Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Yep, your teeth can affect the outside of your face, too. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B. Korin has been published in Read more. Topics tooth care dental health infections oral health. Sign up for our SELF Daily Wellness newsletter All the best health and wellness advice, tips, tricks, and intel, delivered to your inbox every day.
Enter your e-mail address. Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. The dentist may make a small incision in the swollen area to drain it. When the abscess is open and discharging pus, they may simply apply pressure to the area to allow the pus to drain completely. Dentists will generally order an X-ray to see if the abscess has caused any breakdown of the bone.
Bone loss may occur in a severe infection, or if the gum abscess goes without treatment for a long time. If the bone loss is severe, the dentist may recommend procedures to help repair the bone and surrounding tissues. If a gum abscess affects the inner pulp of the tooth, a person may need a root canal. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend extracting the tooth next to the abscess. People with periapical abscesses — which occur when bacteria invade the dental pulp, due to widespread decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, for example — may need a root canal or an extraction.
Oral antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the infection and keep the infection from spreading or reinfecting the area. This may also reduce swelling and pain in the area. A dentist may also recommend some simple home remedies to help relieve the symptoms. For instance, taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen Advil can reduce pain and swelling.
Home remedies might help manage the symptoms, but the pocket of bacteria and pus will need treatment from a dentist. The main symptoms of a gum abscess are pain and swelling in the area. Depending on where the abscess is located along the gums, it may also cause pain when a person chews or bites down. The cause of a gum abscess is a buildup of bacteria in the tissues between the teeth and the gums.
However, there are a few possible reasons for this bacterial infection to occur, including:. Gum abscesses may be more common in people with poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontitis or periodontal gum disease.
Gum disease breaks down the gums and tissues in the mouth holding the teeth in place. This can create a space between the teeth and the gums where bacteria can live and multiply, potentially leading to abscesses. Some other factors can increase the risk of periodontitis. For instance, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research note that smoking is the most significant risk factor for periodontal gum disease. A person with a weaker immune system may also be more likely to experience a gum abscess, as the body may have a harder time fighting off infections.
Conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV, may make it more difficult for the body to fight off the bacteria that lead to gum disease and abscesses. A gum abscess may occur due to another infection in the mouth, such as an abscessed tooth or an infection in a periodontal pocket. A periodontal pocket is the space that develops between the gum and the tooth as a result of gum disease.
Deeper pockets may make more space for tiny food particles and germs to get stuck. In these cases, the bacterial buildup may spread from the original infection site and infect the gum around it. Shop for toothbrushes and dental floss. With early treatment, the outlook for a gum abscess is positive. Your dentist can drain the pus and remove the infection, reducing the risk of complications. But if left untreated, a gum abscess can worsen and lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.
A gum biopsy is a procedure that removes gum tissue for analysis in a laboratory. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontitis and can be treated and managed with oral care. Periodontitis requires more intervention and…. Swollen gums are a common occurrence when you're new to braces, but it could be also be a sign of gum disease. Gum pain is an annoying issue that happens for a number of reasons. Read on for remedies that can provide quick relief from gum pain.
New research finds gum disease aka periodontitis or periodontal disease was linked to a higher rate of strokes caused by hardening of large arteries…. Gum contouring is a type of dental surgery that involves reshaping the gumline. We all have plaque on our teeth. It's a group of bacteria that lives in your mouth and forms between brushings. The best way to keep plaque in check…. Receding gums are common. Along with good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing, there are a number of natural remedies for receding gums….
Swollen gums are relatively common, and there are a number of home remedy options for treatment such as salt, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, and…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
Gum Abscess. What is a gum abscess? Causes of a gum abscess. Symptoms of a gum abscess. How to diagnose a gum abscess. Treatment for a gum abscess. Complications of a gum abscess. How to prevent a gum abscess. Outlook for a gum abscess. Read this next. Gum Biopsy. Itchy Gums. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.
0コメント