Health Tip: Abscesses Stem From Bacterial Infection

(HealthDay News) -- A tooth abscess is a collection of pus resulting from a bacterial infection of the center of a tooth.

An abscess can also result from tooth decay, openings in tooth enamel, and a broken or chipped tooth.

According to the National Institute of Health, heres a list of symptoms of an abscess:

• A toothache.
• Pain while chewing.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.
• Foul smell in the mouth.
• Fever.
• Swollen glands, in upper or lower jaw.

The institute recommends prompt treatment of an abscess to reduce complications.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Nov. 11, 2005