How To Spot A Tooth Abscess

Going to see one of the private dentists Manchester city centre has on its books is highly advisable if you think you have a tooth abscess – but how can you spot this problem for yourself without making an appointment at your local dental surgery first?

There are two types of abscess that can strike you down: periodontal, where a collection of pus forms in the bone and gum around your tooth, and periapical, where the pus forms under the tooth (the most common type).

Symptoms include an intense throbbing pain in the affected area, tenderness in the tooth, sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink, bad breath, an unpleasant taste, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth, a fever and difficulty sleeping.

Dental abscesses are typically caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth as a result of eating lots of starchy or sugary food and drink, and poor dental hygiene – which is why it’s so important to brush and floss your teeth regularly and properly.

If you think this is what you have, make an appointment with a qualified dentist as soon as you can. Going to the doctor won’t do much good as they will only really be able to recommend you take some painkillers. As for treatment, it varies depending on what has caused the problem, but it typically involves removing the tooth or treating the gum to drain the pus.

Those of you scared of the dentist should take heart as the treatment isn’t particularly painful and you’ll be given a local anaesthetic. Do not put off going to the dentist, however, as dental abscesses will not get better by themselves.