As you have probably heard, taking care of your teeth is very important, for their health, your overall health, your comfort, and so you can dazzle everyone with that beautiful smile. Yet another good reason to take good care of your teeth is so you can avoid serious problems in the future, such as a tooth abscess.
Tooth abscesses
A tooth abscess is basically an infected tooth. The infection can be at the root or between the gum and the tooth. Pus forms in the infected area, which is filled with bacteria. If an abscess isn’t treated, it will only get worse. It will not only cause damage to the tooth but to the surrounding teeth. It can even damage the jaw bone, or the infection can spread to the rest of the body and cause serious health problems.
You might have an abscessed tooth if you notice an open sore on the gums, if your teeth are very sensitive to hot or cold, if you have a sharp pain in the tooth, tender gums, and/or a swollen area on the jaw. You may even have a fever and swollen neck glands.
A tooth infection can be the result of poor dental habits and untreated cavities. If there are cracks, holes, or chips in a tooth, that gives bacteria the chance to get into the tooth and cause an infection.
How is a tooth abscess treated?
You should see your dentist as soon as possible if your teeth are causing you pain or if you think you might have an abscess. An abscess won’t go away on its own. Your dentist will try to save the tooth by draining the abscess and killing any remaining bacteria. A root canal may be needed to get rid of diseased tissue. If the infection is very serious, the tooth may have to be extracted.
A good way to prevent an abscess is to take good care of your teeth! Make sure to brush, floss, eat a healthy diet, and visit Arlington Dental Aesthetics in Arlington for checkups. Call the Arlington office at (703) 527-1020 today!
