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Can tooth ulcers have nothing to do with eating "heaty" foods? Let's uncover the truth about tooth ulcers!

Can tooth ulcers have nothing to do with eating "heaty" foods? Let's uncover the truth about tooth ulcers!

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Many patients mistakenly believe that gum sores are caused by eating too much fried food or staying up late, but in fact, the main cause of gum sores is abscesses resulting from bacterial infection and inflammation of oral tissues. Our dentist will discuss the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of gum sores. Let's uncover the truth about gum sores and protect our oral health!

Causes of dental ulcers

(1) Tooth decay: If early tooth decay is not treated in time, the bacteria that cause tooth decay may infect the nerve and then lead to pulpitis. When the bacteria continue to grow and the inflammation intensifies, pus accumulates and forms a dental ulcer.
(2) Periodontal disease: When suffering from severe periodontal disease, it may lead to inflammation of the gingival tissue and accumulation of pus, resulting in dental ulcers.
(3) Tooth fracture: When a tooth is fractured or damaged, the enamel and dentin may break down, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and infect the pulp tissue. Pulp necrosis leads to dentistry.

Characteristics of dental ulcers

Dental ulcers are not caused by early-stage cavities or periodontal disease. They usually develop in the later stages of the disease due to lack of proper treatment. Generally, the symptoms of dental ulcers are quite obvious and easy to notice, including: redness and swelling on the surface of the ulcer, severe pain from the ulcer, and a feeling of swelling and lifting of the gums to the touch.

Will tooth ulcers heal on their own?

Dental ulcers do not heal on their own, so if treatment is delayed, bacteria can spread, potentially causing tooth decay and, in severe cases, cellulitis, leading to facial swelling. Additionally, if a dental ulcer develops on the lower teeth, the pus may cause neck swelling; if it develops on the upper teeth, the infection can spread upwards, causing eye swelling. As the infection worsens, it may further cause fever, difficulty swallowing, or even develop into sepsis.

processing method

(1) Stop poking the sores yourself to avoid infection.
(2) Seek professional diagnosis and treatment from a dentist. A dentist will use specialized tools to cut open the ulcer and drain the pus, which helps reduce inflammation.
(3) Identify the cause of the dental ulcer based on clinical judgment:
If the sore tooth is caused by severe cavities, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the bacteria causing the inflammation and fill the pulp chamber. If the tooth is too damaged to be repaired, extraction may be required.

Tips for preventing dental ulcers

Brush your teeth in the morning and evening, and use dental floss and interdental brushes to keep your teeth clean.
- Get your teeth cleaned regularly, at least once a year.
- Have your teeth checked regularly to detect oral problems early and treat them promptly.

Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian

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