Common Types of Dental Infections

1. Tooth Abscess (Periapical Abscess)

• Infection at the root of the tooth
• Caused by deep cavities or trauma
• Leads to pus formation

2. Gum Abscess (Periodontal Abscess)

• Infection in the gums
• Often linked with gum disease
• Causes swelling and pain around the tooth

3. Facial Cellulitis

• Infection spreads to facial tissues
• Can cause severe swelling, redness, and fever
• Requires urgent treatment

4. Pericoronitis

• Infection around partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Common in young adults

Signs & Symptoms

• Severe toothache (throbbing pain)
• Swelling in face or jaw
• Red, inflamed gums
• Pus discharge
• Fever and fatigue
• Difficulty opening mouth (trismus)
• Bad taste or foul smell

Causes

• Untreated tooth decay
• Poor oral hygiene
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Gum disease (periodontitis)
• Injury or cracked tooth

When is it an Emergency?

Seek immediate dental or medical help if you notice:

• Rapidly increasing facial swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• High fever
• Swelling spreading to eyes or neck

These may indicate a spreading infection that needs urgent care.

Treatment Options

1. Drainage of Abscess

• Removal of pus to reduce pressure and pain

2. Root Canal Treatment (RCT)

• Saves the infected tooth by removing infected pulp

3. Tooth Extraction

• If the tooth cannot be saved

4. Antibiotics

• To control the spread of infection

5. Hospital Care (Severe Cases)

• IV antibiotics and monitoring

Prevention Tips

• Brush twice daily & floss regularly
• Visit dentist every 6 months
• Treat cavities early
• Avoid tobacco & sugary foods
• Maintain overall oral hygiene