Why Tooth Abscesses Occur
You are suffering from the unwelcome shooting pain of an abscessed tooth. You may wonder why you are a victim of this unwelcome visitor.
A bacterial infection of the tooth’s pulp, or center, has resulted in a collection of pus, or infected material, which has turned into a painful abscess. The infection is either at the tooth’s root or between the tooth and the gum.
Pulp is soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Once infection has attacked the pulp, it becomes diseased or injured, making it unable to repair itself and then die. An abscess can be the result of several things, but it can often be prevented if treated early.
An abscess is often the direct result of the growth of bacteria from an existing cavity, which has spread into the soft tissues and bones of the face and neck. Not seeking proper dental care for an infected tooth can cause an abscess to form. Poor oral hygiene which includes not flossing or brushing enough or brushing or flossing properly can cause the formation of cavities which can advance to an abscess.
In addition to a pre-existing cavity, an abscess can be caused by gum disease or gingivitis, or by the tooth suffering trauma, which has caused chipping or breakage. After experiencing any of these things, the enamel of the tooth may wear down, or suffer small openings, which can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and reach the pulp, which results in infection.
Carbohydrates are found by the bacteria, and they are digested producing acid. Acid then attacks and dissolves the enamel. When the cavity progresses deeper into the tooth it will infect the nerve and blood supply of the tooth which is contained within the tooth’s pulp. The end result is a painful abscess that requires immediate treatment. Fighting the bacteria that creates the abscess in the first place is the best preventative measure for abscesses.
