Will a dental abscess heal itself?

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that occurs due to a bacterial infection. It’s often painful, but even if it isn’t, it’s best to have your dentist look at it right away. There are 3 types of dental abscess:

• Periapical. The abscess starts at the tip of the tooth root and can spread inside the tooth.

• Gingival. The infection forms at the gums due to trapped debris and normally doesn’t affect other structures.

• Periodontal. The abscess begins at the bone and affects the surrounding tissues. It’s often caused by gum disease and is more common among adults.

What Causes a Dental Abscess?

The mouth is home to billions of bacteria. Some are harmful, including those in dental plaque.

Plaque is a colourless, sticky film that accumulates on tooth surfaces. It produces acids that attack the enamel and can cause gum disease.

The following factors can make you more likely to develop dental abscess:

• Poor oral hygiene. Excessive plaque buildup can occur with poor dental care habits. Regular brushing and flossing can keep plaque from accumulating.

• Too much sugary and starchy food. Excessive sugar and starch can cause harmful bacteria to multiply and lead to decay or dental abscess.

• Injury. Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth are more likely to develop an abscess because bacteria can enter damaged parts of the teeth.

• Gum disease. Gum disease is caused by inflamed tissues surrounding the teeth. The infection can spread to deeper tissues.

• Tooth decay. The hole starts forming on tooth surfaces when acids beat down the enamel. This can result in a dental abscess.

• Weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can also make you more vulnerable to a dental abscess. Diseases can also make infections harder to fight.

Dental Abscess Symptoms

Your tooth may be infected if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• Pain that reaches the jawbone
• Bad breath
• Swollen, tender, and red gums
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Fever
• Increased tooth sensitivity

Treating Dental Abscess: Does it Go Away on its Own?

A dental abscess doesn’t go away on its own. If you no longer feel pain, it may be due to dead nerves. Your dentist may recommend the following treatments, depending on the severity of the issue:

• Drainage. Your dentist makes a small cut to drain the abscess.

• Medications. Your dentist may prescribe medication to fight off bacteria.

• Root canal. This option is for saving the tooth if the pulp inside is already dead. The pulp is removed, and you may need crowns to restore tooth function.

• Extraction. A removal may be necessary if the tooth can no longer be saved.

Can a Dental Abscess be Prevented?

A dental abscess can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits. Here are some steps to reduce your risk of developing tooth infections:

• Brush and floss daily, especially before going to bed.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Consult your dentist for any damage to your teeth.
• Maintain regular dental checkups and hygiene cleanings.
• Eat a balanced diet,
• limiting sugary and starchy food.

Contact your dentist in London, Ontario, for an appointment if you feel you have an infected tooth or an abscess.

While waiting to be seen, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and continue to brush and floss. Early treatment is crucial to prevent spread of the infection.

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We're happy to assist you with your dental-related concerns. You can count on us to provide you with honest and practical advice for your family’s oral health care needs.