How to Avoid Dental Abscesses

Dental abscesses are one of the most painful conditions that can affect your teeth and gums. If you think you may have a dental abscess, it’s important to see a dentist right away so that the infection can be treated and the pain relieved. Read on to learn more about dental abscesses and what to do.

What Are Dental Abscesses?

A dental abscess is an infection that can occur around the teeth and gums. This infection is often the result of bacteria that enters the mouth through a tooth or gum injury. The bacteria then multiply and cause an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the site of the infection.

Dental abscesses can be extremely painful and may require treatment by a dentist or other medical professional. If left untreated, dental abscesses can lead to serious health complications such as sepsis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by infection).

What Are the Symptoms of Dental Abscesses?

The symptoms of dental abscesses can vary depending on where the infection is located. The most common symptom of a dental abscess is severe pain. This pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating and may be worse when lying down or when pressure is applied to the affected tooth. Other symptoms of a dental abscess include:

• Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck

• Redness in the mouth or on the skin around the mouth

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Bad breath

• Fever

How Are Dental Abscesses Diagnosed?

If you think you might have a dental abscess, it is important to see a dentist right away. Your dentist will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will then examine your mouth, teeth, and gums. X-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

How Are Dental Abscesses Caused?

Dental abscesses are usually caused by bacteria that enters the tooth through a crack or cavity. Once the bacteria gets inside, it can start to multiply and cause an infection.

What Are the Risks of Abscesses?

If left untreated, dental abscesses can lead to more serious health problems such as: sepsis (a blood infection), meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord), and even death.

How Can I Prevent Dental Abscesses?

Dental abscesses can be painful and dangerous, so it’s important to take steps to avoid them. Park 56 Dental in New York City offers the following tips:

• Brush and floss regularly. This helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can lead to an infection.
• See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This allows your dentist to spot any problems early and take steps to prevent an infection.
• If you have a toothache, don’t wait to see a dentist. This could be a sign of an infection.
• If you have an injury to your mouth, see a dentist right away. An injury can lead to an infection if not treated properly.
• Eat a healthy diet. This helps keep your immune system strong, which can help fight off infection.

How Can Park 56 Dental in NYC Help Treat my Dental Abscess?

The treatment for a dental abscess will depend on the severity of the infection. In some cases, the abscess may need to be drained by a dentist or other medical professional. The pus that is drained from the abscess will usually contain bacteria, so it is important that the area is cleaned thoroughly to prevent the infection from spreading. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection. In some cases, they may also need to perform a root canal procedure to remove the infected tooth. If the abscess is large or does not respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary.

If you think you may have a dental abscess, don’t wait to get it treated. Call Park 56 Dental today at (646) 679-3989 to schedule an appointment.