Dental Abscesses & What Causes Them
Dental injuries and general dental issues should always be treated as soon as possible. This includes anything from chipped teeth, to a small cavity. It is especially important to address dental problems in children with developing smiles and new adult teeth in order to prevent future oral health issues.
One significant dental issue people of all ages can experience is a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is an infection with little or no way for the pus to drain, resulting in inflammation and swelling. Abscesses are extremely painful and if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
Signs of An Abscessed Tooth
Indicators your child is suffering from a dental abscess can include a number of things, such as pain (especially while chewing), swollen gums, redness, swelling in the facial area, fever, a bad taste in their mouth, a loose tooth, bad breath, swollen glands, feeling ill, a sore on the side of the gum, etc.
Causes of An Abscessed Tooth
Causes of a tooth abscess can include everything from dental trauma, to a cavity, but an abscess always occurs because there is a bacterial infection present, resulting in the production of pus which is unable to drain. Below is a list of common causes of dental abscesses.
- Tooth Decay
- Broken/Cracked/Chipped Teeth
- Gum Disease
- Dental Trauma (Dental Injury)
How to Care for An Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth requires immediate treatment. Without prompt dental care, the infection could spread and make your child ill. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infection, and your pediatric dentist may open the abscess or put a hole in the affected tooth to allow the abscess to drain. This should relieve both pressure and pain.
Following care will depend on the patient and their situation. Root canal treatment might be recommended, or the tooth may have to be extracted. Follow-up care is vital to proper treatment and ensuring the area heals completely. Keep all upcoming dental appointments, if your child is having any issues be sure to contact your dentist immediately, and keep track of your child’s test results and medications.
Preventative Care
Preventative care is crucial to maintaining good oral health, and therefore helps prevent an abscess from developing. If your child brushes their teeth and flosses every day, as well as visits the dentist regularly for ,check-ups and cleanings, they have a much better chance of maintaining a healthy smile.
Urgent Dental Care in Chino Hills, CA
If you find your child has a tooth abscess emergency, the team at Kids Dental Specialists is here to help! Schedule an appointment with our pediatric dental experts as soon as possible if your child is suffering from any sort of dental discomfort.
