ABSCESSED TOOTH

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An Abscessed tooth is characterized by a pocket of pus around an infected tooth’s root and can affect anyone, irrespective of age. When a part of the body becomes swollen, there is usually a buildup of pus. It is an abscess or boils. When an abscess occurs on the skin, it often turns white. This same abscess can also form at the root of the tooth. Seeking prompt treatment from a dentist or endodontist is crucial, as the condition won’t resolve on its own. Without intervention, the infection may extend beyond the jaw, reaching the neck, head, or other body areas. The root cause is often an infection in the tooth’s pulp, comprised of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.

This abscess usually appears at the base of an already damaged tooth. But it doesn’t happen overnight or suddenly. It takes a long time. Generally, after suffering from tooth decay or caries, Failure to provide timely and proper treatment, especially in cases of broken tooth roots due to injury or inadequate cleaning, can lead to this type of infection. Swift and appropriate dental care is essential to prevent complications stemming from untreated or improperly managed dental issues.

In case of an abscess, the area becomes swollen and painful. Sometimes pus also comes out from the swollen area.

Types of Tooth Abscesses

There are usually two types of abscesses in teeth. Periapical abscess and periodontal abscess.

A periapical abscess causes swelling around the root of the tooth, severe pain, and infection that does not get better until the tooth is treated (root canal or tooth extraction, etc.).

A periodontal abscess, on the other hand, is an infection of the gums or muscles around the teeth. It is easily treatable.

How an Abscess Forms

In the case of periodontal abscess, food particles first accumulate between the teeth and gums. If they are not cleaned, they rot over time. During this time millions of bacterial infections occur here. Different species of bacteria can quickly weaken the body’s immune system.

Periapical abscess, on the other hand, usually starts from dental caries or decay. When caries erode tooth enamel and dentin and penetrate the pulp, the first toothache occurs. At this time, the bacteria that cause caries or caries quickly enter the pulp and slowly rot the pulp. The decayed pulp is then transported to the root through the canals inside the tooth’s root. The bacteria also invade the underlying bone and decay begins there as well.  The infection spreads to the bone when decay or pus is present at the base of the tooth, as the tooth is implanted in the bone. As the bone surrounding the root of the tooth gradually decays and becomes soft flesh, we see swelling in the area.

Symptoms of Abscessed Teeth

The symptoms of an abscessed tooth can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Some common symptoms include:

• Severe toothache, which may be throbbing or pulsating
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swelling of the gums, face, or cheek
• Tenderness or looseness of the tooth
• Drainage of pus from the tooth or gums
• Fever and chills

Treatment of Abscessed Teeth

Both types of abscesses require antibiotics in addition to dental treatment because bacterial infections cause abscesses. However, periodontal abscess is less dangerous than periapical abscess. Periapical abscesses, if not treated in time, spread rapidly to the surrounding area without appropriate antibiotic administration and cause some diseases such as Ludwig’s angina. Ludwig’s angina is a disease in which a sudden accumulation of pus around the throat causes swelling and the patient cannot breathe. If not treated urgently, the patient may die.

Many times the doctor drains the accumulated pus from the abscess or swelling area and then proceeds to the main treatment. Draining the accumulated pus reduces the pain. Sometimes some abscesses recur and do not get better with antibiotics. In these cases, the medical professionals collect pus from the abscess and send it for culture. The results of the culture test guide the administration of further treatment.

Preventing Abscessed Tooth

There are a few things you can do to help prevent abscessed teeth:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day.
• See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings: This will help to catch any cavities or other dental problems early on before they can lead to an abscess.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks: Sugar can feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
• Don’t use your teeth to open things: This can crack or chip your teeth, making them more susceptible to infection.

Home Remedies/ Natural way to cure Tooth Abscess

Saltwater for Abscessed Tooth

Gargling your mouth with salt water is a temporary relief for your tooth abscess. It can also promote tooth decay and gum disease.

To use this remedy: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water and gargle your face.

Baking soda for Abscessed Tooth

Baking soda can provide temporary relief from your tooth abscess. This remedy has antibacterial properties that work well in removing plaque. Like a salt water rinse, you can also use baking soda as a rinse. This mixture is a quick way to ease an infected tooth. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Swish it on your face for a few minutes.

Oregano oil for Abscessed Tooth

Oregano essential oil for tooth abscess. Antioxidant properties in oregano oil can help relieve pain caused by tooth abscesses. the cold will help reduce inflammation in the infected area of the tooth abscess. For infected teeth, hold an ice pack to the affected area with a dry cloth.

Fenugreek tea for Abscessed Tooth

Fenugreek tea is the fastest way to cure tooth abscesses. It can help in getting rid of infection.

Make tea in a pan with 1 cup of hot water and 1 teaspoon of fenugreek. Apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball. Repeat a day.

clove oil Abscessed Tooth

The antibacterial properties in cloves are anti-inflammatory and can help fight gum infections. Clove oil can be used on painful areas.