Recent injury to the mouthĪn injury to the tooth or its surrounding structures can also increase the likelihood of a tooth abscess. Food and bacteria can also become trapped inside the pockets, resulting in an abscess. Severe gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, exposing deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is the medical term for infection and inflammation of the gums. If the decay continues without treatment, an abscess may develop. Over time, plaque bacteria eat away at the tooth, causing tooth decay. However, without proper dental care, it can grow out of control. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental care can help remove plaque. Untreated cavitiesīacteria inside the mouth clump together to form a resilient biofilm called plaque. Tooth abscesses develop when bacteria in the mouth get deep inside a tooth or its surrounding structures, and then multiply out of control.īelow are some of the main causes of a tooth abscess. Tooth loss: A tooth that is severely decayed may break or fall out.A severe abscess may also trigger a fever. A person may notice pain near the tooth, along with swelling and redness of the gums. Abscess formation: An abscess occurs in the later stages of tooth decay, after the bacteria travels to the tooth pulp, or deeper into the gums or jawbone.

Sometimes, damage to the nerve means that a person first feels severe pain, then nothing at all. Bacteria inside the tooth pulp can attack the nerve of the tooth, causing intense pain. Pulp decay: This occurs when bacteria get deep into the innermost layer of the tooth.In some cases, there may be a visible hole or cavity in the tooth. Some people may notice pain or sensitivity. Dentin decay: Involves decay to the layer beneath the enamel of the tooth.Enamel decay can cause white spots on the teeth. Some people do not experience any symptoms, while others may notice increased sensitivity to heat and cold. Enamel decay: Involves damage to the outermost layer of the tooth.The abscess itself is one of the later stages of tooth decay.

Skin attached to lip and gums