No one goes through life without experiencing pain every once in a while. Even a toothache can be surprisingly severe. It’s important to take toothaches seriously and not ignore them since the pain you feel might signal an abscessed tooth.
An abscess in a tooth is a more serious pain than a standard cavity. It means that you have a bacterial infection, probably deep in the root of the tooth. If ignored, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause significant illness.
There’s no foolproof way of avoiding an abscess. But getting good general dentistry services from Lovett Dental Gulfgate or a dental professional near you can significantly reduce the risk. Get your toothache evaluated as soon as you can.
What Is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth typically announces itself with a noticeable “pocket of pus” that emerges in and around the gum area. Why do abscesses happen? According to the Cleveland Clinic, an abscessed tooth is generally the outcome of one or more specific circumstances, including:
- Smoking – Evidence suggests that smokers are more susceptible than non-smokers.
- Diet – People who consume excessive amounts of sugar, including sweets such as candy, cake, or soda, open themselves to complications that can lead to an abscessed tooth.
- Hygiene – While it isn’t a foolproof solution, brushing and flossing regularly can reduce the risk of an abscessed tooth. It’s also important to get regular general dentistry services such as cleanings.
- Dry mouth – Some people take a medicine that dries them out; others are predisposed to low saliva. This can breed the bacteria leading to an infection.
3 Signs of an Abscessed Tooth
Recognizing when you have an abscessed tooth is important so you can seek the care you need to make sure it doesn’t spread. Beyond the most obvious, the pocket of pus on a gum, three of the most noticeable signs of an abscessed tooth include:
1. Extreme Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Sensitivity creates a rush that lasts even after you swallow, such as when you have something to drink.
2. A Toothache that Will Not Stop
For example, a toothache that sends pain radiating from the tooth outward to the jaw, neck, or ear.
3. A Mouthful of Fluid that Tastes and Smells Terrible
This is a sign that the abscess has ruptured.
Other signs include swelling of your face, a fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and difficulties in breathing or swallowing.
Preventing an Abscessed Tooth
What can you do to prevent an abscessed tooth? The answer is to maintain vigilance for good dental health. Seek regular general dentistry services such as exams or cleanings, and also build some of these habits into your system:
- Brush at least twice a day using toothpaste with fluoride.
- Clean between your teeth and gums regularly using dental floss.
- Keep your toothbrush fresh, replacing it at least every three to four months, or whenever it seems necessary.
- Improve your diet by limiting sugary foods as well as snacking in between meals.
Your habits play a role in reducing the risk of an abscessed tooth.
Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate Now for Help with an Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is no fun for anyone. It’s important to pay attention to what your mouth is telling you. Let Lovett Dental Gulfgate be on the lookout for all your dental needs. Our team of board-certified dentists and dental specialists provide all forms of dental care, including cleanings, checkups, veneers, and implants. We also offer various specialties such as orthodontic dental braces and other cosmetic dentistry services, as well as pediatric dental care. Our goal is to help keep you smiling wide. Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate today by calling 713-847-8822 or completing our convenient online form to set up an initial appointment.
