How Do You Know If You Have a Tooth Abscess?

An abscessed tooth is an infection that has worked its way deep into the tooth, the root, and even the bone. This causes the pus to fill up the area and it can be very painful. If the abscess is left untreated, the abscess can cause serious issues or even need an extraction. That is why the dentist near Raleigh wants you to know the signs and symptoms of abscess, so they can treat the abscess fast and protect your mouth from more complications.

Signs of an Abscess

Many times, an abscess can lead to severe pain and it is the first sign that there is an issue, says the dentist near Raleigh, NC. Apart from pain, other symptoms of abscess are:

• A dark and discolored tooth
• Increased pain when pressure is applied
• Swelling of the gums that looks like a pimple
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Swelling of the jaw or face

Sometimes, an abscess shows no symptoms and may not cause pain. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. In that case, the dentist in 27617 will find it out during the routine appointment with the use of dental x-rays. This shows why regular dental appointments are so important.

What Causes an Abscess?

Abscess is caused by an infection. Many times, infections are caused by untreated tooth decay that hasn’t been treated and has started to seep deep into the tooth. But decay doesn’t need to be the culprit and an abscess can also be caused by a dental trauma and prior dental treatment such as root canals, fillings, or constant grinding and clenching.

Things That Increase Your Risk of an Abscess

• Poor dental hygiene
• Eating too much sugar
• Dry mouth

Reduce Your Risk of Abscess

Many abscesses are caused by decay and the best way of reducing the risk of decay and abscess is brushing and flossing daily. It’s important to schedule an appointment with a dentist near you twice a year for monitoring your oral health. Examination and x-rays may help in determining what is happening below the surface.