Toothaches can be a major setback, especially if it seems like nothing you do will make this pain go away. If you’re experiencing a persistent, intense ache, this may mean you’re dealing with an oral abscess. The painful condition may need immediate attention. But differentiating between a standard toothache and an oral abscess is easier said than done. 

If you believe you’re experiencing an abscess and need the support of your dental team, keep reading to learn more about the signs to look for and how your dentist can help you recover.

What is An Oral Abscess? 

An oral abscess is a pus-filled pocket in your gums. A bacterial infection causes the accumulation of pus. If you have an abscess, it may appear as a small, red, swollen bump along your gum line that may look similar to a pimple or boil. This irritant will impact the health of the tooth it is closest to.

However, if left untreated, the infection from your abscess can spread into the surrounding teeth and tissue, making prompt treatment essential. In more severe cases, the infection can enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, causing endocarditis, or to your brain, causing bacterial meningitis. 

There are various reasons why you may be experiencing an oral abscess, including: 

• Severe, untreated cavities
• Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
• Dental trauma

No matter why you have an oral abscess, it’s essential to reach out to a trusted dental professional as soon as possible for support. Failing to reach out to your dentist can result in a life-threatening illness. 

Signs You Have an Abscess

The first step in protecting yourself against an oral abscess is understanding that you’re experiencing one. If you have an abscess, there are a few common symptoms you’ll experience, including: 

1. Severe Pain in Your Jaw, Neck, or Ear

The first and one of the most significant signs of an oral abscess is severe pain in your jaw, neck, or ear. The kind of pain you’ll experience varies, going from throbbing and gnawing to sharp and shooting. As the abscess worsens, the pain may become much more uncomfortable and difficult to ignore. This pain often begins in the jawbone and spreads to the neck and ear as the infection progresses. 

2. Increased Temperature Sensitivity

While temperature sensitivity may indicate a variety of oral health conditions, increased sensitivity, combined with severe discomfort and other symptoms, may suggest that you have an oral abscess. It is most common to experience sensitivity to hot and warm foods and beverages. This sensitivity will often result in sharp, shooting pain while eating and drinking, which makes it difficult to have meals and beverages throughout the day. 

3. Discomfort When Eating 

In addition to experiencing an increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, you will likely experience discomfort while eating if you have an oral abscess. As you bite down, firm pressure is placed on the abscess. This added pressure will lead to a throbbing pain in the tooth and surrounding tissue. It may also lead to increased sensitivity for a few minutes after you’ve eaten as the irritation subsides. 

4. Untreatable Fever

As your abscess progresses, there is a chance you’ll begin to experience a fever. This fever is a common indication that your body is fighting a bacterial infection. While this is your body’s attempt to kill the bacteria-causing infection, it is important that you monitor your fever. If your fever reaches 103 degrees F or higher, you should contact a trusted medical professional for support, as they can determine if you need to be seen in the office. 

5. Facial Swelling

When you have an oral abscess, there is a chance that you’ll experience facial swelling. As the bacteria from your abscess moves into the surrounding tissue, it may become inflamed, leading to increased facial swelling. This swelling is not normally cause for major concern. However, if the tissue surrounding your airway becomes inflamed, it is important that you seek immediate support from a trusted medical professional, as this may compromise your ability to breathe. 

6. Chronic Bad Breath

If you regularly brush your teeth and still notice an unpleasant smell or taste, it may indicate the presence of an abscess. The abscess may release foul-smelling pus into your mouth, resulting in difficult to address bad breath. This most frequently occurs when the abscess ruptures. If this happens, it’s best to reach out to a trusted medical or dental professional, as you want to ensure the abscess is fully drained and the cause is properly addressed to prevent recurring problems. 

Will An Abscess Go Away On Its Own? 

If you have an oral abscess, you may consider letting the infection run its course and hoping your body will fight it off on its own. However, this can lead to further health issues. If you have an abscess, it’s important to work with a medical professional, such as your dentist. Failing to seek proper attention may allow the infection to continue spreading through your gums and into your bloodstream, which leads to significant and life-threatening health risks. 

How Your Dentist Can Help

To ensure your abscess is treated appropriately, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. They will begin this treatment by identifying the cause of the abscess. They will then drain and clear the tissue to prevent further infection. From there, they will start treatment for your cavity, cracked or broken tooth, or dental trauma. 

Finally, they may prescribe an oral antibiotic to support your recovery and prevent further issues down the road. It is essential that you take the full course of the antibiotic to ensure any lingering bacteria from your infection are killed. Failing to follow your dentist’s advice may result in recurring oral health problems and an increased risk of future infection.

Expert Oral Abscess Treatment in North Ogden

If you’re dealing with an abscess and need the support of a reliable dental team, turn to Mountain View Dental for support. For over a decade, we’ve provided expert dental care to patients across the Wasatch Front. Whether you’re dealing with minor oral health problems or want to boost the appearance of your smile, we’re here to help you through it all. With our support, you can address your abscess and feel better in no time.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team or have any questions about our services, contact us today.