4128 2022

Suite 2/72 Torquay Road, Pialba QLD 4655

A number of Australians just shrug off persistent tooth throbbing, not knowing it could lead to a dental infection

called dental abscess. It is mainly caused by poor dental health that leads to tooth decay.

According to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study released in 2013, 6-year-old children with

permanent teeth affected by decay are at 5%, while 14-year-old youngsters are at 58%. Results from 2004 to

2006revealed a 24% rate of untreated dental decay of adults in major cities while adults in remote areas are

reported to have a 38% rate.

Dental Abscess

According to eMedicineHealth, a dental abscess is an infection caused

by the bacteria from dental caries or tooth decay that can extend into

areas in the mouth, and even into the jaw and facial bones. This kind

of dental infection may also occur in people with underlying medical

conditions like diabetes and chemotherapy cancer care. A dental

abscess can become painful when tissues become inflamed or there is

pressure within the abscess.

Kinds Of Dental Abscess

1. A Gum Or Gingival Abscess - This is the result of an infection or trauma to the surface of a gum tissue.

2. Periodontal Abscess - An infection that has moved deeper into gum areas may result to a periodontal

abscess.

3. Periapical Abscess - This kind of abscess refers to a tooth with an infection of the pulp.

Symptoms

A severe and continuous toothache is one of the common symptoms of an abscessed tooth, according to WebMD.

Other symptoms include fever, pain in chewing, bitter taste in the mouth, swollen neck glands, and sensitivity of

the teeth to a hot or cold substance. In other instances, a person with an abscessed tooth may experience

nausea, vomiting and sweats.

4128 2022

Suite 2/72 Torquay Road, Pialba QLD 4655

Treatment Of A Dental Abscess

Through an X-ray or a physical examination of the mouth, a

doctor may determine if an abscess is drainable or can

rupture on its own. Other treatment measures are root

canal therapy to save a damaged tooth, and a dental

implant if it involves older patients. With a root canal

therapy, the pain may be relieved after the cleaning or

removing of the infection, or a tooth extraction and an

antibiotic prescription.

For older patients with severe abscessed teeth, a dental

implant or a permanent tooth replacement is highly

suggested by Pialba Dental Studio. This is a great

alternative to dentures, according to the centre, which allows

older patients to achieve a balanced smile. The most

practical ways to prevent tooth decay, however, are proper

oral hygiene and regular visits to a trusted dental clinic.

Sources:

http://www.cosmeticdentistryherveybay.com.au/ http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/dental-group-advises-fluoride-toothpaste-before-age-2/ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/abscessed-tooth http://www.onhealth.com/abscessed_tooth/page2.htm http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129543390&tab=2 http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dental_abscess/article_em.htm