The root cause of tooth infection and abscess varies depending on the type of infection that occurs.

Poor oral hygiene. When a person does not practise proper dental hygiene habits. The gums become infected due to plaque buildup. It normally has little effect on the tooth or its supporting components, but there is a risk of infection of the tooth once gingivitis is left untreated. Poor oral hygiene may also increase the likelihood of other dental issues such as tooth decay, tooth loss, and so on.

Extensive tooth decay. Bacteria can invade the tooth through tooth decay, cavities, chips, or fractures and spread all the way to the root. The bacterial infection can cause inflammation and irritation at the tip of the tooth root, affecting the dental pulp. This kind of infection is called a periapical abscess.

Periodontal disease. Advanced gum disease occurs when gum irritation does not receive treatment. The infection begins in the bone and tissues that support the tooth. Periodontal abscesses are more common in adults and are caused by periodontitis or gum disease.

Frequent sugar consumption.
Consuming sugary foods and drinks regularly, such as candies and sodas, can lead to dental cavities and result in tooth abscesses.

It’s important to understand that infections won’t go away on their own, so urgent treatment by the dentist is necessary if you think you have one. If left untreated, it can spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck.

However, you may do some home care while waiting for the response of the emergency dentist or when necessary.

• To relieve the pain, take over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
• Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth.
• Avoid chewing on the side where the affected tooth is and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the tooth.
• Avoid eating hot or cold foods, as well as chewy and hard foods.

Depending on the severity of the abscess, your dentist may recommend one of the following treatments:

Root canal therapy. The dentist may perform root canals to remove the infected tooth pulp and other dead tissues inside the tooth.

Opens the pus and drains the abscesses. The dentist will make a small cut into the abscess to allow the pus to drain, and then clean the affected area with salt water (saline). In some cases, a little rubber drain may be placed to maintain the site open for drainage until the swelling subsides.

Tooth extraction. If the damaged tooth cannot be saved, the best alternative may be tooth extraction. The dentist may advise pulling the tooth and draining the abscess to remove the infection.

Antibiotics. Antibiotics may not be required if the infection is localized to the abscessed area. However, if the infection has progressed to surrounding teeth, your jaw, or other regions, your dentist will most likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from spreading more. If you have a weakened immune system, they may additionally recommend antibiotics.

If you have a tooth infection, your pain may be described as the following:

• A toothache that radiates to the jawbone, neck, or ear that is severe, persistent, and throbbing.
• Sharp
• Continuously or during meals.
• Throbbing

Other oral symptoms may include:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Redness of your gum.
• Loosening of the tooth.
• Sensitivity to pressure when chewing or biting.
• Sudden flow or discharge that is foul-smelling.
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Other general symptoms could include the following:

• High fever
• Swelling in your cheeks or on your face
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck or areas that are tender when you touch.

We recommend seeking emergency treatment as early as possible if you notice any signs or indications of tooth abscess.

Signs that you need immediate medical treatment are fever, swelling in your face, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you can’t reach your dentist, go to the nearest emergency room to get assistance. Such signs may indicate that the infection has spread further into your jaw, surrounding tissue, or other areas of your body.