an abscessed tooth is an open draining sore inside the mouth.
Tenderness and/or pressure may also be present when there is an abscess.
The bacteria from the cavities in teeth can extend into the gums, cheek, throat, underneath the tongue and even the jaw and/or facial bones, causing a very painful dental abscess that has resulted in inflamed tissue.
Fighting the bacteria that creates the abscess in the first place is the best preventative measure for abscesses.