A dental abscess is an infection affecting the mouth, the face, the jaw or the throat that has its origins in a tooth infection or oral cavity. Tooth pain caused due to dental abscess is commonly seen among people with poor dental health. Individuals who delay tooth infections or cavities may also suffer from dental abscess due to the lack of proper and timely dental care. When the harmful pathogens of the bacteria from a tooth cavity extend into the surrounding gums, the cheeks, the throat and beneath the tongue, it can result in a dental abscess that may even reach into the jaw or facial bones resulting in inflamed tissues.
The fluid collected at the site of the tooth infection can progressively grow to be more painful until it ruptures or is able to drain on its own, unless interfered with through surgical means. At times, it is possible that the infection can cause the individual to experience various other symptoms including a blocked airway. The swelling may also reach the throat and cause difficulty in breathing swallowing and drinking.
If the abscess ruptures by itself, before you reach your dental practitioner, use warm water rinses or saline water mouth gargles to help cleanse the mouth and encourage smooth drainage.
A dental abscess usually makes an individual feel generally ill and can cause nausea with high fevers and chills. Most infected tooth infections that have not received appropriate dental care invite the possibilities of grave dental abscesses. If you believe that you have a dental abscess, it is important to seek the advice of your dental practitioner or seek emergency help especially if you feel ill overall. Dentists usually determine a correct diagnosis with the help of x-rays whether the dental abscess can be drained through surgical methods. Ensure that you comply with your dentist's instructions for proper care. It is important to cooperate with your health-care professionals in order to ensure the best possible dental health. In order to prevent tooth decay and dental abscess, prevention plays a major factor in maintaining optimum dental health. Regular brushing and flossing in addition to regular dental check ups go a long way in preventing tooth infections and dental abscesses. It is important to remember that if tooth decay or tooth infections are determined early; oral cavities that may be in the initial stages can be treated and corrected, to prevent further damage.