An abscessed tooth occurs when you experience tooth decay or gum disease and bacteria creates an infection deep in the tooth or gum. The bacteria spread to the tissue surrounding the tooth or gum and create an infected pocket, or abscess.
Tooth Abscess Causes
There are several things that cause an abscessed tooth, including:
- Prior damage to the tooth such as a cracked or broken tooth left untreated
- An untreated cavity in the tooth
- Gum disease
If a tooth has been damaged and not properly treated, it creates an opportunity for bacteria to grow in or around the tooth and in turn affect previously healthy tissue. In the case of an untreated cavity the center of the tooth, often called the “pulp”, can become infected. Bacteria from this infection spread to the surrounding tissue and create an abscess. Gum disease on the other hand causes the gums to pull away from the teeth slightly, creating crevices and pockets that easily trap food. That food is then hard to remove by brushing or flossing and if left in the pocket forms bacteria, in turn creating an abscess.