About this topic
Teeth are protected by a hard surface called enamel. If there is a break in the enamel, you can have tooth decay. If you have tooth decay, there may be a small opening and germs from your mouth can enter your tooth. They can cause an infection. When pus builds up in the middle of your tooth, gums, or jaw, this is an abscess. The buildup of pus causes pressure and pain. An abscess may also be caused by an injury to a tooth. ‚
An abscess is treated with drugs and draining pus from the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth has to be pulled or a root canal has to be done. A tooth abscess can be very serious if it is not fully treated. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may help you heal. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
- Avoid foods or drinks that are very hot or very cold until you feel better.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more treatment.
- You may need to go see other experts if you have gum disease, need to have a root canal, or a tooth needs to be pulled.
What drugs may be needed?
Your dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a short time if you have pain from the tooth abscess. Talk to your dentist about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection may spread to other parts of your body
- Tooth loss
- Difficulty eating
- Bad breath
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day.
- Try to avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starch, such as chocolate, sweets, cakes, and fizzy drinks.
- See your dentist at least 2 times a year for a cleaning and check ups.
- Wear a mouth guard or headgear when playing sports.
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking or ask your dentist about ways to quit smoking. Smoking can make some dental problems worse.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If you have trouble breathing, go to an ER right away.
- Bad toothache or your mouth hurts a lot
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, throwing up, or loose stools
- Trouble swallowing or chewing
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I should rinse my mouth with.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more tooth pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dental-abscess/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚