Symptoms
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
- Throbbing pain, especially when you chew or you touch your tooth.
- Red, swollen gums.
- A bad taste in your mouth.
- Fever.
- Swelling in any area of the mouth, face, upper or lower jaw, or neck.
- Creamy or yellow pus or blood oozing from a red, swollen, pimplelike area in your mouth.
- Your tooth turning pink or gray.
- A feeling that the tooth is being raised out of its socket, and you cannot close your teeth together properly.
As the infection spreads, you may feel less pain. This is because the bone in your jaw has begun to dissolve and the nerve to the tooth may be dying. If too much bone dissolves, your tooth will become loose and may have to be removed.
Call your dentist immediately if you have a severe toothache that has not improved after an hour or two of home treatment. You may have an abscessed tooth, and the infection may be spreading.
Call your dentist to make an appointment as soon as possible if you have:
- A mild to moderate toothache.
- A toothache with a fever of 100В° (38В°) or higher.
- Swelling in the mouth, jaw, or face that is new or getting bigger.
- A tooth that is very sensitive or painful when pressure is applied to it (such as when you chew).
How does a build-up of plaque affect me?
If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis-red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree, and generally begins to surface in the second trimester. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious form of gum disease.
Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors, inflammatory, benign growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own. But if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing or other oral hygiene procedures, the dentist may decide to remove it.
How can I prevent these problems?
You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You should also floss thoroughly each day. If toothbrushing causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes. Good nutrition-particularly plenty of vitamin C and B12-help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. More frequent cleanings from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis. Controlling plaque also will reduce gum irritation and decrease the likelihood of pregnancy tumors.
When should I see my dentist?
If you’re planning to become pregnant or suspect you’re pregnant, you should see a dentist right away. Otherwise, you should schedule a check-up in your first trimester for a cleaning. Your dentist will assess your oral condition and map out a dental plan for the rest of your pregnancy. A visit to the dentist also is recommended in the second trimester for a cleaning, to monitor changes and to gauge the effectiveness of your oral hygiene. Depending on the patient, another appointment may be scheduled early in the third trimester, but these appointments should be kept as brief as possible.