### What is a Dental Abscess? A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can occur in different parts of the tooth or gums and is often very painful. ### Types of Dental Abscesses 1. **Periapical Abscess**: This type occurs at the tip of the tooth's root. 2. **Periodontal Abscess**: This type occurs in the gums next to a tooth root. 3. **Gingival Abscess**: This type occurs in the gums. ### Symptoms - Throbbing pain near a tooth or in the gums - Pain that radiates to the ear or neck - Swelling in the face or cheek - Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures - Fever - Swollen lymph nodes ### Causes Bacteria entering the tooth or gums can lead to an abscess. This can happen due to: - Poor dental hygiene - Consuming sugary foods and drinks - Trauma to the tooth ### Treatment Treatment focuses on clearing the infection and relieving pain. Options include: - **Antibiotics**: To kill the bacteria causing the infection. - **Drainage**: The dentist may drain the abscess to remove the pus. - **Root Canal**: To remove the infected tissue inside the tooth. - **Extraction**: In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed. ### Home Remedies While waiting to see a dentist, you can: - Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. - Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. ### Importance of Treatment If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the head and neck, and in rare cases, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. ### Prevention - Practice good oral hygiene - Have regular dental checkups every six months