Infected Teeth or Swollen Gums? A Root Canal May Be The Solution

Teeth become infected when the pulp is exposed to bacteria. The pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves, arteries and veins located in the center of the tooth. The pulp extends from the area in the center of the tooth called the chamber, down through narrow channels called the root canals, to the tips of the roots. The two most common causes of infection in the pulp are deep cavities and broken teeth. Both expose the pulp to bacteria that live in saliva. These bacteria, which are always present in your mouth, can cause an infection that can kill the pulp.