Dr. Ritika Ahuja

Dental abscess is characterized by pus formation in the teeth or the gums. This infection may occur either in the gums or the tip of the tooth. It usually occurs due to a bacterial infection which may enter the mouth through food, thus causing accumulation of plaque. If the plaque is not removed by following proper dental hygiene, then it may result in abscess.

The various factors that increase your chances of getting affected by dental abscess are a sugar rich diet and poor oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth to prevent symptoms of dental abscess. A diet that has too much sugar may lead to cavities that increases your risk of dental abscess.

Dental abscess may be classified into three types: 

1. Periodontal abscess: This type of abscess occurs in the bone structures in the teeth

2. Gingival abscess: This type of abscess occurs in the gums

3. Periapical abscess: Periapical abscess occurs in the soft areas of the tooth

Causes:
Entry of bacteria through holes in the teeth may result in breaking down of the soft tissue under the enamel. The infection may result in the hole to penetrate the pulp in the teeth. The bacteria thus infects the bone present in the teeth causing Periapical abscess. The bacteria that infects as a result of plaque accumulation may lead dental abscess. This may also lead to formation of gaps in the teeth leading to infection in the inner areas of the teeth.

Symptoms
The symptoms of dental abscess are: 

1. The teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures

2. Pain during chewing food

3. A persistent pain in the jaw that radiates to the ear

4. You may experience a swelling in the face and the neck

5. Tenderness in the lymph nodes in the neck

6. You may experience symptoms of fever

7. Presence of foul smelling fluid in your mouth