I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
You may have heard the term, and you may have even had a few experiences with an abscessed tooth. However, the average person has little insight into just how this problem is diagnosed and what the symptoms really are due to conflicting myths and information. An abscessed tooth is a major oral health concern and should prompt you to find a dentist right away. Here are a few things you should know about this medical condition to help ensure you know when to seek treatment.
Just What is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth, often referred to as a dental abscess, is an infection that normally originates in the pulp of a tooth that is either damaged or decayed. The bacterial infection can cause a collection of pus in the surrounding oral tissue that may show up as a pus filled cyst or pimple. An abscessed tooth can also be related to a root canal that has failed or extreme periodontal disease.
What are the Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth can have several symptoms that should act as an indicator you should find a dentist right away. Of course, the most common sign is severe pain in a certain tooth or in the surrounding tissue. However, the pain associated with abscess can also feel like pressure because the soft tissue can swell profusely with infection. Because of the additional pressure on the bones of the mouth and other teeth, you may have severe pain when you bit or chew with teeth in the area. Look for signs of a swollen, pus filled cyst or pimple around the affected tooth, as this is a tell-tale sign. In addition, an abscessed tooth may appear to be discolored in comparison to other teeth.
Are Symptoms Always So Obvious?
Unfortunately, no. Some people will have an abscessed tooth and never know that they do. It is not uncommon for a person to arrive for a dental checkup and learn that they have an abscessed tooth. If a tooth has been damaged to a certain point, it can lose its vitality, which means that the nerves that cause pain can be affected. Therefore, an abscess may not cause any pain. Yet, it is possible for the abscess to cause a localized rupture in the gums to drain infection.
If you suspect that you are dealing with an abscessed tooth, you should seek the help of a dentist from a clinic like Bruggeman Dental as quickly as possible. This can be a threat to your health as the infection can spread throughout your body and cause a variety of other health concerns.
Share20 November 2014
