Michael Bovee
Dental abscesses are painful ulcers in the gum or teeth
A dental abscess is generally a painful, swollen red inflamed mass filled with dark, yellowish-brown pus. While the symptoms may not be apparent at first, if left untreated the abscess can progress into a more serious disease. There are different types of dental abses, including a periodontal abscess and a pulp-forming abscess.
Periodontal abscesses occur due to plaque build up on the gums and teeth, which form a hard layer of deposits around them. The deposit hardens further and causes the accumulation of bacteria, and the accumulation of tartar – a mineral deposit that clings to the teeth. This hardening and accumulation of bacteria cause the formation of a soft, fleshy, pocketed area called a periodontium. Bacteria can also enter the periodontium, resulting in abscesses.
Periodontal absies are extremely painful and can also result in bleeding, infection, and severe pain when chewing or talking. The bacteria in the periodontal cavity can travel deep into the gums and cause bleeding and ulcers on the gums.
Periodontal perivascular abuses occur due to damage of the gums caused by an injury, infection, or inflammation. These absences are very painful, often accompanied by fever, and often times a sign of an underlying medical condition. Some absences may bleed and cause severe pain during eating or brushing. These absences also often appear as a cluster.
Periodontitis is inflammation of the gums brought about by a bacterial infection (gum infection). It can be caused by a number of factors, such as poor oral health, an improper diet, or even tooth decay. This can also lead to absences, especially if it is untreated.
Pulpupul-forming absies are also known as bleeding gums. They occur when a small amount of dead white blood cells and bacteria, known as puss, builds up in the tooth root and surrounding area of the gums, resulting in absences filled with blood and pus.
Absieces may result from tooth decay, which occurs when the gums become infected and the bacteria cause bacteria in the mouth to multiply. Tooth decay can lead to absences because there is no adequate protection of the underlying bone supporting the tooth. Tooth decay also causes an absence because the infected bone becomes inflamed.
It is important to have your dentist check the state of your teeth regularly, especially if they are discolored or irritated and have visible signs of tooth decay. If the condition does not improve with normal oral hygiene measures, it is best to seek treatment.
Dental absies are very serious because they can cause death if not treated right away. When you have an abscessed tooth, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, which will then spread to other parts of the body. You should never pick at a tooth or attempt to chew on an infected tooth because it can cause the infection to spread further and even lead to death if it is untreated.
Oral antibiotics, such as anesthetics, decongestants and pain relievers can often help to relieve the pain and swelling caused by an abscess. When your abscesses do not heal on their own, they can often be filled with local anesthetics and taken to the dentist to have them removed. At times, more invasive treatments may be needed.
Periodontal abscesses can also be treated using traditional methods such as the use of antibiotics, decongestants, and other medications to help with the infection and relieve pain. Although there are several forms of oral antibiotics available today, these can often be harmful to the gums, so it is important to get your teeth examined by your dentist for proper dental care.
Periodontal abscesses cannot be prevented, but can be treated
Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits to your dentist are key to preventing absences. Avoid the risk of a cavity occurring in the first place by brushing and flossing daily, as these simple procedures can help to prevent them from forming in the first place.
Preventive steps such as brushing regularly, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year are the first step in preventing a cavity from forming, and by taking care of your gums and teeth, you can avoid an abscess from developing. Periodontal absences can also be a sign of a bigger problem, such as periodontitis or gum disease.