A tooth abscess is a sac of pus (infected material) in a tooth or the gums that results from bacterial infection. There are two types of tooth abscesses:

• Abscess of the pulp (inside) of the tooth

• Abscess between the tooth and gum

Causes

A tooth abscess begins when bacteria invade and infect a tooth, resulting in the build up of pus. When the pus is unable to drain, an abscess results.

Conditions that allow bacteria to invade a tooth include:

• Severe tooth decay

• Break or crack in a tooth that allows bacteria to invade the pulp of the tooth

Food or other foreign matter that becomes trapped between the tooth and gum may lead to a bacterial infection in that location.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Build-up of tartar beneath the gum line

• Inadequate fluoride application to teeth, via fluoridated water, toothpaste, or mouthwash

• Poor dental hygiene leading to untreated caries and periodontal diseases

• Malnutrition, including severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Throbbing/lingering pain in a tooth or gum area

• Pain when biting on a tooth

• Redness, tenderness, or swelling of the gums

• Swollen glands in the neck

• Discoloration of a tooth

• Bad breath or foul taste in mouth

• Open, draining sore on the gums

If left untreated, complications of tooth abscess can include:

• Loss of tooth

• Spread of infection to surrounding tissue or bone

Diagnosis

A dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a detailed exam of your teeth and gums.

The examination will include testing the tooth for pain and sensitivity by:

• Lightly tapping on the tooth

• Placing ice on the tooth

• Stimulating the tooth nerve with a low electrical current

• Sliding a probe between the tooth and gum

Your dentist will also take an x-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone.

Treatment

Treatment includes:

Prevention

Most tooth abscesses can be prevented with:

• Proper dental hygiene, including:

• • Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste after meals or at least twice per day

• • Daily flossing between teeth and gums

• • Regular dental check ups (every six months)

• • Regular professional teeth and gum cleaning (every six months)

• Limiting the amount of sugar you eat to prevent cavities

RESOURCES:

American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org

References:

American Dental Association

The Merck Manual of Medical Information—Home Edition. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.

U.S. National Library of Medicine