What Is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is one of the most common oral and gum infections encountered in daily life. It can develop due to poor oral hygiene and, if left untreated, may lead to serious health problems.

A dental abscess is an infection that occurs as a result of inflammation in the gums, tooth root, or surrounding tissues. If not treated in time, it may become chronic and develop into a cyst. By maintaining proper gum health and oral hygiene, gum abscesses and related tooth pain can be prevented.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a dental abscess, you can contact Milim Dental to consult with our expert dentists and schedule an appointment.

How Does a Dental Abscess Occur?

A dental abscess typically develops when dental decay spreads and leads to inflammation in the pulp and surrounding ligaments. It often occurs when teeth are not brushed adequately or properly. This condition can also cause persistent bad breath.

Interestingly, brushing teeth more than three times a day may increase the risk of gum recession and abscess formation. In addition, genetic predisposition and environmental factors can contribute to the development of dental abscesses.

Causes of Dental Abscess Formation

The health and cleanliness of both teeth and gums play an important role in preventing abscesses. The gums should be gently cleaned using a soft toothbrush to remove debris and stimulate circulation. Regular gum care also helps reduce bad breath associated with bacterial buildup.

Improper use of antibiotics during childhood may weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to gum infections. Excessive consumption of sugary and starchy foods can also promote tooth decay and abscess formation over time.

Smoking and alcohol use negatively affect all organs—including the gums and teeth. Heavy tobacco use weakens the gums and increases the risk of gum disease, inflammation, and dental infections.

If you suspect an abscess, contact Milim Dental for an examination.

Types of Dental Abscesses

If not treated in time, dental abscesses can lead to significant health issues. They may cause severe jaw pain and spread to surrounding tissues.

The two main types are:

1. Cold Abscess: May form in the jaw and spread to various parts of the body.
2. Hot Abscess: Characterized by a soft, pus-filled center surrounded by hard tissue. It may cause sudden fever. Severe or untreated abscesses may require surgical intervention.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

Common symptoms include:

1. Severe toothache or headache
2. Bad breath
3. Swelling of the jaw or face
4. Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing
5. Frequent illness linked to weakened immunity
6. Persistent unpleasant taste or odor in the mouth

As the infection progresses, daily oral care may not be enough to eliminate symptoms.

How Is a Dental Abscess Treated?

At the first sign of an abscess, a dentist should be consulted immediately. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics and drain the abscess if necessary.

If the abscess has progressed, surgical intervention may be required.

For any concerns related to oral and dental health, you can contact Milim Dental to book an appointment with our specialists.

Why Do Dental Abscesses Occur?

Common causes include:

1. Inadequate brushing and poor oral hygiene
2. Irregular dental check-ups
3. Genetic predisposition to gum disease

Abscesses may also increase the risk of systemic infections and even oral cancer.

What Happens If a Dental Abscess Is Not Treated?

Untreated abscesses can significantly damage oral health and spread to other parts of the body. Potential complications include:

1. Severe tooth and head pain
2. Gum swelling
3. Bad breath
4. Facial swelling
5. Tooth loss
6. Spread of infection to the heart, brain, and other organs

Can a Dental Abscess Burst Suddenly?

Yes. A dental abscess can burst unexpectedly. In such cases, you should visit a dentist or emergency clinic immediately.

Is Abscess Drainage a Painful Procedure?

Abscess drainage must be performed promptly. Under local anesthesia, the procedure is generally painless. The dentist may:

1. Prescribe antibiotics
2. Drain the infected area
3. Perform surgical cleaning for deep infections
4. Apply root canal treatment if the abscess originates from the tooth root

If not treated properly, dental abscesses may lead to life-threatening complications.