Abscess tooth when is it dangerous

If you do not keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.

You can reduce your risk of developing dental abscesses by keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Read more on how to keep your teeth clean and dental check-ups. Page last reviewed: 05 February Next review due: 05 February Dental abscess. They can sometimes spread to other parts of the body and make you ill. Symptoms of a dental abscess Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include: an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum pain that's worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep redness and swelling in your face a tender, discoloured or loose tooth shiny, red and swollen gums sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature fever and feel generally unwell.

What to do if you have a dental abscess You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have a dental abscess.

Avoid visiting a GP, as there's little they can do to help. Find out about NHS dental charges Relieving pain from a dental abscess While you're waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain. Aspirin should not be given to children under This is safe for adults, but not for children under It may also help to: avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you should not use them to delay getting help from a dentist.

Also if the bacteria enter the lungs and cause pneumonia, another life threatening illness. There are many serious conditions caused from the bacterial infection of abscess teeth. Serious heart, lung, and brain infections can lead to death if left untreated. Another risk of death caused by an abscessed tooth is the swelling of the floor of the mouth. The swelling under the jaw can block off your airway causing you to suffocate.

It is imperative to seek treatment at the earliest signs of infection. Treatment of a dental abscess depends on the extent of infection. The first step is to eliminate the infection. This may be done by root canal therapy where the abscess is drained through the tooth.

Extraction of the tooth is another way to drain the infection. An incision into the swollen gum tissue is another way to drain the area. Antibiotics are prescribed to help fight the infection.

Once the infection is clear, you can begin your restorative dental treatment and be on your way back to a healthy smile. The treatment for an abscessed tooth is nothing compared to the potential outcome of neglecting to seek treatment out to fear. Contact South Tampa Smiles promptly if you are having any of the symptoms we have listed. We are here to help. Log in to Reply. Swelling of the gums, sharp or shooting pain, and sores on your gums may also be signs of an abscess.

You may even experience symptoms like a fever, swollen neck glands, and just feeling generally ill. Tooth abscesses tend to stay contained to the area that's infected, but you should contact your dental professional and set up an appointment to treat the abscess and the condition that caused it right away. In rare situations, the infection can spread and create complications.

If an abscess in a lower tooth spreads, it can infect your neck and floor of your mouth, making it difficult for you to breathe. An abscess in one of your upper teeth could spread to your sinuses and eyes. Don't worry.

These types of spread are uncommon, but they do happen, and it's worth getting treatment to avoid the possibility of being hospitalized. If you have a tooth abscess, your dental professional may utilize one or more of the following treatment options:. Learn more about root canals vs. In most cases, tooth abscesses can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day. Floss or clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or water flossers at least once a day, and use an antimicrobial mouthrinse and a tongue scraper.

Be sure to see your dental professional for regular checkups and to check the health of your teeth and gums. If you notice any irregularities or sensitivities in the health of your gums, don't wait until your next checkup — make an appointment with a dental professional right away. Together, you will be able to get your oral health back to a condition you can smile about. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.

It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English.