Tooth infections, formally known as dental abscesses, are brutal. These infections can present with a variety of different symptoms. Learn how to prevent, identify, and treat a tooth infection, with Desert Valley Dental.

An abscessed tooth is defined as a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth, as a result of a bacterial infection. Luckily for us, these painful abscesses usually occur no more than once in a lifetime. If you’d like to lower these odds, follow our guide to uniform oral hygiene.

Preventing Infection

While dental abscesses can happen in children, they are statistically more common in adults, most of which already have weakened immune system’s, smoke tobacco products, have irregular dental hygiene, or suffer from dry mouth. In addition to poor hygiene, consuming an excess of sugar, can develop bacteria growth, and plaque that can lead to dental abscesses. Maintaining a healthy diet is ideal to prevent this common medical dilemma. Additionally, drinking water, consuming fluoride, replacing old toothbrushes, and following American Dental Association recommendations, can help minimize risk of dental abscesses.

Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

Tooth infections generally present with tooth pain/aches, temperature sensitivity, bad taste, and typical symptoms of infection, such as; swelling, fever, drainage, and tenderness. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it is pertinent to see your dentist! If symptoms are severe, you can also be directed to the emergency room.

Swelling from tooth infections can be substantial and pain exasperating. In fact, several patients have compared the pain of tooth abscesses to that of childbirth. It is important to be mindful of your dental hygiene and address pain or concerns with your dentist, as soon as they arrive!

Treatment

General treatment for a dental abscess includes antibiotics, but a root canal, tooth pull, or other medical procedures may be required to extract the infection, and fill the spot of the missing tooth, if symptoms persist. It is important to ensure the infection is drained and cared for, whether that be surgically or with medication. It is said that hydrogen peroxide is an excellent remedy for fighting tooth infection, as well as bleeding gums.

Here at Desert Valley Dental, we are focused on providing dental treatments to patients of all ages. For over 30 years, our team has offered patients friendly and perfect professional family dental care. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care that will elevate your families dental experience with long-term oral health care solutions.

Our cleaning and prevention exams will help lower your chances of tooth infection, and our restorations are available for aftercare solutions. If you’re looking for a great family dentist who cares about your dental health, contact Desert Valley Dental to schedule an appointment today!