Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is the formation of a bag or lump containing pus on teeth. Tooth abscess caused by bacterial infections. This condition can appear around the root of the teeth and in the gum.
Bacterial infections that cause tooth abscesses generally occur in people with poor dental cleanliness and health. The pus that gathered on a lump, will gradually feel painful.
This disease can be prevented by brushing teeth regularly or cleaning teeth using dental floss. To avoid gear damage and abscess, it is recommended to routinely check teeth with the dentist.
Gear abscess is divided into several types. The following are three types of teeth abscesses most commonly found:
- Periapical abscess, namely abscesses that appear at the tip of the root of the teeth.
- Periodontal abscess, which is the abscess that appears on the gum next to the root of the teeth and can spread to the network and the surrounding bones.
- Gingiva abscess, namely abscess that appears on the gum.
Symptoms of tooth abscess
The main symptom of teeth abscess is the appearance of pain that can come suddenly and can get worse in the teeth or gums. Some other symptoms that can be felt by teeth abscesses are:
- Fever.
- Swollen gums.
- Pain while chewing and bit.
- Toothache spread to the ear, jaw, and neck.
- Teeth changed color.
- Sensitive to hot or cold food.
- Bad breath.
- Redness and swelling on the face.
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw.
- Hard to breathe.
When to go to the dentist
The examination should be done immediately when symptoms appear to prevent tooth abscesses get worse. A tooth abscess can cause complications that are harmful to the discovery, namely infection that spreads deeper into the jaw, head, and neck.
Immediately into the IGD at the nearest hospital if symptoms appear tooth abscess accompanied by swelling on the gums and lymph nodes, to cause shortness of breath.
Dental and oral health checks need to be done routinely to the dentist. This is done to maintain the health of the oral cavity and prevent or detect more early if the disease appears. Therefore, you are advised to visit the dentist every 6 months.
Causes and risk factors for tooth abscess
Teeth abscess occurs when the development of bacteria in the oral cavity. Bacteria get into the teeth through holes or cracks in the patient's teeth that cause swelling and inflammation at the end of the roots.
This bacterial infection will be more susceptible to someone who has the conditions below, among others:
- Teeth are less clean
Not treating teeth and gums can correctly increase the risk of dental and oral diseases, including tooth abscesses.
- High sugar food
Often consuming foods and sweet drinks can cause cavities and develop into tooth abscesses.
- Dry mouth
A dry mouth can also interfere with dental health until infection arises and teeth abscesses.
Diagnosis of tooth abscess
In the initial stage of inspection, the dentist will ask for complaints and symptoms experienced by the patient. The doctor will also carry out a physical examination, such as the teeth and the overall oral cavity.
During a physical examination, the doctor will knock the patient's teeth to find out whether teeth are more sensitive to touch and pressure. Usually, the teeth of people who suffer from tooth abscesses will be more sensitive.
Next, the doctor will conduct a supporting inspection which includes:
- Photo of X-rays
Dental X-ray photos are carried out to find out how broad the infection occurs, whether it has spread to other areas.
- CT Scan
CT scan is done if the infection has spread to other areas further, for example to the neck area.
Treatment and complications of teeth abscess
To eliminate infection and pus, the dentist will recommend the following actions:
- Spending empyema
The doctor will make a small incision in the bump of the abscess and remove empyema. After the pus has flowed and the tooth area is cleaned with saltwater, it is expected that swelling will decrease.
- Administration of antibiotic drugs
Antibiotics are not needed if there has been a pus expenditure. New antibiotic drugs are given if the infection has spread.
- Gear root canal treatment
Gear root care can help eliminate an infection. The doctor will drill the teeth to the bottom to lift the soft tissue that is the center of infection and drain pus. After that, these paired teeth will be installed by a crown tooth.
- Tooth extraction
If the teeth affected by an abscess cannot be saved, the doctor will revoke the teeth. After that, empyema will be issued to eliminate an infection.
While still in the healing stage, patients will be recommended to undergo treatment at home to relieve illness, namely by roving using saltwater and taking painkillers.
Complications of tooth abscess
Untreated tooth abscesses at risk of experiencing several complications in the form of:
- Tooth cyst.
- Sinusitis.
- Osteomyelitis or bone infection.
- Angina Ludwig or phlegmon on the base of the mouth.
- Sepsis or reaction of deadly immune systems due to infections that spread throughout the body.
Prevention of tooth abscess
The most important way to prevent tooth abscesses is to prevent tooth damage. Some of the steps you can do are:
- Toothbrushes 2 times a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Use dental thread or dental floss to clean the teeth every day.
- Replace the toothbrush regularly every 3 months.
- Avoid using mouthwash after brushing your teeth because it can eliminate the benefits of toothpaste.
- Reduce consuming foods and drinks that contain sugar and flour, especially between meals or before going to bed.
- Routinely checks for dental health to the dentist every 6-12 months.
That's the discussion of Tooth Abscess. Don't forget to always visit the Health Thumbs for the latest updates on healthy, healthy lifestyles and various types of diseases and their handling.
