Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection in your gums. An abscess usually looks like a red, swollen bump, boil or pimple. It affects the involved tooth, but the infection can also spread to surrounding bone and neighboring teeth. Abscesses can occur in different places around a tooth for different reasons.

Three types of tooth infections can cause abscesses:

• Gingival: This infection develops in your gums. It doesn’t usually affect your tooth or supporting structures.
• Periapical: A periapical abscess is an infection that forms at the tip of your tooth root. If you have a tooth that’s decayed or fractured, bacteria can enter your tooth and spread to the pulp. (The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.) When bacteria invade the pulp, infection can spread to the tip of your tooth’s root, then, eventually to the surrounding bone, causing an abscess to form.
• Periodontal: This infection starts in the bone and tissues that support your teeth. A periodontal abscess usually results from gum disease and is more common among adults.

How does a tooth abscess affect my oral and overall health?

Left untreated, a tooth abscess can spread to your jawbone, the soft tissues of your face and neck, and beyond. In extremely rare cases, the infection can travel to your heart (endocarditis) and brain (bacterial meningitis).

Who gets abscessed teeth?

You’re more likely to develop an abscessed tooth if you:

• Smoke: People who smoke are about twice as likely to get tooth abscesses as people who don’t.
• Have dry mouth (xerostomia): Bacteria thrive in a mouth with a low amount of saliva.
• Have poor oral hygiene: Regularly brushing, flossing and getting dental cleanings reduces bacteria.
• Have a weakened immune system: Diseases or medications can lower your immune response, making it harder to fight off germs.