An abscessed tooth is a very common dental problem and can be very painful. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can spread to other areas of the mouth and even to the brain. In this article, we will guide you through the process of treating an abscessed tooth and help you deal with any pain or discomfort that may arise.
Abscessed Tooth Symptoms
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's probably time to see a doctor:
Extreme pain when chewing or biting
When decay gets too close to the root of the tooth, bacteria enters the tooth and causes an infection.
Swelling around the tooth or gum
The surrounding tooth tissue and gum can also become infected.
Fever
The fever can be because of the abscess, but it could also be a sign of an infection elsewhere in your body.
Redness around the tooth or gum
This happens when bacteria from your mouth gets into the surrounding tissue.
If toothache lasts more than a few days and you have an abscessed tooth, your dentist may be able to remove it without causing any further damage.
If the tooth is too infected or damaged, they may have to remove it using a procedure called a root canal. In either case, you'll need antibiotics and pain relief afterward.
How to Handle an Abscessed Tooth
If you find yourself with an abscessed tooth, you'll need to take care of the situation as quickly as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Call your dentist immediately. An abscessed tooth can quickly become infected and require treatment in order to avoid further damage.
- Remove all the debris from around the tooth and any nearby areas with a cotton swab or Q-tip. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather any other necessary supplies, such as a needle and syringe, before heading to the hospital.
If you follow these steps, you'll be able to treat your abscessed tooth swiftly and effectively.
Home Remedies for Treating Abscessed Teeth
If you have a tooth that is developing an abscess, there are a few home remedies that you can try to relieve the pain and swelling. Dr. Axe suggests soaking the tooth in warm water and baking soda for ten minutes, three times a day. You can also make a paste from boiling water, salt, and baking soda and put it on the abscessed tooth. Finally, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce the pain.
Abscessed Tooth Treatment
Abscessed teeth can be a frustrating and uncomfortable problem. The best way to treat them is to plan your treatment carefully. Here are some tips on how to treat an abscessed tooth:
Keep the area clean and dry.
Clean the abscess with a mild cleanser and dry the area completely.
Get antibiotics if the tooth is infected.
If the tooth is not infected, your dentist may be able to remove the tooth and save it. If the tooth is infected, antibiotics will help to kill the infection.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound.
Diluted antibiotics (such as those available over-the-counter) can be applied directly to the abscess wound twice daily. Make sure to follow instructions on the container carefully, as too much antibiotic can lead to the overgrowth of bacteria in the wound and an infection.
Apply ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes every 4 hours.
This will help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief.
Do not drink alcohol while taking these medications because it will make the pain worse.
Clean the area around the tooth with soap and water and dry it off thoroughly.
Apply a sterile bandage or wrap to cover the wound and keep it clean and dry until the wound heals.
How to avoid abscessed teeth?
If you are struggling to avoid getting abscessed teeth, one of the best ways to prevent it is to use a water flosser. B.Weiss water flossers remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and gums. This helps to prevent bacteria from growing and leading to an abscessed tooth.
Conclusion
If you have an abscessed tooth, it is important that you seek professional medical help as soon as possible. Abscesses are nasty, and unless treated properly can lead to serious health complications. If the abscess is small, antibiotics may be all that is needed. However, if the abscess is large or if it has spread to nearby tissue, surgery may be required in order to clean it out and restore normal function to the tooth. Make sure you know the signs of an abscessed tooth so that you can get help as soon as possible!
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.