Warning Signs Of A Tooth Abscess

Trouble Breathing

Trouble breathing only occurs when an affected individual's tooth abscess goes untreated and becomes very large. A tooth abscess located in the very back of the mouth in the right place can also produce breathing difficulties. The severe amount of swelling that occurs in the back of an individual's mouth, near their throat, or in the neck tissues can cause the trachea to become so swollen that an adequate amount of air cannot make its way into the affected individual's lungs. Sometimes this complication occurs in an individual who has a tooth abscess that induces an upregulated and abnormal reaction of the immune system comparable to a life-threatening case of allergic anaphylaxis. If a tooth abscess causes severe swelling that interferes with the movement of air into the individual's lungs, they will need to be treated using a breathing tube inserted down the throat or through an incision in their neck.

Swollen Gums

The swelling that occurs in an affected individual's gums occurs when bacteria enter the pocket between the root of their tooth and a part of the gums that have become detached or receded. The bacteria in the gums induce an inflammatory response in the area mediated by the immune system. The immune system releases various substances and sends several different types of immune cells to the site to intervene. A surge of the hormones histamine and bradykinin are rushed to the site where the pathogen is damaging tissue. This surge of hormones works to expand the diameter of the tiny blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to the gum tissues. The increase in blood flow through these small vessels is meant to help the immune cells or mediators reach the site of the problem quickly. Increased blood flow in the gums causes them to become swollen and red.