When a tooth becomes infected as the result of dental decay, the body responds by producing excess white blood cells to fight the infection. This combines with the infected matter to form a substance called pus, which can often build up in the tooth and in the softer gum tissue around the root. This leads to a swelling called a tooth abscess, which is very sensitive and often very painful.
Tooth abscesses require urgent treatment from dentists because there are a number of associated risks that can occur if you do not receive treatment. The most obvious risk of ignoring a tooth abscess is that the infection will eventually destroy the tooth and it will fall out or need to be removed. Losing a tooth anywhere in the mouth at any stage in life is not a pleasant experience, especially when it can be easily avoided.
However, there are other risks that could be potentially more serious. Tooth abscess are very sensitive and make event the simplest daily activities such as eating and drinking very unpleasant due to pain. They are also prone to rupturing, which as well as filling your mouth with very nasty pus and bacteria, could spread the infection to other teeth in the mouth and even enter the bloodstream.
Recent research has proved a link between oral infection and possible heart disease and even heart attacks. This is because the infection enters the blood and causes a chain reaction, which ultimately can lead to a narrowing of the arteries around the heart.
Treatment of tooth abscesses involves either the use of antibiotics or a procedure called a root canal. Both are available at short notice from a City of Leeds dentist and could save you a great deal of pain and could even save your life.
Tags: gum tissue, infected pulp, tooth abscess
