A dental abscess is a painful, localized infection that occurs in or around a tooth. It is usually caused by untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth, which allows bacteria to enter the tooth or surrounding tissue. This infection leads to the formation of a pocket of pus, causing swelling, severe pain, and sometimes fever. If not treated, a dental abscess can spread and lead to serious complications.
Symptoms
Signs that your child may have a dental abscess include:
• Severe toothache or throbbing pain, which may worsen when chewing or touching the affected tooth
• Swelling or redness in the gums or cheek near the affected tooth
• A visible pimple-like bump on the gums, often filled with pus
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Fever or general feelings of illness
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
• Severe toothache or throbbing pain, which may worsen when chewing or touching the affected tooth
• Swelling or redness in the gums or cheek near the affected tooth
• A visible pimple-like bump on the gums, often filled with pus
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Fever or general feelings of illness
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth
Causes
A dental abscess can develop due to several factors, including:
• Untreated tooth decay: When cavities are left untreated, bacteria can infect the tooth’s pulp, leading to an abscess.
• Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis): Bacteria from gum infections can travel to the tooth root and cause an abscess.
• Cracked or broken teeth: A crack in the tooth allows bacteria to enter the pulp, leading to infection.
• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and bacteria to build up, increasing the risk of infection.
• Untreated tooth decay: When cavities are left untreated, bacteria can infect the tooth’s pulp, leading to an abscess.
• Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis): Bacteria from gum infections can travel to the tooth root and cause an abscess.
• Cracked or broken teeth: A crack in the tooth allows bacteria to enter the pulp, leading to infection.
• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and bacteria to build up, increasing the risk of infection.
Diagnosis
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, our dental team will:
• Perform a thorough oral examination to check for signs of infection, swelling, or pus.
• Use X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine if the abscess has spread to the bone.
• Ask about your child’s symptoms, medical history, and any recent dental issues.
• Perform a thorough oral examination to check for signs of infection, swelling, or pus.
• Use X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine if the abscess has spread to the bone.
• Ask about your child’s symptoms, medical history, and any recent dental issues.
Treatment Options
Treatment for a dental abscess aims to remove the infection and prevent complications. Common options include:
• Drainage of the abscess: If the abscess is causing significant swelling or pain, we may perform a procedure to drain the pus and relieve pressure.
• Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infection, especially if it has spread or if your child has a fever.
• Root canal therapy: If the abscess is caused by infection in the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
• Tooth extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Pain management: We may recommend pain relievers or apply local anesthesia to manage discomfort during treatment.
• Drainage of the abscess: If the abscess is causing significant swelling or pain, we may perform a procedure to drain the pus and relieve pressure.
• Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infection, especially if it has spread or if your child has a fever.
• Root canal therapy: If the abscess is caused by infection in the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
• Tooth extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Pain management: We may recommend pain relievers or apply local anesthesia to manage discomfort during treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a dental abscess go away on its own?
A: While some minor abscesses may improve temporarily, it is important to seek treatment to fully resolve the infection and prevent complications.
Q: What happens if a dental abscess is not treated?
A: If left untreated, a dental abscess can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious health issues such as blood infections or bone damage.
Q: How can I prevent a dental abscess in my child?
A: Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing), and healthy eating habits can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, reducing the risk of a dental abscess.
Contact
Please feel free to contact us with any general or medical enquiry by calling us.
