Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I Have a Tooth Abscess?

When you hear the word abscess, and when you know that it is located in someone's mouth, all that you can think about is pain! Although an abscess can occur without being sore, it can sometimes become a very painful occurrence!

A tooth abscess is an infection caused by bacteria and other harmful microbes. It can either originate from the gums, or from the tooth itself. Either way the infection must previously be treated by drainage or by taking antibiotics. Proper treatment should be done next.

If the infection comes from the tooth itself, the main cause would have been either a cavity, a fracture or some trauma on that tooth that may have occurred recently or many years before. If the tooth can be fixed, it might need a root canal and then probably a crown.

If the abscess originates from the gums instead, then the infection should be controlled around that area. After the antibiotics treatment, you might need a curettage or gum surgery to get rid of all the infection in the gums.

An abscess in the mouth should be cared for urgently. If left untreated, the infection can reach other parts of the body and cause serious illnesses to other organs. It is known in the medical community that gum infections can worsen diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy.