An abscess is described as an accumulation of pus, resulting from an infection, and can occur in any part of the body. It is often surrounded by red, swollen and painful tissue.

A dental abscess or gumboil is an infection of the mouth, jaw, face, or throat. It begins as a tooth infection or cavity and, as more bacteria accumulate, turns into a throbbing pain that desperately needs treatment. These types of infections are common in people with poor dental health and are often a result of a lack of proper oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing. Dental abscesses may also result from injuries like fractured teeth.

After harmful bacteria invade a decayed tooth, it can extend deeply into the gums, the cheek, the throat, beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. When tissues become inflamed, the dental abscess becomes quite painful, often leaving a horrible taste in the patient’s mouth.

A tooth or root abscess typically is accompanied by fever, redness and swelling of the gums and cheeks. If a lump develops that too may feel hot. Other typical symptoms may include tooth or mouth pain, a loose tooth, oral swelling, tenderness to the touch, pus drainage, trouble swallowing, and sometimes even the inability to fully close the mouth. With an advanced infection, the victim may also suffer from nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea.

A doctor or dentist can determine by physical examination if he is dealing with a drainable abscess. X-rays of the teeth and mouth may be required to locate small abscesses hiding at the deepest part of the tooth. The medical professional may also drain the pus from an abscess. During this procedure the patient may receive gas or local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort, and pain relievers or antibiotics to treat the infection afterward. People with cavities or toothaches can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for pain and inflammation relief. If an abscess ruptures by itself, rinsing with warm water will help cleanse the mouth and encourage further drainage.

Seeking treatment from a dentist before symptoms progress will avoid hospital emergency visits. If people wait too long and do end up with excruciating pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any other characteristic abscess symptoms, and the family doctor or dentist is impossible to contact, they should then immediately go to the nearest Emergency Services Department for evaluation and treatment, especially if they feel ill.
When an abscess treatment is started, it should be followed through until the very end. Discontinuing medication too soon may allow microorganisms to survive and resurface. Even though rare, a dental infection from a tooth abscess can spread to the inside of the brain and infect the tissues within the skull. Uncontrolled swelling can also block off an airway and cause instant death by suffocation.

Tooth decay and dental abscesses can be prevented by brushing several times a day and flossing. Reducing sugar and excess alcohol consumption won’t hurt either. As they say, it is better to prevent, than to suffer.