Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

If you are the type of person who cringes when they even think about going to the dentist, then you may be petrified of something as serious as a dental abscess. If this is a concern of yours, then keep reading to understand what an abscess is and also how it can be avoided.

What Is An Abscess?

A dental or oral abscess is an infection that forms either in a tooth or in the gums sitting next to a tooth. The infection is an accumulation of pus that builds in response to bacteria. There are three types of abscesses that may form and include periodontal, gingival, and periapical. Gingival abscesses are ones that occur within the gum tissues. These infections often build in the pockets that sit between the teeth and the gums. Gingival abscesses sit very close to the gum line. When the infection starts to spread and move deep under the gums, then it becomes a periodontal abscess. Periodontal abscess will typically grow quite large, because the flow of pus will be blocked as the infection spreads.

Unlike gingival and periodontal abscess, a periapical abscess occurs within your tooth. Periapical abscesses are the infections that typically require root canal treatments to resolve. 

Most abscesses will produce pain, inflammation, and sensitivity issues. You may also notice some fatigue as well as a low-grade fever. Swallowing difficulties as well as sleeping problems may accompany an abscess as well.

How Can An Abscess Be Prevented?

While abscesses can form at any time, especially in the soft tissues of the mouth, most infections develop as the result of poor oral care. Gum infections can be easily prevented by brushing the teeth and flossing regularly. You also should see your dentist for regular cleanings. This helps to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth that allow bacteria to thrive. Reducing oral bacteria is the best way to keep the microorganisms from possibly infecting the gums. 

If you do invest in your oral care, then be gentle when you brush and floss. Your gums should not bleed when you take care of your oral health needs properly. If you do see blood, then use less pressure when brushing. Pressure causes damage to the gums and this creates an opening where bacteria can infect the tissues. 

If you want to prevent tooth infections, then inspect your teeth closely for signs of cavities. Most dental infections occur when bacteria enter the teeth and destroy the tooth pulp. The easiest way for bacteria to enter a tooth is through a cavity. Use a flashlight to inspect the surfaces of the teeth. Look most closely at the biting edges. While most cavities will look black or gray, some are a dark brown color. You might mistake a brown cavity for a patch of tartar, so make sure to speak with your dentist whenever you see a dark patch on one of your teeth.