How is a tooth abscess diagnosed?

A dental abscess is a type of bacterial infection that enters the root of the tooth or between the tooth and the gum through a small hole and causes pain and accumulation of pus. The cause of abscess formation can be severe tooth decay, damage to the tooth, or the presence of cavities that have been neglected. Tooth abscess has two types: periapical abscesses and periodontal abscesses. Periapical abscesses occur at the tip of the tooth root. But periodontal abscesses involve the gum and bone around the tooth. Although a tooth abscess may have no symptoms at first, it can lead to serious medical problems. For this reason, the best thing to do is to diagnose a dental abscess early before the infection spreads.

Identification of dental abscess

1- Attention to toothache

One of the most common symptoms and methods of diagnosing tooth abscesses is pain. Pain often occurs when the pus produced by bacteria has reached the pulp (dental core) and puts pressure on the nerves there. The pain caused by the abscess is felt around the tooth and is usually continuous and throbbing. This pain makes biting the tooth pain and can cause insomnia.

• The pain is not always local and around the tooth. Sometimes toothache spreads to distant areas such as ears, jaw, neck, or cheeks; so you may not be able to identify its exact origin. Additionally, you may feel irritable after a sleepless night of pain.
• You may feel movement in your tooth when it hurts, and the entire area around the tooth may look red and swollen.
• If your severe toothache subsides, you should not assume that the abscess is gone. In this case, it is more likely that the dental pulp has been destroyed by an abscess and the infection remains. Especially in cases where you have taken painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, you may not have pain for a while. But the existing infection causes an abscess again in a short period.
• Pay attention to the pain when eating or drinking something. An abscess can make chewing painful and make your teeth sensitive to cold and heat. If these symptoms persist, continue treatment.
• Pericoronitis abscess is an abscess that occurs near the lower wisdom tooth. This type of abscess can make it very difficult to move the masticatory or trismus muscles, and consequently to open and close the mouth.

2- Pay attention to the pain when eating or drinking

An abscess can make chewing painful. Abscesses can also make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. If these symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

• Pericoronitis abscess is an abscess that can be located near the lower wisdom tooth. This type of abscess can block your masticatory muscles (also known as trismus), making it nearly impossible to open or close your mouth.

3- Paying attention to the swelling and diagnosis of tooth abscess

As the infection progresses, swelling and pain develop inside the mouth. Additionally, your gums may be red and swollen, your teeth may be sensitive, and your cheek may look swollen.

Also, the part of the gum that is on the hidden tooth may swell and its effects can appear in the form of a pimple.

4- Paying attention to the unpleasant smell or taste in the mouth

If the tooth abscess ruptures, the smell or taste of pus will be felt in the mouth. Pus has a bitter taste and should never be swallowed. To remove the taste, you can rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine mouthwash or salt water and see a doctor immediately.

5- Check other symptoms

Worsening of the tooth abscess causes fever and discharge of pus from the gums and may make it difficult for you to open and close your mouth, breathe, or swallow. Other symptoms such as swollen glands, swelling in the upper or lower jaw, and feeling sick or sick may also be present. If these symptoms occur, see a dentist immediately.

If the abscess ruptures, you may experience sudden relief of toothache or a salty taste in your mouth. In this case, you should see a dentist immediately.

6- See a dentist

If you see the above-mentioned symptoms, see a dentist in Canada. The dentist first examines the tooth and tries to measure its sensitivity by giving slight blows to the tooth. He will most likely advise you to get an x-ray of your tooth to make sure there is an abscess.

An abscess is a serious problem, and if you encounter it, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist identifies the source of the abscess, prescribes painkillers and antibiotics, and treats it. Abscess treatment includes drainage, debridement, or tooth extraction.

Tooth decay facilitates the entry of bacteria into the tooth and the creation of tooth abscesses

Prevention of tooth abscess

1- Compliance with oral and dental hygiene

Brush your teeth twice a day and try to floss once a day. Neglecting teeth increases the risk of tooth abscess.

2- Avoid eating sweet foods

Continually eating sugary foods (such as candy and chocolate) can increase the risk of tooth decay. Cavities caused by decay can eventually lead to abscess formation. Although some sweet foods are good, it is better to consume them in moderation and brush your teeth after eating them if possible.

3- Dealing with cavities and fractures

Untreated cavities or broken teeth put you at risk of developing an abscess when they reach the pulp (the pulp is the inner part of the tooth). This problem occurs when the bacteria has reached the dental pulp. You should see a dentist immediately and watch out for any symptoms.

Cavities and damage to the tooth usually lead to “periapical abscess”.

4- Attention to the gums

Injuries to the gums can cause tooth abscesses. Gum disease expands the space between teeth and gums and facilitates the entry of bacteria. These bacteria can cause an abscess, even if the teeth are healthy and free of cavities. If your gums have any problems, look for the symptoms and diagnosis of tooth abscess.

• Gum injuries and diseases usually lead to a special type of infection called “gingival abscess” or “gum abscess.” If the infection spreads to the gum pockets and the pus cannot drain, it is called a periodontal abscess.