Do This Before Your Tooth Infection Gets Worse
Oral Health Blog

Do This Before Your Tooth Infection Gets Worse

Tooth infections are one of the most common infections in humans. More than 1 in 5 people will get an infection of the tooth or gums at some point in their lives, and it's one of the most common reasons for visits to the doctor. Because tooth infections are so common, there are a lot of things you can do to help prevent them from getting worse.

Causes of Tooth Infections

Tooth infections are caused by many different things. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Improper oral hygiene
  • Poor diet
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Using antibiotics excessively

How to Treat a Tooth Infection

  1. Tooth infections can be a real pain, and they can easily get worse before they get better. Here are some tips on how to treat a tooth infection:
  2. Use a topical anesthetic such as benzocaine, lidocaine, or bupivacaine before procedures like dental surgery or cleaning. This will help to minimize pain and discomfort.
  3. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while you're infected. This will help to flush the infection out of your system and reduce the chance of developing a more serious infection.
  4. Take antibiotics if your tooth is in significant pain or has an abscessed tooth. Antibiotics will kill the infection and hopefully relieve your pain.
  5. If your tooth is just experiencing mild pain or swelling, you may not need antibiotics or any other treatment. Just make sure to keep an eye on the tooth and report any changes to your dentist or doctor.

Signs Your Tooth Infection is Getting Worse

If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it might be time to call a dentist: redness, pain, swelling, or pus.

If the infection progresses to any of these more serious conditions, see a doctor right away: severe toothache that lasts for more than 24 hours, fever above 39°C (102°F), seizures, or difficulty swallowing.

Treatments for Mild Tooth Infections

Tooth infections generally don't require any special treatment, unless the infection is very severe. If your tooth feels painful, swollen, or infected, see a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. The following tips may help reduce the chance of developing a more serious infection:

  • Rinse your mouth with water and spit after eating to remove food particles and bacteria.
  • Use a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine (such as Listerine).
  • Avoid drinking cold liquids, eating ice chips, and chewing on hard objects. These activities can increase the number of bacteria in your mouth.
  • Do not smoke and avoid using tobacco products. They can increase the risk of tooth infection.
  • Use B. Weiss water flosser. One of the most effective treatments for mild tooth infections is using a water flosser. This tool uses water to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth. By using a water flosser regularly, you can help to prevent any further tooth infections from developing.

Earliest Time to See a Dentist After an In-Person Incident

When it comes to dental emergencies, the earlier the better. That's why dentists recommend seeing a dentist within two days of an in-person incident. This way, any potential issues can be addressed and your teeth saved from potential damage.

If you've had tooth pain for more than two hours, or if you have a fever, redness, or swelling around your gums, it's important to get dental help as soon as possible. Contact your dentist as soon as possible if there is any bleeding or pus from your tooth infection.

Worst Foods to Eat If You Have a Tooth Infection

If you have a tooth infection, you should avoid eating these foods. According to the American Dental Association, these are some of the worst foods to eat if you have a tooth infection:

  • Fruit juice
  • Chips
  • Popcorn
  • Chocolate
  • Ice cream

What to Do If You Have Tooth Infection?

As we all know, a tooth infection can be really unpleasant. The pain, the sore throat, and the general feeling of sickness can make everyday activities difficult to complete. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to do what you can to prevent your infection from getting worse.

Here are a few tips that should help:

Wash your hands regularly

This is one of the simplest things you can do in order to prevent a tooth infection from spreading. By keeping your hands clean, you will reduce the chances of picking up germs that could lead to a more serious problem.

Avoid touching your face

When plaque builds up on teeth surfaces (especially around the front teeth), it becomes easy for bacteria to enter your mouth through droplets released when you talk or eat. Try not to touch your face at all unless there is an emergency!

Don't put pressure on your infected tooth

If you have an infected tooth, don't put too much pressure on it in order to gain relief from the pain. This will only create more problems down the line. Rather than force yourself, try drinking warm water with honey or using a topical numbing agent like Novocain® Gel before going under general anesthesia for extraction.

 

Disclaimer:

The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your health regimen. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the information provided in this article.