Dental Abscesses Don't Have to Be A Pain

Dental abscesses may sound scary, but they are quickly treated and even preventable!

The word abscess can conjure the old-fashioned image of someone with a towel tied around their head with a painful grimace on their face. Thankfully, those days are gone, and with the help of modern technology, they can be quickly and painlessly treated.

Abscess is a fancy word for an infection. In dentistry, there are two main types of abscesses. A periapical abscess happens at the root of a tooth when either decay enters the nerve chamber or a traumatic injury or crack in the tooth damages the nerve. A periodontal abscess occurs when the gum becomes infected. A periodontal abscess can affect one or more teeth and can result in widespread periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic gum infection that can weaken the bone and may result in bone and tooth loss if untreated.

What are the Symptoms of an Abscess?

While you can't always avoid a sudden, traumatic impact that causes a nerve to die, there are plenty of ways to prevent decay-related abscesses and periodontal disease.

• Visit your dentist for regular professional cleanings
• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Never share your toothbrush with anyone
• Watch your sugar and carbohydrate intake
• Use a fluoridated mouth rinse before bed

With a little care, you can help prevent an abscess and periodontal disease before they develop, saving yourself the inconvenience and pain of a toothache and the expense of major treatment.