Identifying an Abscess Tooth with Pictures
A toothache and swelling in the mouth can have a variety of causes. How do you know if it a simple problem, or something more serious? Defining the cause of your symptoms will determine what treatment, if any, is needed. An abscess is one of the most serious complications we can have involving your teeth, and can have more than one cause. Most commonly, a decay or breakdown in the enamel
than one cause. Most commonly, a decay or breakdown in the enamel that protects a tooth allows bacteria to enter into the center of the tooth. Decay is usually caused by a cavity. Cavities are caused by bacteria that collect and release acids that eat away at a tooth. Burrowing deeper and deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp, or center of the tooth where the nerves and blood supply live. Another cause of infection is from an injury to the tooth. A blow to the tooth can cause a chip, or crack.
The damage may not be noticed right away, and bacteria will then use this opening to reach the center of the tooth, where they grow rapidly as they feed on the nutrient rich center of the tooth. You may not always be able to see any swelling, but occasionally in more advanced infections a pocket of infection can be seen along the gumline. As with any swelling, pain or inflammation in the mouth or jaw area, it is usually best to have it checked by your dentist.
