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Do You Have an Abscessed Tooth?

No one wants to think about the words “abscessed tooth” applying to their own mouth, but to paraphrase Sun Tzu, it’s a good idea to know your enemy. Causes of an abscessed tooth include:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• A cracked tooth

When a tooth is compromised by one or more of these conditions, bacteria may enter the pulp of the tooth and form a buildup of pus called an abscess. Left untreated, a serious infection may result. Some symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include:

• Pain and swelling
• Redness in the gums
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Fever

There are different methods for the treatment of an abscessed tooth. Millcreek Family Dental will assess the severity of the infection and may recommend one of the following:

• Antibiotics to kill the infection
• Draining the infection
• Cleaning between tooth and gum
• Root canal treatment

Practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with routine dental checkups will reduce the likelihood of developing an abscessed tooth. If you want to discuss a troublesome toothache or any other oral health issue with Dr. Anthony Baird at Millcreek Family Dental, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.