Tooth Infection

Toothache, as almost everyone knows, can be bothersome. It sometimes becomes so annoying that you almost cannot do anything else but feel the pain because it is continuous, gnawing and sometimes even throbbing. It disrupts almost all activity that even sleep becomes elusive. Tooth infection causes this troublesome pain. Depending on the pain, a dentist can identify the type of tooth infection you have.

That Annoying Pain from Tooth Infection

Tooth infection can be caused by several factors examples of which are tooth decay, abscess, eruption and impaction. One of the major causes of tooth infection is abscess. Normally when the body encounters bacteria, it sends antibodies and white blood cells to combat them. Because of this automatic response of the body to bacteria lodged around the tooth tissues will swell. This may or may not cause any pain but would nevertheless require immediate attention by your dentist to avoid the bones becoming infected as well. The body’s response to abscess with the help of antibiotics can help remedy this problem. Other than pain some other symptoms of abscess are fever, bad breath and pain when chewing. The removal of plaque surrounding the tooth can prevent this condition.

Tooth decay is another major cause of tooth infection. This happens when the bacteria contained in the plaque around the tooth dissolves its outer layer to form a hole or a crack. The bacteria in the plaque produce acids that are responsible for the tooth’s surface’s corrosion. Pain in this type of tooth infection comes from the pulp within the tooth becoming infected. Since the infection is inside the tooth the body’s defence mechanism does not work because there is no room for antibodies and white blood cells. This condition can only be treated by a dentist who will recommend a root canal. The root canal treatment consists of removing the pulp tissue inside the tooth to be replaced by a sealant to prevent further attack by bacteria and the resulting infection.

When a tooth grows out or erupts it cuts through the gums, sometimes causing infection. This is a common condition that causes gums to become irritated and sore. An impacted tooth, however, is one that fails to come out in its proper position and stays under the gums or even bone. Tooth infection can occur when the impacted tooth grows out against another tooth. Impaction is most frequently seen in wisdom teeth growing out. An impacted tooth can only be remedied with extraction.

Cracked teeth can cause tooth infection in much the same way as tooth decay. This condition is commonly caused by biting into hard surfaces resulting in broken teeth. This condition can likewise be treated with a root canal as well as other dental work to repair the break.

Our teeth are among the most neglected parts of our body yet they work so hard to keep us hale and hearty. More often than not a dentist is seen only when we feel pain associated with tooth infection or, in some cases, for cosmetic purposes. Tooth infection is completely treatable but more importantly, preventable. What we need is good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.