Are you experiencing a sharp, throbbing pain in your mouth that just won’t go away? There is usually no subtlety to a dental abscess, and it usually means you need to visit a Dental ER fast to get it under control.
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth’s pulp, or where the dental nerves and blood vessels are.
If untreated, the infection can spread toward the root of the tooth and even into the bone surrounding the tooth.
In this article, we’ll explore tooth abscess symptoms and what you can do to prevent them from causing serious complications.
Oral care starts at home. By being aware of the symptoms that come with a dental infection, you can quickly take the necessary steps to maintain your oral health.
What are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
The main symptoms of what a tooth abscess feels like often involve:
- Throbbing tooth pain: This is the most common symptom. The pain usually starts suddenly and can vary in intensity from mild to severe. It may affect your jaw, your neck, or your ear, depending on the location of the abscess.
- Sensitivity: Your tooth may become extra sensitive to hot or cold substances as well as pressure.
- Fever: An abscessed tooth can sometimes lead to a fever, as your body tries to fight off the infection.
- Swelling: There might be swelling in your face or cheek and surrounding gum tissue.
- Foul taste in the mouth or bad breath: This is often caused by pus leaking into your mouth.
Other signs of an abscessed tooth might include:
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing
- General discomfort, unease, or feeling ill
What Does a Tooth Abscess Feel Like?
A tooth abscess often feels incredibly painful. In general, most tooth abscesses cause intense aching in your gums and teeth.
If this is the case, then it is likely that you can’t ignore it for much longer.
If you don’t get quick dental treatment, a tooth abscess can lead to serious complications, such as tooth loss and even the infection spreading to other parts of your body.
You can also have periodontal disease that can cause a lot of pain.
While an infected tooth can be present with periodontal disease, it is a separate condition. Your dentist will be able to determine what the problem is.
What Does a Tooth Abscess Look Like?
Sometimes you can identify a tooth abscess by looking at the painful tooth.
One of the biggest visual indicators of an abscessed tooth is swelling. Swelling in the gum around the tooth is common and it sometimes has a pus pocket on it that looks like a pimple.
If there is swelling in the neck or upper or lower jaw, then this is a sign of a serious infection and should be treated immediately.
If you exhibit any of these symptoms or think you have a dental infection, it’s important to see your dentist right away. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications.
What Causes Tooth Abscesses?
A tooth abscess can occur from a cavity that isn’t treated right away. Sometimes a chipped or cracked tooth can allow bacteria to get down into the dental pulp and infect the tooth root.
In either case, a tooth abscess starts when bacteria are allowed to enter into the pulp or center of the tooth and infect the root of the tooth.
Diagnosing a Tooth Abscess: What to Expect at the Dentist
When you visit your dentist suspecting a tooth abscess, it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive. Knowing what to expect can ease some of those feelings.
Your dentist will conduct a physical examination. They will inspect your mouth, focusing on the affected tooth or area.
An X-ray can identify an abscess and also show the spread of infection in your jaw and surrounding structures.
Additional tests might be done to further assess the health of the tooth.
Professional Tooth Abscess Treatment
In the event that the abscess has spread or is particularly severe, your dentist might recommend that you see an endodontist, a specialist in treating tooth pain and issues involving the internal parts of the tooth.
Treatments for tooth abscesses include:
- Draining the abscess: The first line of treatment typically involves draining the abscess. This can provide immediate relief from the discomfort and swelling.
- Root canal procedure: This procedure aims to remove the infection from the pulp (the inner part of your tooth) and protect your tooth from future microbial invasion.
- Tooth extraction: In cases where the infection is severe and the tooth can’t be saved, tooth extraction will be necessary.
- Antibiotics: If the infection has spread to other areas or you have a weakened immune system, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection.
Home Remedies for Your Tooth Abscess Symptoms
If you are looking for temporary relief, here are a few home remedies that may help:
- Saltwater rinse: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth with it. This can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Clove oil: Apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area using a cotton ball. Clove oil contains eugenol, which has natural analgesic and antibacterial properties.
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected tooth can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Also, try Orajel (a gel applied to the infected tooth) and ibuprofen.
Remember, these remedies are only temporary solutions and should not replace professional dental care.
Final Thoughts on Tooth Abscess Symptoms
A tooth abscess is a painful dental condition that can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Your dental health matters, and you need to take your oral care seriously. A dental abscess is something that requires immediate dental care.
The symptoms of a tooth abscess or gum abscess include throbbing pain in the teeth and/or gums. This pain can radiate into the neck, ear, or jaw. It will also be painful to chew or bite down on the infected tooth.
You might also have swelling in your jaw, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under your jaw, redness or swelling of the face, and severe, lingering tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible.
In addition to professional treatment, home remedies such as Orajel, ibuprofen, ice packs, clove oil, warm salt water rinse, and mouthwash can help alleviate the pain caused by an abscessed tooth.
Remember to take care of your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your local Kansas City dentist for regular checkups.
FAQs Regarding Tooth Abscess Symptoms
Can a tooth abscess heal on its own?
No, a tooth abscess will not go away on its own. Even if the pain stops, the infection will still cause damage to the surrounding area.
Will antibiotics get rid of a tooth abscess?
Antibiotics can help reduce the infection in your tooth. But it won’t cure the infection. For that, you will need additional treatment.
Is a tooth abscess an emergency?
A tooth abscess is a dental emergency. The longer it goes untreated, the more the infection will spread. It can also become septic, which can be life-threatening.
How do you know if you have a tooth abscess?
Usually, you will know because it will be extremely painful. But the only way to be sure is by visiting your dentist.
