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Have you ever heard of an abscess or tooth infection? Do you know what the differences between an infection and an abscess are? In reality, there are a few differences between the two—and they would need to be treated in different ways.

Sadly, your body won’t be able to fight off infections inside your tooth because blood doesn’t flow to your tooth. Still, if you have an infection, it can spread relatively quickly. If you have this infection, our team will recommend root canal therapy, which involves cleaning and sealing the center of your tooth. However, if your infection spreads further, it can reach your jaw bone. If this happens, an abscess could begin to form.

Unlike an infection, your body can fight off an abscess. However, because the cause of your abscess is an infection, the abscess can become more severe. An untreated abscess can be extremely painful and a lump could appear on your teeth. Your gums could also be sore and swollen. If you have an abscess, you’ll also have an infection.

Luckily, there are several things you can do to prevent infections—which can also help you avoid abscesses. Of course, keeping your teeth clean can help you avoid infections. This means you’ll need to brush and floss your teeth every day. Visiting our team for routine visits is also important, as is following a balanced diet.

If you have more questions about an abscess or a dental infection in Fort Worth, Texas, we invite you to contact Barron Dentistry at 817.732.1626. Our dentist, Dr. Barron, and our team will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong. We’re eager to meet with you soon!