An abscessed tooth is an infection within the tooth that spreads to the root tip or around the area of the root which begins from the inner chamber of the tooth called the “pulp chamber”. Inside the pulp chamber, there are blood vessels and nerves called the pulp.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0PXUZZTQMw”]Pain from an abscessed tooth is constant and severe. Without proper treatment, it can cause serious complications that can spread throughout the body. Tooth abscesses can develop due to infections to the gum or tooth which is due to tooth decay and trauma caused to the tooth. Pus can develop inside the tooth or at the gum line and can cause toothache pain.
There are three types of abscesses – periapical abscess which begins in the pulp found in the center of the tooth, periodontal abscess begins in the tissue of the bone that function in supporting the teeth and gingival abscess happens when the abscess is only limited to the gums and does not involve the teeth.
Symptoms
- A throbbing and painful toothache
- Pain in the affected area when biting a food
- Shooting or sharp pain can happen in the neck, teeth, jaw or the ear.
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold substances
A throbbing and painful toothache - Difficulty in swallowing
- Pain or bad taste in the mouth when eating and chewing
- Difficulty in opening the mouth
- Swelling of the face and the affected area
- Redness and soreness of the gums
- Unexpected toothaches
- Insomnia and fever
Causes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Weak immune system
- Gum disease
- Gingivitis
- Dental infection and bacteria
- Eating large amounts of sticky foods and carbohydrates
- Chipped tooth
Treatment
- The individual can use a salt water gargle. Simply add a teaspoon of salt or refined salt to a glass with lukewarm water. Mix until salt is dissolved completely. Rinse the mouth with this solution at least 2-3 times every day in order to help lessen the risk for infections as well as reduce the pain and discomfort. Salt has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help lessen the pain, inflammation and prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
- Apply a tea bag on the affected area to lessen pain caused by the abscessed tooth.
- Crush and squeeze raw cloves of garlic in order to get juice from it, apply the juice on the affected area. Garlic is a natural bacteria killer and helps in minimizing the infections.
- Another way to use garlic is to mix ½ teaspoon of garlic powder with a pinch of table salt. Mix them thoroughly and apply it on the affected tooth at least for 10 minutes and then rinse the mouth using a mouthwash. Garlic oil can also be applied on the affected tooth. Perform this procedure for 3-4 times every day for a few weeks.