Tooth Abscess in Nigeria: Symptoms, Emergency Signs and Treatment
A tooth abscess is a pocket of bacterial infection inside a tooth, around its root, or in the gum. It will not heal on its own, so prompt dental treatment is essential.
Quick answer
Contact a dentist urgently for severe toothache, a swollen gum or face, a bad taste, fever, or pain when biting. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately if swelling makes breathing or swallowing difficult, spreads towards an eye, or becomes rapidly worse.
Common symptoms
• Constant or throbbing toothache
• Pain spreading to the jaw, ear, or neck
• Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
• Pain when chewing or biting
• A swollen gum or pimple-like bump near the tooth
• Bad taste, bad breath, or pus
• Fever, tiredness, or tender glands
• Swelling of the cheek or face
Pain may reduce if an abscess drains, but the infection can still remain and spread.
When is it an emergency?
Seek emergency medical care now for difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or fast-growing facial swelling, swelling near an eye, confusion, or feeling seriously unwell. Children, pregnant patients, people with diabetes, and anyone with a weakened immune system should seek professional advice promptly.
What causes a dental abscess?
Common causes include untreated tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease, trauma, or infection around a partly erupted wisdom tooth. Bacteria enter damaged tissue and pus forms around the infection.
How a dentist treats an abscess
The dentist examines the mouth and may recommend an X-ray. Treatment removes the source of infection and may include drainage, root canal treatment, gum treatment, or extraction when a tooth cannot be saved.
Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment. A dentist may prescribe them when infection is spreading, there is significant swelling, or systemic symptoms such as fever are present. Use antibiotics only as prescribed.
What to do before your appointment
• Rinse gently with warm salt water
• Eat soft foods and chew on the other side
• Use a soft toothbrush around the painful area
• Take a suitable over-the-counter pain reliever according to its label, if it is safe for you
• Keep your head slightly raised when resting
Do not place aspirin, chemicals, or herbal mixtures directly on the gum. Do not squeeze or puncture swelling. Never delay care because pain temporarily improves.
Can an abscess go away without treatment?
No. Symptoms may come and go, but the source of infection normally remains. Untreated infection may damage surrounding bone and spread to the face, neck, or bloodstream.
Prevention
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth daily, reduce frequent sugary snacks and drinks, and attend regular dental check-ups. Treat cavities, broken fillings, and gum problems early.
Dental care in Lagos
Dovers Dental Clinic assesses dental infections and explains treatment option
