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Tooth Abscess- Treatments and Coping with the Pain


An abscessed tooth has a pocket of pus in the tissues surrounding the tooth. The pus forms when the immune systems tries to fight off a bacterial infection. If the pus cannot drain, it starts to form an abscess which grows bigger, and bigger as the pus accumulates. Sometimes the abscess can bore a hole right through the gum until it relieves the pressure of the accumulated pus.

You've probably gathered by now that leaving a abscessed tooth untreated is not a good idea. The bacteria can spread to other areas in the mouth, and will cause the gum to pull away from the teeth leading to more infection, and eventually infection of the bone and complete tooth loss. A tooth abscess can be treated with anti-biotics, and may not need a root canal or tooth extraction.

What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?

You will feel an abscessed tooth. The pain can come in short sharp burst, or can come in in continuous grawing toothache.Your breath may smell and your glands may swell up.

What is the best treatment for an abscessed tooth?

Don't delay or try a "home remedy" with this one. The best you can do is swirl with warm salt water and take Ibuprofen to help ease the pain and disinfect while you wait for your appointment with the dentist. Your dentist will need to drain the abscess, and then decide on the restoration - likely options include a root canal, or even a tooth extraction.

What steps can you take to Prevent Tooth Abscesses?

The tooth abscess is caused by the same dental bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral hygiene, the use of dental irrigator, using a powerful anti-bacterial agent as toothpaste or mouthwash will help ensure your bacteria count does not go off the charts.

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