A tooth abscess, also called abscessed tooth, is right up there with root canals, subjects that we all need to be aware of in order to have a clear understanding of what to do if we have an abscess as well as how to avoid ever having a tooth abscess.
Anyone who has ever had an abscessed tooth would tell you that they would have done anything to avoid the pain of an abscess. In this first article on dental abscesses, let’s explore what causes abscesses and strategies you can apply to avoid ever having one.
What is an abscessed tooth?
An abscess simply is a ‘pocket’ of pus from an infection in the mouth. Have you ever had a splinter in your finger or foot that got infected? Do you recall the pus that accumulated around the splinter? That was your immune system showing up to fight the infection. Well, that’s essentially what an abscess is: a collection of pus that the immune system has created to mount a defense against an infection.
There are two main types of abscesses in the mouth. A periodontal abscess originates in the gum pocket and is directly associated with advanced gum disease, also called periodontal disease. A periapical abscess is located at the tip of the root of a tooth. We’ll refer to these two main types of abscess simply as a gum abscess or tooth abscess.
Common signs of abscess
Signs and symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of abscess you’re dealing with. While gum abscesses aren’t necessarily painful, the main sign of a tooth abscess is a very strong, constant pain.
What causes an abscess?
All abscesses (with a couple rare exceptions) are a result of a chronic infection.
If the infection originates in the gum pocket, then gum disease is the cause of the abscess. You can read more about this type of infection in a gum pocket by reading how Susan effectively addressed advanced gum disease in her own mouth (without dental intervention).
If the infection is located at the tip of the root of the tooth, then the abscess is the result of an infection from within that tooth or the region surrounding that tooth.
In both cases, the immune system is dealing with an infection. However, different than the splinter example above, these infections are chronic.
Gum (periodontal) abscesses are from gum disease, an imbalance of disease-causing microbes that have colonized under the gum line.
Tooth (periapical) abscesses are primarily caused by a tooth becoming so decayed that the pulp becomes infected. They can also occur from a root canal gone bad. In both cases, the health of the tooth is severely compromised, a major battle is cooking, and the abscess is the ‘sign’ of trouble.
(Incidentally, the photo on this post is an x-ray where the abscess is on the root of a tooth that has already had a root canal performed on it. As you can see in the photo on the adjacent teeth, on a healthy tooth the root chamber is darker than the bony enamel and dentin. However, on this root canal tooth, the root chamber is bright white showing how the root has been drilled out and filled with a material that the x-ray shows as white.)
How do I know which type of abscess I’m dealing with?
While this may get a bit graphic for some, the location where the abscess tries to drain the pus will give you a big clue whether you are dealing with a gum disease based abscess or a tooth based abscess.
You see, one of the ways our immune systems show up to fight an infection is by recruiting a lot of white blood cells to the infection site. Once the white blood cells do what they can, they die and accumulate at the infection site. We know this accumulation of dead white blood cells as pus.
Once the pressure builds up in the abscess, it tries to find a way out to relieve the pressure. Seeing where the abscess ‘vents’ is very helpful to determine which type of abscess you’re dealing with.
If the pus comes from within the gum pocket, this is a sure sign of a periodontal abscess and an unquestionable sign that you have periodontal disease.
If, however, the pus forms a boil on the side of the gum tissue and ruptures into the mouth (I know, it’s gross but important), then this is a strong sign that it’s a tooth abscess. Also, please note that it’s possible to have an infection and resulting abscess of both the periodontal pocket and the tooth root.
Sometimes a person can have an abscess (aka strong pain associated with a region in the mouth) and not have any ‘external’ signs of an abscess through the expression of pus from the infection site. These abscesses are particularly problematic as the increasing pressure of the abscess doesn’t have anywhere ‘outside’ to go, so the pus ruptures into internal tissues.
Why abscesses are not to be ignored
It’s a chronic infection. At the risk of being a bit dramatic, chronic infections are the ‘stuff’ that living beings die from. The extreme pain associated with an abscess is there to shout ‘Pay attention to this area! We’ve got trouble over here!’.
If left untreated, an abscess originating from gum disease will continue to destroy the jaw bone that anchors the teeth in the mouth and causes tooth loss as well as provides a chronic source of ‘thug bugs’ that directly undermine the health of the whole being.
If a tooth abscess is left untreated, the infection will build and spread into the surrounding region, destroy any tissue (bone, muscle, doesn’t matter) in its path as it seeks a way to release the building pressure. Depending on the location of the abscess, it can even directly cause loss of vision, facial paralysis and yes, even death.
While these mostly localized issues are big enough, recent research very clearly points the finger at chronic oral infections as being a major source of systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is the underlying cause that drives heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and many other ‘big hitters’ in our global culture.
An abscess is one of those situations where a trip to your helpful dentist would be a really wise choice.
How to avoid ever having an abscess
While this subject of how to avoid having an abscess is a bigger subject than we can cover in one article, let’s get you headed in the right direction right now.
We suggest addressing any oral health issue from a ‘two prong’ approach.
On one hand, we must address this issue ‘at the site’ of the infection. On the other hand, if we want to stop the risk of an abscess for good, we must strengthen our ‘whole system’ immune response.
After all, only if we raise the health of our whole system can we expect our immune system to be able to effectively stop chronic infections.
To explain why system-wide immune support is foundational, let’s use the analogy of a city fire department. If a city has a building on fire, the fire department shows up in a hurry and applies the full force of their firefighting capabilities to put out the fire. This is how we want our immune system to function.
What happens, however, if the city has 10, 50 or 100 fires burning all at once? The fire department can’t respond to all the emergencies, right? They just don’t have the resources to address all the fires sufficiently.
So, they determine which fires are more critical to get under control and which fires can be allowed to burn.
Another option the fire department has is to spread their forces thin and just try to control all the fires from getting bigger. But spread out too thinly, they lack the resources to be able to mount a strong enough defense to put out any of the fires. So they all smolder and slowly burn.
This analogy parallels what happens in our bodies every day. If we don’t do the right things to support greater whole being immunity, we are simply going to stretch our immune systems too thin and some fires (infections) are going to keep burning and not be addressed.
Real-time solutions…
Ok, enough theory. Let’s get you some high ‘bang for the buck’ actions you can take to make a massive positive change to your oral health…
1. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is super helpful for addressing oral health challenges because it supports both the ‘in the mouth’ needs and ‘system-wide’ immune function. We question whether oil pulling will single-handedly heal an abscess, but regular oil pulling is a great adjunct therapy to help create greater oral health. While sesame oil is traditionally used, we like to use coconut oil because of its flavor and its antimicrobial properties.
If you aren’t familiar with oil pulling, here’s an article that explains how to practice oil pulling as well as how oil pulling benefits our oral health and whole-body wellness.
For more comprehensive information about the benefits of oil pulling, how to know if it’s right for you, and how to do it properly, we invite you to download our FREE eBook, The Ultimate Oil Pulling Guide.
2. Address the infection in the mouth head on
There is much you can do to help knock down an oral infection. If it’s a periodontal abscess, you can directly and significantly reduce the infection yourself. Check out our HealThy Mouth System for more information on how you can make huge changes in your oral health very quickly.
Through the use of natural antimicrobials combined with specific strategies to help mitigate the imbalance of thug bugs in the mouth, it’s amazing how quickly the body heals itself (yes, even from advanced gum disease). Here’s a case study of how one woman with advancing periodontal disease shocked her dentist with the amount of improvement she was able to accomplish in just 42 days!
Another option is to vigorously swish with salt water for several minutes. Vigorous swishing like oil pulling will activate the immune system in the area while the salt works to fight the infection. Just dissolve some salt in water and you have a powerful, inexpensive home remedy to support the healing process.
3. Support systemic immune response
The good news is taking immediate positive actions will make a huge change quickly. Eat foods that help support greater oral health. Reduce or eliminate foods that undermine your oral health. Make sure you take time to laugh and play. Even simple steps like taking more vitamin C can really help.
Any of these steps will provide your ‘fire department’ more resources in order to mount a better, stronger immune response.
In the next article on this subject, we will explore the question, “I have an abscess, what are my options?”
What about you? Have you ever had an abscessed tooth? What did you do that helped? How did you handle the situation?
If you’d like to know what questions to ask to find a dental team who will work with you on your journey to greater oral health, feel free to download our FREE eBook, the Guide to Safe Dentistry.
Helpful, Related Resources:
OraWellness Ultimate Oil Pulling Guidebook [FREE eBook]
Guide to Safe Dentistry [FREE eBook]
5 Steps to a Healthy Mouth [[FREE video tutorial series]]
I Have a Root Canal. What are My Options? [article]
HealThy Mouth System [product solution]
Does Flossing Really Lower My Risk of Heart Attack? [article]
How to Use the Healthy Mouth Blend [[FREE video tutorial]]
What is Oil Pulling? [article]
What to Eat to Support Greater Oral Health [article]
What Foods Undermine Our Oral Health [article]
What 42 Days of Positive Action Can Accomplish [case study]
At the outset, I am SO thankful for all the practical help Will and Susan so faithfully give us!! . . . . . . .My abscess was strange in that it erupted on the palate. I guess it is the palatal root of my 2nd molar that is dying. Another weird thing is that I have had basically no pain. After about 2 weeks, the palatal abscess pretty much disappeared as well as the gum swelling on the cheek side of my first and 2nd molar. I did see a dentist and the x-ray showed infection at the base of the root. My root canal is scheduled 6 weeks from now. I’ve been doing a lot of home remedies – salt water rinse, hydrogen peroxide rinses, garlic poultice, eating fresh garlic. I tried some black tea compresses and “clay” (calcium bentonite clay) compresses. I’ve been taking a supplement, Rapid Immune Boost. I also recently began using a homeopathic “antiobiotic”, Hepar Sulph 6C. I already take quite a bit of vitamin C and D, and do oil pulling a couple of times a week. My question is, has anyone in the community ever reversed a periapical abscess situation and not needed a root canal?
Aloha Ruthi,
Thank you for your comment and questions!
We’re sorry that you’re experiencing a palatal abscess!
We here at OraWellness aren’t medical or dental professionals, so we can’t treat, diagnose, advise, etc. Instead, what we can do is share information with you to help you become self-empowered on your journey.
It sounds like you’re already doing so much good to help yourself! In case it’s helpful, feel free to check out OraWellness co-founder Susan’s story of how she successfully healed an abscess after two dentists said it could only be addressed by removing the tooth.
Also, since you mentioned that one of the tools in your toolbox is homeopathy, you might be interested in Homeopath Joette Calabrese’s video titled, “Dental Infections and Bone Spurs.” In the video, she shares how she addressed her own dental infection.
I hope that helps!
Aloha! 🙂
Hello,
I was wondering, after a infected tooth is pulled and there is definite bone loss from periodontal disease can some infection be left behind to create pain and swelling after an extraction?
Aloha Deb,
Thanks for stopping by!
Yes, it’s our understanding that any time a tooth is removed, there is a risk of developing an infection in the jawbone known as a cavitation. Here’s an article that explains more about cavitations: The Common, Unknown Risk of Having Wisdom Teeth Removed
We hope that helps!
I recently made an appointment with my dentist because I noticed I had a tooth abscess forming right above the gum line where I had recently had a crown. After X-Rays, I was told one of the three nerves was dead/damaged and thus needed a root canal. I have no pain where the abscess is and only feel a throbbing sensation when I bend over to pick up things or sometimes after exercising. It is like I can feel my heartbeat in my tooth. After reading about root canals I am hesitant to get one done. At this point, is the root canal my only option?
Aloha Diego,
Thanks for stopping by.
We really can’t say for sure.
However, what we do know is that in situations like this where we feel uncertain, it can be helpful to get a second (and sometimes even a third) professional opinion from different dentists to see what they think. Here’s an article that can help you find a good dentist: Helpful resources to find a qualified dentist to assist you
And, here’s another article that might also help you on your journey: How to be your own oral (and whole body) health advocate
Thanks again for reaching out! 🙂
I have an abscess tooth I’ve gotten my tooth pulled been on antibiotics and it’s still there what else can I do please for help
Hi Keisha,
Thank you for reaching out. We’re sorry to hear about your situation. We can’t make any suggestions on how someone should or should not navigate any dental health situation. We strongly encourage you to go to a dentist that you trust and gain their professional help. Here’s an article to assist you in finding a helpful dentist. Helpful resources to find a qualified dentist to assist you.
We hope this helps you along your path!
I went to a holistic dentist for a consult before an oral surgeon extracted a twisted bottom front tooth (its always been crowded there). An xray had shown an abscess at the root (not painful). They thought it could of been bumped. The oral surgeon didn’t mention that the bordering tooth showed some bone loss (holistic dentist viewed that from an xray). He felt that might be a problem if I went ahead with the extraction. It might have lost support and come out with the extraction or later, leaving me with a big gap. He suggested not to have the extraction as he didn’t think it was an abscess. But he did suggest applying ozone along the gum line every 2 months in his office. A 10 min. procedure. To prevent any possible infection.
So you skipped over the fact that an abscess can form after an injury where there was no infection prior to injury. What are the suggested steps to prevent abscess after an injury? I don’t think oil pulling is a good idea while the gums are cut nor will my daughter keep it in her mouth (tried before). Currently doing salt water swishing and hoping it heals. She was pushed and hit her mouth on the back of another kids head at school so the gum is purple and swollen, bleeding stopped fairly quuickly. She has no decay or infections.
Hi Nicole,
You are totally right! We did overlook the capacity for an abscess to form due to trauma.
I’m sorry to hear of your daughter’s situation. Ugg on the being pushed…
Please keep us posted of how she heals up. I’d encourage looking into some homeopathic remedies to help dispel the stress and bruising.
Thank you again!!
What are some home remedies I could reform to both cure and reduce the pain? i have an abscessed tooth that i cannot immediately tend to with a dentist,in the meantime,anyone have a home remedy or two that may help with the pain?its to the point that i cannot taste food or drink,but partly because i take thyroid medicine too.thanks in advance
Thanks for the great articles. I am looking for information about whether there’s any chance to heal an abscess at the root of a NON root-canal tooth, though I’m told it is dead. It is under a crown. I have no symptoms except the “bubble” that can be seen in the x-ray. No pain or external swelling. I believe I will have it pulled out and cleaned out, but if there’s some hope of keeping the tooth without poisoning my system, I’d like to try. I will start oil pulling every day, any other advice?
Absolutely! Consuming H202 as a daily protocol will keep the infection from spreading, and possibly eliminate it. Try some searches like “H202 and pathogens” or “consuming H202”. You will run into a lot of anti-H202 propaganda, but do your research. I don’t have time for a full essay on what it has done for me, but here’s a quick rundown: First, day 12 my lungs felt clear. I can take deep breaths with no tickle. My energy level has at least tripled. I started going to bed at a decent hour instead of resisting sleep. Next, day 15 I lay in bed marveling that my stomach felt PERFECT! No burning. “This is what it’s supposed to be like to be human!” I told myself. there is SO MUCH MORE but I can’t explain it all right now. Must go. I have a root tip tooth abscess. H202 stopped infection from spreading. I stopped taking the H202 three weeks ago, wondering if it had gotten rid of the infection completely. No, I’m starting to feel it again now. Not with pain, but with the sensation of the tooth feeling different, ticklish. I’m getting back on the H202 tomorrow to prevent it from spreading while I wait for my appointment.
Traci, Did you eliminate your infection?
I enjoy your articles. I have had three root canals over the years and after studying about them i decided to have them pulled, one had obviously become infected while the other two had not. The dentist informed me all three were infected and it was a good thing I had them removed. On another subject I am not aware of any articles on wisdom teeth. I had mine remover has a child and recently had them de brided. One had a hidden pocket of puss hidden in my jaw bone. Upon removal my health immediately showed improvement.
Hi,
I have had the first step to a root canal done last week. I have antibiotics in tooth with a sealant on the toothe temporarily. I am to go back soon to finish the procedure. Should I cancel the second part of this ??? I’m freaked out now after reading up on root canals. I already have 2 other root canals , and I have throid disease as well. My only concern about cancelling the rest of the recent procedure is that I have a mission trip on march 28th. It’s not a place where I could receive helpif I end up on pain.
Thanks,
Julia Basich
Aloha Julia,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Hmm, you’ve found yourself in a challenging situation…
While we are obviously very wary of root canals, I think it would be unwise to cancel the second half of the procedure. My guess is the tooth has already been killed and a temporary filling has been placed while the crown has been ordered to be prepared in a dental lab.
Hmm, I really don’t know what the ‘best’ path is for you Julia. If I were in your shoes, I would complete the procedure (making darn sure that the region is very well cleaned out prior to placement of the crown) and take a ‘watch and see’ approach. Make a note in a journal or calendar dating when you had the procedure done. That way, if your health begins to decline, you can see if there is a correlation to the dentistry. We generally don’t think that whole body ill health has any relation to our oral health. This is a myth we are confident that our culture will rudely awaken from in the years to come.
After all, the mouth is the ‘headwaters’ to the whole body, the beginning of the stream that is home to 80% of our immune system. If we ignore this fact, we unfortunately may put ourselves in harm’s way.
I hope this helps.
I wish you had all this info available in audio or on youtube. It would be much easier for me.