A dental abscess, or tooth abscess, is an accumulation of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums. The abscess typically originates from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.

Bacteria exist in plaque, a by-product of food, saliva and bacteria in the mouth which sticks to the teeth and damages them, as well as the gums. If the plaque is not removed by regular and proper tooth brushing and flossing the bacteria may spread within the soft tissue inside the tooth or gums, eventually resulting in an abscess.

There are 3 types of dental abscess:

Gingival abscess - the abscess is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.

Periodontal abscess - this abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.

Periapical abscess - this abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary: A gingival abscess is "an abscess confined to the gingival soft tissue." A periodontal abscess is "an alveolar abscess or a lateral periodontal abscess." A periapical abscess is "an alveolar abscess localized around the apex of a tooth root." A dental abscess usually requires treatment; otherwise it can worsen and result in the destruction of bone tissue. What are the signs and symptoms of a dental abscess? A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including a doctor or nurse may detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign. Signs and symptoms of a dental abscess may include:

Pain - the main symptom. This may be a throbbing pain, and is often intense. The pain usually starts suddenly, and becomes more intense over the subsequent hours or days. In some cases the pain may radiate to the ear, jawbone and neck. Pain in the affected area when biting Touching the affected area may be painful Sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids A foul taste in the patient's mouth Fever General malaise (the patient feels generally unwell) Trismus - the patient finds it harder to open his/her mouth Dysphagia - swallowing difficulties Insomnia What causes a dental abscess? A dental abscess in most cases is a complication of a dental infection. Bacteria, often bacteria present in plaque, infect and make their way into a tooth.

Periapical abscess

Bacteria enter the tooth through tiny holes caused by tooth decay (caries) that form in the tooth enamel (hard outer layer of the tooth). The caries eventually break down the softer layer of tissue under the enamel, called dentine. If the decay continues, the hole will eventually penetrate the soft inner pulp of the tooth - infection of the pulp is called pulpitis.

As the pulpitis progresses the bacteria make their way to the bone that surrounds and supports the tooth, called the alveolar bone, and a periapical abscess is formed.

Periodontal abscess

When bacteria which are present in plaque infect the gums the patient has periodontitis…