Dental infection: Signs, remedies, and origins
In the world of oral health, dental abscesses are a common concern. These are buildups of pus that form inside the teeth or gums, often caused by a bacterial infection. Here's what you need to know about the symptoms, types, treatment, and potential long-term complications of dental abscesses.
Symptoms of dental abscesses can vary, but may include pain, a bad taste in the mouth, fever, sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids, difficulties opening the mouth, swallowing difficulties, insomnia, and a generally unwell feeling.
There are three main types of dental abscesses: Gingival, Periodontal, and Periapical. A Gingival abscess is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament. A Periodontal abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth, while a Periapical abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.
Periodontal abscesses can develop as a result of dental procedures, the use of antibiotics in untreated periodontitis, or gum damage. Periapical abscesses are typically caused by bacteria entering a tooth through tiny holes caused by tooth decay, or caries, that form in the hard outer layer of the tooth.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol (paracetamol) can help manage pain from a dental abscess, but should not replace a visit to a dentist. However, it's important to note that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, and should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ibuprofen should not be taken by asthmatic individuals or those with stomach ulcers.
Home remedies such as avoiding hot or cold food and drink, chewing on the unaffected side of the mouth, using a soft toothbrush, and avoiding flossing around the affected area can help relieve pain.
Treatment for a dental abscess may involve root canal surgery, draining the abscess, and administering a local anesthetic. In some cases, the tooth may need to be extracted if it's too damaged to be saved. Those with a periapical abscess and a recurring infection may need to have diseased tissue surgically removed. Those with a periodontal abscess and a recurring infection may have to have their gum tissue reshaped and the periodontal pocket removed.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading and can be taken along with painkillers. Examples of antibiotics that may be used include amoxicillin and metronidazole.
The long-term complications of untreated dental abscesses are serious and can affect both oral and overall health. Progressive tooth damage is one such complication, where the infection can worsen, causing the tooth structure to weaken and eventually lead to tooth loss. The abscess infection can extend beyond the tooth root into surrounding tissues, including the jawbone, sinuses, neck, and even vital organs, leading to bone damage, swelling, and pain.
Untreated abscesses can also cause sepsis, a life-threatening systemic condition, and blood poisoning. Chronic pain and nerve damage are other potential long-term effects. Moreover, the bacterial infection and inflammation associated with dental abscesses may contribute to or worsen systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections like pneumonia, and potentially cognitive decline including Alzheimer's disease.
In summary, an untreated dental abscess can cause tooth loss, bone destruction, systemic infection (sepsis), severe chronic pain, and increase risks of major health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. Prompt dental treatment is essential to prevent these potentially serious long-term consequences.
[1] American Dental Association. (2021). Dental Abscess. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/dental-abscess [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dental Abscess. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dental-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350845 [3] National Health Service (UK). (2021). Dental abscess. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/ [4] American Heart Association. (2019). Oral Health and Heart Disease. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/oral-health/oral-health-and-heart-disease [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sepsis. https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/index.html
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