The mouth is an incredible organ teeming with life: It's home to at least
700 known bacterial species, according to an article published on MDPI. Many of these mouth dwellers are "good" bacteria, helping promote salivation and food digestion.
Unfortunately, many germs in the mouth are also behind the often painful oral health problems known as dental abscesses. They don't just cause highly unpleasant symptoms; they can also cause more severe, and in some cases, even life-threatening, infections.
But what does a dental abscess look like in the first place? How does it happen anyway, and what should you do if you suspect you have one?
Our team at Galvez Dental, our family-centric dental office in Stockton, CA, has answered all those questions (and shared practical preventive tips!) in this guide, so please read on.
What Does a Dental Abscess Look Like?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that often looks like:
- A small, swollen bump with an off-white or yellowish center
- A boil
- A pimple
Depending on the affected structure, the abscess can form:
- At the tip of a tooth root (periapical abscess)
- Inside the gums (gingival abscess)
- Within the bones and tissues supporting the teeth (periodontal abscess)
Because dental abscesses can affect various structures in the mouth, their location can vary. However, they most commonly form in the periapical region. An abscess that impacts a tooth on the upper arch will likely show up in the gum area just right above it, while one affecting a lower arch tooth will show up just right under.
How Does a Dental Abscess Develop?
A dental abscess is often a symptom of a tooth infection, such as severe, untreated dental decay. The U.S. CDC reports that untreated dental cavities are a common problem, with an estimated
one in five adults having at least one.
In a dental abscess caused by a tooth infection (periapical abscess), bacteria invade the tooth's innermost part, called the pulp. From the pulp, the germs can spread to the tips of the tooth root.
Gingival abscesses, on the other hand, are common gum infection signs. A gum infection, also called "gingivitis," is an early stage or phase of
gum disease. If treated promptly, gingivitis is still often reversible.
Periodontal abscesses can result from untreated dental decay or advanced gum disease (periodontitis). In this case, the unaddressed infections can become so severe that they infect the bones and structures supporting the teeth. Pus-filled areas can form throughout these structures, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
According to the American Dental Association, periodontitis is highly prevalent, affecting nearly
half of Americans aged 30 and older.
What Are Other Dental Abscess Symptoms?
Since a dental abscess can form or start within the gums or bones, you may not always see their pus formation.
However, you may experience the following:
- A sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain
- Continuous pain or discomfort when chewing
- Pain that radiates to the jaw, ear, or neck
- Halitosis or bad breath
- A bitter taste in the mouth that doesn't go away even after brushing
- Gum inflammation or redness without a visible off-white or yellow center
- Inflamed lymph nodes
- Fever
You may not experience severe pain in the early stages, only
tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Take this as a cue to visit your dentist in Stockton, CA, as soon as possible.
What to Do if You Have a Dental Abscess
Call your oral health care provider immediately if you experience symptoms of a dental abscess. Such conditions will not go away without medical intervention, often warranting
emergency dental services. They usually require specialized abscess treatment, such as:
- Incision and drainage
- Root canal
- Tooth extraction
If your symptoms include severe pain and fever, contacting an
emergency dentist in Stockton is even more crucial. Such severe symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread.
Untreated dental abscesses can affect the face and neck structures. Sometimes, the infection may spread to the bloodstream and travel to the heart and brain. So, before these more severe scenarios happen, schedule an
emergency dental appointmentimmediately.
While waiting to see your dentist, you can follow these tips:
- Gargle with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt mixed with one cup of warm water) several times
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a clean towel to help reduce swelling in the cheek area
- Avoid irritating or sensitivity-inducing foods that are too hot, cold, sugary, or spicy
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease pain
Tips to Prevent Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses are highly preventable because you can avoid their root causes (e.g., tooth decay and gum disease). So, follow these tips to minimize your risks of developing these painful, potentially life-threatening infections:
- Brush twice daily
- Floss once daily
- Brush thoroughly by using circular motions and for at least two minutes
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the tooth enamel and keep cavities away
- Limit intake of foods and drinks high in sugar and carbs (bacteria in the mouth love these, too!)
It's also crucial to schedule regular check-ups with your highly experienced yet
caring dentist in Ventura, CA. Routine visits can help your dentist detect potential problems with your teeth and gums and address them promptly.
Likewise, please don't delay seeing your oral healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of oral woes, such as pain or inflammation. While they may not always indicate dental abscesses, it's best to get them assessed and treated by your dentist before they worsen.
Never Ignore a Dental Abscess
Now that we've answered, "What does a dental abscess look like?" you can better determine whether your symptoms indicate that you have this infection.
If you suspect you have a dental abscess, we highly encourage you to visit Galvez Dental, our dental office in Stockton, CA, for a check-up. We've served the community for over 40 years, helping our patients achieve optimal oral health and well-being and saving their pearly whites. We'll do the same for you and your family and be here if you need us in an emergency.
Reach out to our team today for all your emergency, pediatric, general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry needs!
