Tooth Abscess

An abscessed tooth is a dental condition in which the nerve, also called dental pulp, has become infected. The infection usually occurs when a dental cavity goes untreated and bacteria spread deep within the tooth. Left untreated, an abscess can progress to a serious, life-threatening bacterial infection throughout the entire body. This is especially harmful to children, because their immune systems are not fully developed.

Signs Your Child May Have an Abscess

• Continuous sharp or throbbing pain
• Pain when chewing
• Red, swollen gums
• Swollen neck or jaw
• Fever
• Bitter taste in the mouth or bad breath

Treatment of an Abscess

If an abscess occurs in one of your child’s primary or baby teeth, it will most likely need to be extracted. Depending on the location of the extraction, a space maintainer may be necessary until the permanent tooth emerges to prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting into the open space.

If your child’s permanent tooth has an abscess, the treatment options consist of root canal therapy to clean and remove the infection, or tooth extraction. Your pediatric dentist may also choose to add an antibiotic to your child’s treatment plan. This will prevent the infection from spreading further into the jaw and bone tissue.

Tooth Abscess Prevention

Prevention is key. Preventing tooth decay will help in preventing abscesses. Schedule regular exams to monitor and examine any cavities present in your child’s teeth to prevent conditions from worsening. Helping your child follow effective home-care practices, such as brushing and flossing, and eliminating excess sugar in their diet will help prevent cavities, and prevent an abscessed tooth.