The Hidden Danger of Dental Abscesses

You may experience the following signs and symptoms if your tooth is infected:

• Severe and throbbing toothache that radiates to your jaws, neck, or ear.
• Discomfort or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Constant pain or only when biting and chewing.
• Swelling in your cheeks, neck, or face.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Bitter taste or foul smell in the mouth.
• Redness and swelling of the gums.

A dental abscess will not heal without treatment. While the toothache may subside once the dental abscess damages the pulp inside your tooth, it does not mean that the infection has gone away. The dying of the pulp causes the nerves to stop functioning, thus making them unable to feel the pain. The bacteria will continue to spread and deteriorate the surrounding tissue. 

If you have any symptoms of a tooth abscess, it is important that you make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible, even if the pain has gone away.

An abscessed tooth can heal within 1 to 2 weeks on average. The healing time may vary depending on the size of the abscess and how well your body responds. Some abscesses may heal much quicker than two weeks, while others may take longer. It is important to consult with your dentist to assess your unique case and provide an estimate of the recovery period and an appropriate treatment plan.

Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater a few times per day may help to alleviate the discomfort and reduce inflammation. You may also take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage it. But make sure to follow the recommended usage of the medication. We highly suggest contacting a dentist for further instructions and proper dental treatment.

A dental abscess can cause damage not only to the affected tooth but also to other surrounding teeth, nerves, and oral tissues. The infection is prone to attracting more bacteria, making it grow and worsen over time. As such, addressing a dental abscess as soon as possible is important to prevent its progression and minimise such risks.

An abscessed tooth can result in significant adverse effects on overall oral health. The infection can spread to other parts of your mouth and cause long-term damage. Taking steps now will help improve your overall oral health for many years.

A dental abscess can cause the roots of the tooth to become weak and loose. This problem can eventually cause the tooth to fall out from the socket without immediate treatment. 

If you have an abscessed tooth, it can be the root cause of a variety of further oral health problems. It can lead to bad breath, missing teeth, inflamed tooth pulp, deterioration of the jawbone, and gum infections.

When it comes to dental abscesses, how often one should see a dentist depends on individual cases. In some cases, frequent visits to the dentist may be necessary, while in other circumstances, longer intervals between consultations may be okay. It is advisable to consult your dentist about the treatment plan that’s suitable for you.