What Causes a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess may develop as a result of a complication of tooth decay (when the dental pulp becomes infected by bacteria). It may also occur when a tooth is chipped or broken and an infection develops in the pulp of the tooth and spreads out of the root to the bones as well as gums, sometimes causing cysts or gum boils to develop. Weakened or poor dental restorations as well as periodontal disease can cause a tooth abscess.
