Toothache and Abscesses
Oral hygiene is essential if you want to prevent things like toothache and abscesses. They occur primarily because of a lack of dental hygiene.
Abscess is a swelling containing pus due to inflammation or bacterial infection. It’s usually red or pink.
This can occur on the gums which in turn can lead to severe toothaches and infection. It results when the infection reaches the tip of the root or forms a pocket of pus.
Toothache on the other hand occurs when a cavity becomes infected. It’s paramount to note that if an abscess is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the mouth and can go as far as the jawbone. This in turn can lead to other serious complications.
Infection of the gum [PYORRHEA]
It is a serious gum infection that damages the gum and can destroy the jawbone. They are also known as periodontal, gingival, or periapical disease. Its results are the continuous growth and accumulation of bacteria on teeth and gums. It can lead to halitosis [bad smell from the mouth] and other issues.
Types of Infection that can cause dental abscesses.
There are different types of abscesses and they’re as follows:
Periodontal:
This is the most common dental abscess in adults. It’s not that it doesn’t affect, it’s rare among children. This infection starts in the bone and tissues that support the teeth. It forms in your tooth pulp.
Periapical abscess:
This type of infection forms at the tip of the root.
Gingival abscess:
In this case, the infection develops in your gum.
Causes of toothache and abscesses
Poor dental/oral hygiene: this could include not brushing well, lack of flossing, etc.
- Malnutrition: not eating the right balance of nutrients.
- Using the wrong bristle to brush.
- A cracked tooth
- Untreated dental cavity
- Eating foods high in sugar
- An injury possibly as a result of dental work done in the past.
- Bacterial infection: this is why you need to practice good oral hygiene.
Symptoms of toothache and abscesses.
They’re a few ways to know you have an abscess and they’re as follows:
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth making your teeth look longer.
- Continuous bad breath in your mouth.
- fever
- loose or wobbly teeth.
- Pus coming up between your gums and teeth.
- Pain in your teeth caused by pressure from the infection.
Prevention and treatment for toothache and abscesses
It’s always better to prevent this from happening and here are some tips that can help you do that:
If possible, brush your teeth well after each meal. Scrub the dark yellow crust [tartar] that forms after a meal where the teeth meet the gum.
Floss after brushing to remove food particles stuck between the teeth.
Eat protective foods rich in vitamins and avoid sweet, sticky, and stringy foods that can get stuck between the teeth.
Also note that some medications for fits [epilepsy] such as phenytoin cause swelling and unhealthy growth of the gums. If this is the case, consult a doctor and consider alternative treatment.
How to calm toothache and abscesses
Toothache can cause a great deal of discomfort and can even make you feel pain when opening your mouth and when chewing, it’s important to treat it on time. Here are some home remedies:
- If you can locate the hole in the tooth wall, remove all the food particles from the hole first.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Take a pain reliever like aspirin.
- Use an ice pack on the part of the mouth.
- if the tooth infection is severe, use antibiotic tables like penicillin, etc.
It’s always best to seek professional help from a dentist to avoid further complications and find a lasting solution.
CONCLUSION
Toothache and abscesses are the primary result of a cavity or bacterial infection. If you take proper care of your teeth by cleaning them well and regularly and also eating the right vitamins, you could prevent all of this.
In a situation where you are already feeling any of the symptoms listed above, please see a dentist immediately. That’s the only way to get a permanent solution and prevent future reoccurrence.
