A tooth abscess is nothing but infection in any part of the mouth (oral cavity) or jaw or face. The major reason for getting tooth abscess is poor dental hygiene and delaying the treatment of dental problems. But for some people it can also develop due to underlying medical issues like autoimmune disorders, undergoing chemotherapy. A tooth abscess can become very complicated if it infects the cheeks, gums or even the throat. As you delay in taking timely treatment, there can be pus accumulation on the infected area causing increased pain and inflammation. In severe cases, the dental abscess may cause obstruction in the path of the airway making you difficult to breathe.
Causes :
Tooth abscess can be as a result of minor injury to the mouth or oral cavity. It may develop due to weakened immunity system, conditions of medical issues like diabetes. Very often, tooth abscess is formed due to bacterial infection which grows and multiply on the tooth cavity invading the underlying soft tissues and even the bones of the face. Poor dental hygiene is one of the major causes for developing tooth abscess.
Symptoms :
There may be mild to moderate pain with inflammation of the oral cavity. Pain may radiate and infect the surrounding areas of the face like cheeks and throat. There may be redness in the mouth and even on your face. As the infection progresses, it can cause nausea, fever and difficulty in swallowing and drinking.
The oral cavities may develop inflammation and it becomes tender. For some people the tooth abscess is accompanied with drainage of pus and they may experience pain in opening their mouth.