As you may know, the pain of a toothache can be debilitating. The insides of your teeth are full of blood vessels and nerves that keep the teeth vital and secure in the mouth, but when these nerves become irritated or inflamed, the pain is often excruciating. Sometimes, tooth pain is the result of a dental abscess, which is an infection on or beneath the surface of the gums or inside a tooth. A tooth abscess won’t go away by itself and requires prompt attention from a dental professional, but how do you know if you have a tooth abscess? Noticing common symptoms can help if you suspect you have a tooth abscess, and treatment from your dentist can address an existing abscess and prevent infection from spreading, possibly also saving the affected tooth.
One of the more common early symptoms of an infection in the tooth or gums include heightened sensitivity to foods and drinks that are extremely cold, hot, acidic, or sweet. You may also notice that one of your teeth has begun to change color, or that there is general swelling in the jaw, face, gums, or lymph nodes near the jaw. In some cases, there may be a visible spot of swelling, like a pimple, in the gums around a tooth, which can be indicative of a dental abscess or other type of infection. The infection could leak or drain into the mouth, leading to a sour taste and foul odor in the mouth, and you may find it difficult to fully open your mouth or move your jaw.
The pain of a dental abscess often feels throbbing or pulsating, and, as infection spreads, this throbbing sensation can spread and lead to a feeling of uncomfortable pressure throughout the gums and jaw. This pressure and pain can radiate out to the face and surrounding area, causing headaches or earaches, and it often becomes worse when you lie down. As infection continues to spread, you may develop flu-like symptoms, including body aches and a fever; feverish temperatures are usually an indication that the body is fighting infection and that an emergency dental appointment is needed, as infection that spreads into the bloodstream can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Tooth abscesses can form inside a tooth’s root, when a crack in the tooth or tooth decay exposes the tooth pulp to invasive bacteria. They can also form in the gums that surround and support the teeth and infect the other oral tissues, including the bone. Inadequate oral hygiene is a common cause of tooth abscess, as it often leads to cavities, excess plaque, and untreated decay and inflammation. Cracked or chipped teeth or damaged dental work, like crowns, fillings, and previous root canals, can also encourage infection inside a tooth, and damage to the teeth or gums due to injury increases the likelihood of dental abscess. A dry mouth can breed excessive bacteria, so if you take medications that cause dry mouth, or if you smoke, talk to your dentist about methods to mitigate bacterial buildup, including smoking cessation programs. Patients with weakened immune systems or diets high in acidic or sugary foods are also more prone to tooth abscess.
If you notice any signs of a tooth abscess, call your dentist and plan to see them as soon as you can. Even if you once had symptoms and notice that pain has subsided, you’ll still want to see your dentist; this may be a sign that the nerves inside the tooth are damaged or that the abscess has ruptured, and infection will be present until it is treated by a professional.