How Do I Know If I Have a Tooth Abscess?
One of the most noticeable symptoms of a dental abscess is a toothache, though pain in the teeth or jaw can also suggest a variety of other issues. There are several other indications that a tooth abscess might be present, however, and knowing these signs can help you tell if you have a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that develops near the root of an infected tooth. Dental abscesses won’t go away on their own, and infection can spread if an abscess is ignored, so if you notice any of the signs of an abscess, see your dentist. In some cases, a tooth abscess could even require emergency medical attention; knowing what to look for and when to seek treatment could mean saving your tooth, or even saving your life.
The pulp inside your teeth is rich with blood vessels and nerve endings. If the protective outer layers of the teeth are damaged by impact or decay, this dental pulp becomes vulnerable to bacteria and susceptible to infection. In addition to the often extreme, sometimes throbbing pain a tooth infection or dental abscess can cause, the teeth may be extremely sensitive to foods and drinks that are very hot, very cold, highly acidic, or excessively sugary. Dental abscess can also be indicated by a foul smell and putrid, metallic taste in the mouth, and you may see a sore on your gums that’s noticeably draining sour fluid into your mouth. The infected tooth might change color, and there may be visible swelling of the gums around the tooth, or a small swollen area that looks like a pimple. You may also notice swelling in your face, jaw, neck, or lymph nodes.
As the infection in a dental abscess spreads, increased swelling adds pressure to your gums and your jaw, and the pain increases and may present as intense, throbbing pain that worsens when you’re lying down. Some patients report increased saliva production as the body tries to fight infection, and some report having a sharp headache or earache. In an attempt to defend against infection, the immune system goes into overdrive, causing a fever; if you have a fever and have other symptoms of a tooth abscess, seek emergency medical attention to prevent infection from entering your vital organs and causing life-threatening complications. Sometimes, the pain of a dental abscess could interfere with your ability to sleep or cause your heart rate to increase, and in some cases, swelling in the jaw or neck can interfere with the ability to swallow or even to breathe. These are also serious signs that you should seek emergency medical attention. Without treatment, your tooth may eventually need to be extracted.
The best way to avoid needing emergency intervention for a dental abscess is to seek treatment at the first signs. Call your dentist ASAP if you notice any symptoms of a dental abscess, and follow their recommendations for treatment. To prevent tooth abscesses from forming in the first place, make sure you see your dentist regularly, and, if you have any tooth decay or fractured teeth, treat these issues before they worsen; they’re the prime culprits when it comes to tooth infection and dental abscess. You can prevent tooth decay with routine, effective brushing and flossing, and can protect your teeth from impact and excessive force. Preventing damage and decay could help you avoid a dental abscess, and knowing and treating the symptoms can help reduce the pain and destruction these infections can cause.