Abscessed tooth is one of the worst dental pains anyone would wish to experience. It may affect only a region of the mouth, but the entire body endures its pain. Those who suffer from this condition find it extremely difficult to function efficiently, so they end up suffering the pain at the comfort of their homes. Nature of Abscessed Tooth Abscessed tooth is an infection affecting the root of a tooth or that which is located between the tooth and the gum. This causes openings in the tooth enamel which allows bacteria to enter the center of the tooth, referred to as the pulp. As a result, infection further spreads to the roots of the tooth until its supporting bones. Abscessed Tooth Pictures Picture 1 – Image of abscessed tooth Picture 2 :  Tooth Abscess Picture  3 – Pathophysiology of abscessed tooth Image source – aae.org Causes of Abscessed Tooth The main culprit for abscessed tooth is bacterial infection, but these microbes will have no chance of multiplying if patients follow proper dental hygiene, especially for patients who have undergone complex dental treatments in the past. Research shows that they are more susceptible to this type of infection because it is pretty much possible that the exposed pulp or gum of the tooth may have been invaded by the bacteria, thus it is absolutely important for that patients who have undergone crown, root canal or tooth filling treatment to follow the prescribed medication of their dentist after the dental procedure. Another possible factor for abscessed tooth is age. The immune system of the body decreases as it age which makes elders more susceptible to this type of infection. It would be helpful if you can take additional Vitamin C supplements to further increase your tolerance to these types of microbial attacks. But in any case, following proper hygiene will still be very beneficial. Symptoms of Abscessed Tooth Pain – Common toothache will not result to gnawing, throbbing, shooting or sharp pain; but if you are experiencing this type of pain then it is more likely that this is already a sign that you have an abscessed tooth. Pain on chewing-you may also experience pain while chewing Bitter taste in the mouth Teeth sensitivity to cold and hot foods Swollen neck glands Swelling and redness of the gums General discomfort and foul smell to the breath. Treatment for Abscessed Tooth As a rule, the abscessed tooth has to be drained to reduce infection and preserve the tooth. This is commonly done using the root canal method, wherein the nerve and pulp of the tooth is removed while the inside of the tooth is cleaned before it is sealed once again. In certain occasions, root canal surgery may also be done wherein the diseased root tissue has to be removed and a replacement crown will be placed over it. Another option is tooth extraction which will easily allow drainage of the abscess through the socket. The last option is the process of incision through the swollen gum tissue for the dentist to get rid of the abscess contained in it. Pain Management in Abscessed Tooth The pain experienced because of the abscessed tooth will not immediately subside even after draining it, thus dentists prescribe antibiotics which will further prevent the spread of the infection. To help relieve the pain and discomfort because of the abscessed tooth, dentists recommend warm salt-water rinses and over the counter medication for pain like ibuprofen which includes Motrin or Advil. Common Antibiotics Abscessed tooth is a result of bacterial infection, so one of the best ways to combat it is through the use antibiotics like amoxicillin,

metronidazole, clindamycin, co-amoxiclav, and penicillin. Amoxicillin This is used as both cure and prevention for abscessed teeth. It may not kill the bacteria causing the infection but it will certainly stop it from multiplying and further destroying the cell wall of your mouth. It is available in different types of brand names like Dispermox, Trimox and Amoxil and can be administered in forms of capsules, tablets, and powder. However, patients should be reminded that use of this antibiotic may result to vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and itching. Clindamycin This antibiotic is given to individuals who are allergic to the penicillin group. It helps prevent and eliminate the infection and is available under popular brand names like Cleocin. However, it should be taken cautiously with equal intervals and a definite prescribed duration because sudden stop in its intake may result to rapid bacterial growth. Some of the common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. Metronidazole Metronidazole is an antibiotic used against susceptible bacteria. It blocks some of its functions resulting to its elimination. This type of antibiotic is commonly found under the brand name Flagyl and is currently marketed by Pfizer in capsules, tablets and injection forms. Some of the possible side effects of this drug include headaches, nausea and loss of appetite. Co-amoxiclav Co-amoxiclav is a type of antibiotic which contains amoxicillin trihydrate and potassium clavulanate. It can be purchased under the brand names Synermox, Exclav and Augmentin and has very minor side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Penicillin Penicillin is another antibiotic which is commonly given to patients suffering from abscessed tooth. Nevertheless, it is to be combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors so it can be protected against the possible offense of these harmful bacterial. In this manner, it effectively blocks the bacterial walls until it ruptures these microbes. Home Remedies for Abscessed Tooth If the pain caused by your abscessed tooth happens in the evening, when it usually does, you are left with no other choice but to use the available home remedy which can help relieve you of the pain. One thing that you can do is to place Strepsil throat lozenges right next to the area of the gum suffering from tooth abscess. This will quickly take effect on the infection and ease you of the pain. For more simple home remedy tips, you may use salt gargle or alcohol swish to slightly prevent the growth and spread of the bacteria which causes you too much pain. Some even recommend placing crush garlic on the infected gum for about five minutes to help minimize the spread of the infection while some would even try using onions and placing it inside their mouth just to relieve them of the pain. Tooth Abscess Dangers Although this home remedy tips may be used, it is still best to go see your dentist immediately in the morning to address this dental concern. If you leave this untreated then it is very much possible that an eruption on the skin will occur resulting to infection on the surrounding tissues of the mouth. The eruption may ease the patient of the pain but the future concern will be more damaging since you will have more than one tooth to worry about. Abscessed tooth is one of the problems dentists face each day. Man is fortunate that certain dental technology, innovations and practices have been discovered and made to provide them convenience. However, everyone should take note that it is our responsibility to care for our teeth. We must see to it that it is well taken cared of because its health rests in our hands.

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Abscessed Tooth