How can I tell if I have a tooth abscess?

If the tooth is still alive you may feel sharp pain in your mouth that worsen if you breath rapidly, allowing air to enter the cavity. You may feel increased pain when drinking cold fluids. This is actually a good sign as it generally means that the tooth can be repaired. If, on the other hand, the pain increases only with warm fluids, it may mean that the nerve has been compromised and the end result will be root canal.

If the tooth is dead the symptoms are different. Since the abscess is causing an increase in pus build up, the tooth may rise up slightly relative to other teeth. Although you will be able to feel this, it may not be accompanied by any pain. Once you start to feel the pain and it is accompanied by a feeling that the tooth is under a great deal of pressure, the abscess has progressed significantly.

If left untreated the abscess will eat away at the jaw and may cause teeth to fall out. The abscess infection will spread throughout the body causing major health issues including heart attack.

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