Why You Should NEVER Ignore a Tooth Abscess
October 15 2022 by Mills Haven Dental
A tooth abscess is a build-up of pus in the teeth or gums caused by an infection. We’re going to be blunt with you… An abscess should always be taken seriously.
Keep reading to discover the signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess so you can figure out if you have one. Next, we’ll tell you why you should take it seriously and get on the phone with your dentist ASAP.
Signs & Symptoms
There are different kinds of tooth abscesses; the primary distinguishing factor is where they happen. A tooth abscess can make its home inside the tooth, in your gums, or the bones and structures supporting your teeth.
No matter what kind of tooth abscess you’re dealing with, you can expect similar symptoms:
- Puffiness and swelling in the gums, necks, cheeks, or even lymph nodes.
- Unpleasant taste and odour coming from your mouth.
- Temperature sensitivity to hot or cold food/drink.
- Aches and pains in your teeth or jaw.
So, how do you detect a tooth abscess? Well, any of the above symptoms are a pretty good indicator that something is wrong, and you should call your dentist. You might also notice a red or white bump (like a pimple) on your gums. Don’t get these mixed up with a canker sore, which is relatively harmless. And whatever you do, don’t poke at the abscess.
However, sometimes people don’t even know they have an abscess until their dentist discovers one in the patient’s x-rays. That’s just one of many reasons why it’s essential to keep up with your annual visits to the dentist’s office.
The Risk
If all those signs and symptoms aren’t bad enough as it is, tooth abscesses also come with a significant risk to your overall health and even life.
If left alone for too long, infection will spread to other places in the body. For example, in the case of a tooth infection, you can expect that it will move further along the gums and infect other teeth. In extreme cases, the infection will travel to places in the neck and head. In rare cases, the abscess will work its way into the maxillary sinuses and continue to the eyes.
Like any unchecked infection, a tooth abscess could turn into sepsis. This is when your body has an extreme reaction to an infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and eventually death.
Seriously, tooth abscesses are nothing to take lightly and should never be ignored. Treatment can be straightforward and affordable, so don’t hold yourself back.