Teeth Infections

What is Teeth Infection?

Teeth infection or abscess is an infection of the teeth, which spreads up to the root and results in the accumulation of pus within. The infection can get quite painful and requires a dentist. Infections of the ligaments and tissues surrounding the teeth are called periodontitis.

What are the main signs and symptoms?

The most definitive sign of a tooth infection is having a continuous toothache, which increases leading to swelling in the lymph node under the gums. Other symptoms of teeth infection are:

• Sensitivity to anything hot or cold
• A feverish feeling
• Difficulty and pain in biting or chewing
• Foul smell from the mouth

What are the main causes?

Poor dental hygiene leads to the development of teeth infections. The secretions from the bacteria are acidic and result in the formation of plaque and caries, which are responsible for this infection. Another major cause of dental infection is increased consumption of sweet and sugary products, which harbour the bacteria.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Upon seeing the signs and symptoms mentioned above, the first and foremost thing to do is to book an appointment with a dentist to further inspect the cause and find whether the abscess has spread in other parts of the gum. The dentist may order certain tests to determine the growth and spread of the infection. The tests which are commonly used to determine an infection are as follows:

• X-Ray – to identify the location of the infection

• OPG- to obtain a view of all your teeth and jaws to determine the extent of infection 

The most common and primitive precaution to avoid an infection is to maintain healthy dental hygiene. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day and regular flossing to prevent any plaque formation or infection.

However, when the infection has occurred or spread, the following treatment processes are performed along with a round of antibiotics:

• Incise the abscess – In case of an abscess formation, the dentist may open and drain the abscess to relieve the pain
• Root Canal Treatment – The dentist may perform a root canal treatment if the infection has spread into the gums and release the accumulated pus
• Extraction of the Affected Tooth – It considered the last resort when even a root canal treatment is not sufficient to save the affected tooth.

The dentist will also prescribe some antibiotics to curb the spread of the infection along with these procedures.

1. National Health Service [Internet]. UK; Dental abscess.
2. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Tooth abscess
3. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Periodontitis
4. Sanders JL, Houck RC. Dental Abscess. [Updated 2018 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-.
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [internet]: US Department of Health and Human Services; Diabetes, Gum Disease, & Other Dental Problems.