Causes of Tooth Abscess
Tooth abscesses, known in medical terminology as tooth abscess (English: Tooth abscess) or dentoalveolar abscess (English: Dentoalveolar abscess), vary in type and origin. It’s important to recognize that teeth are naturally hard on the outside, while they contain dental pulp (English: Dental pulp) made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. This dental pulp can occasionally become infected; if left untreated, it may lead to pulp necrosis, resulting in a tooth abscess. Infections commonly arise from the following factors:
- The presence of deep cavities, commonly referred to as tooth decay (English: Tooth decay).
- Gum diseases (English: Periodontal disease or Gum disease), which will be elaborated upon later.
- Dental fractures or cracks (English: Cracked tooth) in affected individuals.
To understand the causes of tooth abscesses in greater detail, it is essential to explore the various types of abscesses and the reasons for their occurrence:
Periodontal Abscesses
This type of tooth abscess is more prevalent in adults compared to children. The underlying causes of this type include:
- Periodontal diseases. To comprehend periodontal abscesses, it’s vital to recognize that several conditions can affect the supporting tissues of the teeth. One such condition can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to gum recession of more than 3 mm from the tooth surface, resulting in the formation of a periodontal pocket (English: Periodontal pocket). Unfortunately, these pockets create an ideal environment for bacterial and tartar accumulation, along with food debris. As these materials continue to gather and the immune system’s ability to combat infection diminishes, the pocket can become filled with pus, resulting in periodontal abscesses, which cause swelling and inflammation of the gums. Consequently, this can lead to damage of the bone surrounding the tooth and the supportive connective tissues. It’s worth noting that most cases of periodontal abscesses arise in severe and advanced stages of periodontal diseases when gum inflammation is significant, often exceeding 5 mm, creating a conducive environment for bacterial growth and abscess formation.
- Dental procedures. Periodontal abscesses may also develop due to a dental procedure that inadvertently creates periodontal pockets, increasing the likelihood of developing periodontal abscesses.
- Use of antibiotics in cases of untreated gingivitis (English: Untreated periodontitis) can obscure abscess symptoms in patients. Sometimes, damage to the gums may lead to periodontal abscesses, even in the absence of gum inflammation.
Apex Abscess
This type of abscess is the most common, originating in the dental pulp, usually as a complication of dental caries, which is quite prevalent. Tooth decay damages and breaks down the protective layers of the tooth—namely, enamel (English: Enamel) and dentin (English: Dentine)—allowing bacteria to enter the tooth through small openings. If decay continues, the resulting damage may be sufficient for bacteria to access the pulp, causing an infection known as pulpitis (English: Pulpitis). As the inflammation progresses, bacteria may infiltrate the surrounding bone, known as the alveolar bone (English: Alveolar bone), leading to the formation of apex abscesses. In some instances, this type of abscess can occur if the tooth’s nerve dies for any reason, such as trauma, as dead tissues inside the tooth are more susceptible to infection. Apex abscesses are more common in children than in adults, particularly in those with poor dental hygiene.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Abscess Development
The following factors may elevate the likelihood of developing tooth abscesses:
- Consuming a high amount of sugary or starchy foods, candies, and carbonated beverages, which can encourage bacterial growth in the dental plaque and lead to tooth decay and abscess formation.
- Previous dental surgery or trauma to the teeth or gums, which may provide an entry point for bacteria into damaged areas of the teeth or gums.
- A weakened immune system, including those with certain health conditions like diabetes or those undergoing treatments that involve steroid medications or chemotherapy.
- Poor dental and gum hygiene, which can increase the risk of dental caries and other oral health complications, including gum disease and tooth abscesses. Infrequent brushing and neglecting flossing are common detrimental practices.
- Dry mouth, often resulting from medication side effects or aging, can elevate the risk of tooth decay in individuals.
Prevention of Tooth Abscess
Several practices can help prevent most types of tooth abscesses, which are often complications arising from tooth decay or periodontal diseases, as discussed above. These practices include:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring regular cleaning of the teeth to lower the risk of tooth abscesses.
- Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and utilizing floss or interdental brushes daily.
- Eating a healthy diet and minimizing snacking between meals, particularly avoiding sugary and carbonated foods and drinks; it’s recommended to reserve these for main meals.
- Visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and addressing any dental issues promptly, including immediate treatment for cavities or fractures, to reduce the risk of tooth abscess.
- Quitting smoking for individuals who smoke, as this will improve oral hygiene.
- Addressing dry mouth issues by staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, or asking a healthcare provider about medications that can help alleviate it.
How to Manage a Tooth Abscess
Watch the video to learn more about effective methods for managing a tooth abscess.