An ineffective maintenance of oral hygiene is responsible to cause several types of dental problems among which dental abscess is one. It is a condition where painful infection is evident at the root of the tooth or between the gum and a tooth. Any trauma occurred to the tooth like broken or chipped teeth, gum disease and so on are considered to cause dental abscess. However, it is often caused by severe tooth decay. Dental abscess is associated with pus and unbearable pain. Here are some signs and symptoms of dental abscess.
The main symptom of dental abscess is pain in the affected tooth. The pain starts all of a sudden and increases gradually. It may even persist for over a few hours to a few days. From the affected tooth, the pain spreads to ear, lower jaw and neck on the same side of the tooth. Pus gets collected at the site of infection. The condition and the associated pain remains for a long time till the abscess gets ruptured or drained on its own or surgically.
The tooth and the surrounding area becomes tender. Several other symptoms like unpleasant taste in the mouth, fever, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drink, foul smell to the breath, redness and swelling of gums, swollen area of the upper or lower jaw, and an open and draining sore on the side of the gum are even linked with dental abscess. The alarming pain promotes general discomfort, uneasiness, and disturbed sleep.
The symptoms are often seen in a sequential manner. First, the tooth pain and sensitivity starts and later, fever, swelling in face or cheek, and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck are seen. Upon rupture of an abscess, there will be a rush of foul smelling and foul tasting in your mouth. Once you recognize the initial signs of dental abscess, visit a dentist and get the right solution.
