Warning Signs Of A Tooth Abscess

Severe Toothache

Since the abscess is located beside or below the root of a tooth, it will often present with a severe toothache. The pain tends to be serious and persistent rather than ebbing with time. Most individuals describe this kind of toothache as a throbbing pain. The tooth pain might radiate throughout their head and cause aching in their ear, neck, or jawbone. Affected individuals need to see a doctor or dentist as soon as possible if they're experiencing this. If there's an accompanying fever or facial swelling, patients need to seek emergency care.

While waiting for the dentist, there are some home remedies individuals can use to provide short-term pain relief. One is to rinse their mouth with salty, warm water without swallowing. If they can floss at all without pain, flossing around the tooth can help remove any bits of plaque or food that are stuck. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help in the short term. Doctors recommend acetaminophen for children experiencing a toothache.

Issues Chewing Or Biting

In addition to tooth pain, a tooth abscess will often cause issues chewing or biting. Pressure against the tooth can increase the amount of pain because the abscess exists at the tooth's root. Affected individuals may not be able to chew food on one side of their mouth. Some patients may also have an increase in pain even if they chew on the side not affected by the abscess. If the pain is severe enough to keep individuals from eating, they need to see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible. Patients don't want to become malnourished because they haven't been able to eat. Another thing that may interfere with eating is if the patient's neck or jaw have become so swollen that they're making it difficult to swallow. When this is the case, individuals should seek emergency medical care, since it's a sign the infection is spreading beyond their tooth. Difficulties breathing are also a sign emergency medical care is necessary.