By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-05-27 18:15:27 | Word Count: 664
The last stage of an infection produces an abscess, which is a collection of digested bodily tissue, dead bacteria, white blood cells and enzymes that are commonly referred to as pus. As a bacterium infects an area of the tooth or body, white blood cells are sent in to fight the collecting bacteria. White blood cells produce enzymes as their means of destroying bacteria. Unfortunately, these enzymes also digest small amounts of tissue. Bacteria will also produce similar enzymes as they attempt to fight the white blood cells, which can lead to additional tissue damage.
In the stages before an abscess forms the individual will notice pain when chewing, swelling and/or gum redness, or a change in the tooth’s sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. During the early stages of tooth decay, it is not uncommon for people to have an accompanying toothache. As the condition worsens, individuals may experience fever, swollen upper/lower jaw and/or neck glands, along with a general feeling of sickness. Once pus is present, there is typically an associated bitter taste in the mouth, foul smelling breath, and a sore located on the side of the gum-line near the infected tooth.
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An abscess tooth stems from tooth decay or may result from tooth trauma. When a tooth is chipped or cracked, openings develop in the enamel, which allow bacteria to infect the pulp of the tooth. If left unchecked the bacterial infection could spread from the tooth into the bones holding the infected tooth. Progression to this stage can cause serious health issues leading to a loss of portions of the jawbone, heart trouble, or systemic infection.
If action is not taken, the toothache will sometimes dissipate due to the death of the tooth’s root. However, the cessation of the toothache does not mean that the infection has ended; it only means that it has spread beyond the center of the tooth. The longer an individual goes without treatment, the greater their chance of developing serious health issues and the loss of teeth due to bone loss.
When one starts to experience any of the symptoms described above, a trip to the dentist is needed. Dentists have medical training that enables them to diagnose tooth and gum problems before they become serious health problems. An abscessed tooth is easily discovered by a simple dental examination. The individual’s teeth will each be probed to test for sensitivity and pain. If discovered, an X-ray would be taken in order to reveal internal tooth or bone damage. Early diagnosis and treatment of an abscessed tooth can save the tooth, and prevent the onset of more serious problems.
Remember, immediately seek the attention of a qualified dentist if you experienced any form of tooth trauma, or are experiencing any of the symptoms described above. Trained dental professionals will not only fix dental related problems, but they can assist you in developing proper oral hygiene practices. A full set of healthy teeth will assist in the proper digestion of foods, and good oral hygiene can help in preventing heart health problems. So make an appointment to see your dentist today in order to ensure the health of your teeth and gums.
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