How To Deal With A Tooth Infection

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth

Growing in wisdom teeth 7 tips and tricks for dealing with pain and avoiding infection

The tooth turns dark in color compared to surrounding teeth. The byproducts of the necrotic pulp that leach into the porous tooth layer cause this discoloration. In many cases, there may be no tooth pain present.

There is pain with eating or with pressing on the tooth. The abscess that has spread out the root tip causes the supporting structures to be affected. Sometimes the throbbing or pulsating pain is so severe it can’t be relieved with pain medications. This is usually related to the infection spreading and causing more pressure on the surrounding structures of gum and bone.

There is swelling on the gum tissue that is filled with pus. The raised swelling looks like a pimple near the affected tooth. An open pimple is called a “draining fistula” and has ruptured to release pus. This is an obvious sign of infection. Other signs of a tooth abscess are a bad taste or bad odor in the mouth.

Swelling of the face, jaw, or surrounding lymph nodes often signals a growing infection. Jaw pain from the swelling can be present, as well.

It is also important to note that abscessed teeth may not have any symptoms at all. Because the tooth has lost vitality , there may be no pain associated with it. However, the abscess is still present and could be further spreading the dental infection. On occasion, an abscessed tooth is detected during a routine radiographic exam where the patient has not experienced any telltale symptoms of an abscessed tooth.

What Symptoms Relate To Toothache And Swelling

Toothache sometimes starts very suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain may affect not only your tooth, but also your head, ear and jaw. The pain may be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go.

If you have toothache, you may also have a:

swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
swelling of your jaw and face
pain when chewing
sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food

Symptoms Of A Gum Abscess

Some oral conditions of the mouth and gums can go unnoticed and cause little symptoms in early stages. This is not the case with a gum abscess.

These abscesses can cause persistent, severe pain in the affected area. If you open your mouth and observe the area, you may also notice swelling and redness. Other signs of a gum abscess include:

sensitivity to heat or cold foods and drinks
pain while chewing

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Proven Ways To Treat A Toothache And Relieve Pain Fast

The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you cant get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.

When to See a Dentist

While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isnt right. If you have oral pain, its generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Oral pain can be caused by a variety of serious issues, including tooth decay, a damaged filling, a tooth fracture, infected gums or an abscessed tooth. If the latter has occurred, you could suffer serious complications without rapid treatment. These complications could include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. In some cases, bacterial infections can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to hospitalization or worse. For these reasons, its important to seek emergency treatment if you show any of the following signs of an abscessed tooth:

Red, swollen gums
Unpleasant or salty taste in the mouth
Swollen face or jaw

If youre experiencing any of the above symptoms, call one of our experienced dentists immediately.

10 Ways to Relieve a Toothache

4. Use a hot pack.

When To Call A Dentist

A tooth infection happens when bacteria get into the tooth through a cavity, a chip, or a crack. Infections in the teeth can spread to other teeth, your jaw, or your gums. If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can have serious health consequences, so its important that you see a dentist to treat it promptly if you have the symptoms of a tooth infection.

Natural remedies can help you manage the symptoms of a tooth infection but you still need to see a dentist about the infection. The dentist can take X-rays to determine if you need a root canal and see how bad the damage from the infection is. You may also need a course of antibiotics. You should call a dentist as soon as you suspect that you have an infected tooth.

Swollen Inside Cheek Inner Cheek Swelling Or Swollen Cheeks Inside Mouth

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Sometimes, you might have swollen inside cheek or inner cheek swelling. This can be caused by most of causes we have already mentioned such as tooth problems , canker sores, swollen salivary glands, mouth sores, cheek biting, trauma, infections , tooth abscess, lymph node problems , mumps, among other causes.

Furthermore, various procedures such as tooth feeling, oral surgery, tooth extraction, cheek piercing, among others can also result in swollen cheek inside mouth especially the surrounding tissue.

Cheek swollen from inside of mouth can affect children as well as adults and it can make the cheeks numb, extend to your jaws, or be near your wisdom teeth . Treatment for swollen inner cheek will depend on the underlying cause.

Best Natural Home Remedies For Tooth Infection Pain And Swelling

A tooth infection is often caused by bacteria that get into the tooth through a dental cavity or crack and then spread to the root tip. If untreated, the tooth infection can spread to the bone supporting the tooth, hence causing some life-threatening complications. If you notice signs of a tooth infection, see a dentist as soon as possible. Also, in order to fight the tooth infection and reduce the severity of symptoms, try some of the following natural home remedies.

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Pain Management And Antibiotics

As abscesses are painful, people may need acetaminophen or to control the pain. Essential oil of cloves has topical anesthetic properties and can be applied to the painful area, although it is very important to maintain strict hygiene while doing this. Home remedies like the above mentioned oil may provide some pain relief, but will not cure an abscess or prevent further infection.

In uncomplicated abscesses, antibiotics may not be necessary.

If the infection is severe or has spread, or if the abscess cannot be drained, antibiotics will be prescribed to help bring the infection under control. Antibiotics commonly prescribed for dental abscesses include:

Penicillin
Metronidazole
Cefoxitin

If the patient is allergic to amoxicillin and/or penicillin, clindamycin may be prescribed. Penicillin is the usual antibiotic used to treat mild or moderate infections. Because antibiotics alone donât always penetrate the abscess very well, the abscess may also be surgically drained.

Most dental abscesses are straightforward to treat and resolve completely after they are drained.

Use Oregano Essential Oil

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Oregano oil has great antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This makes it very useful for reducing swelling and pain caused by a tooth abscess.

For this method, you need to mix oregano with a carrier oil so it doesnt irritate your gums. Then, apply the mixture to the infected area with a cotton ball or similar. Leave the mixture on the area for ten minutes and then spit it out.

Can A Tooth Abscess Be Prevented

Practising good dental care can reduce your risk of a tooth abscess. This includes:

brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
using floss or an interdental brush daily
avoiding having too much sugary food and drinks, and limiting them to mealtimes where possible
visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning
cutting down on sugary foods and drinks
not smoking

Six Ways To Get Rid Of A Tooth Abscess Without Going To The Dentist

Aloe Vera

If bacteria reaches the centre of your tooth, it can cause many problems. If pus accumulates in the tooth, you can experience a very unpleasant toothache! If you think you might have a tooth infection or abscess, its important to take action quickly. Early action is the best way to prevent any further issues that might occur as a result of your initial infection.

If you have a tooth infection or abscess, the best thing you can ever do is visit a dentist. You may not like the idea of sitting in the dentist chair or the costs associated with it. But, they are trained professionals. They have dedicated years of their lives training to help you with issues just like this. Its always better to see a professional dentist than to try and solve an oral problem by yourself. It is your health, after all!

If your heart is set on avoiding the dentist though, below are six ways to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist.

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In Conclusion You Should Probably Book An Appointment At The Dentist

Whilst these at-home remedies are cheap, easy and give you an excuse to avoid the dentist, we recommend that you seek professional help for an abscess.

If left untreated or poorly treated for too long, an abscess can turn into a bigger problem.

Green Square

Parapharyngeal Abscesses And Ludwigs Angina

Parapharyngeal abscesses and Ludwigâs angina can both cause swelling severe enough to obstruct the airways and cause difficulty breathing. Parapharyngeal abscesses require a and needle aspiration to diagnose. Ludwigâs angina is diagnosed by, needle aspiration and X-rays.

Treatment for Ludwigâs angina, parapharyngeal abscess, osteomyelitis, cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis involves drainage of any pus that is present, possibly via surgery and antibiotics and possibly intravenous antibiotics. People affected by Ludwigâs angina, if untreated, may require a tracheostomy to open their airways and thereby help them breathe if the swelling obstructs the windpipe.

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What Causes A Tooth Abscess

Anything that creates an opening for bacteria to get into the tooth or surrounding tissues can lead to a tooth infection. Causes include:

Severe tooth decay: A cavity, or tooth decay, is the destruction of the hard surfaces of the tooth. This occurs when bacteria break down sugars in food and drink, creating acid that attacks enamel.
Broken, chipped or cracked teeth: Bacteria can seep into any opening in a tooth and spread to the pulp.
Gum disease : Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria gain access to deeper tissues.
Injury to the tooth: Trauma to a tooth can injure the inner pulp even if theres no visible crack. The injury makes it susceptible to infection.

Swollen Or Tender Lymph Nodes

The lymphatic system is like the drainage system of your body, and its usually effective at filtering waste and keeping all your cells cleaned out and healthy. But when you have an infection or if your body is responding to some type of inflammation your lymph nodes can typically swell. Many lymph nodes are located in your head and neck. If the lymph nodes in your face and neck swell, or if they feel hard when you touch them then you may have an infection. If you notice that your lymph nodes are swollen or tender that is likely a sign that you may have an infection and you should contact your dentist.

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Regular Dental Care Can Help Prevent Tooth Infections

The best way to deal with a painful dental infection is to avoid getting one in the first place. Getting regular dental cleanings and good hygiene cab help get rid of a lot of the plaque that can cause tooth decay. Regular dental cleanings also allow your hygienist to spot any potential problems like small cracks or cavities where bacteria could enter the tooth to cause an infection. Keeping up a good oral hygiene routine at home will also help lower your risk of getting a dental infection.

If the cost of routine dental care is too high for you, enrolling in dental insurance can help cover the cost.

This is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist’s office.

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Pain Relief For An Abscessed Tooth

Dealing with an impacted/infected wisdom/molar tooth while waiting for surgery

A toothache that is caused by an abscess may come and go, but don’t be fooled if it does subside.

The longer you wait to have the abscess treated, the more the chances of a serious complication rise. You may lose a tooth that could have been saved and you risk getting an advanced infection.

But until you are able to get to the dentist, here are some ways to relieve a toothache caused by an abscessed tooth or dental infection:

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The Stages Of A Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess starts local to the tooth and surrounding gum area. The abscess may rupture but you will still need to see your dentist for treatment.

The abscess could spread to the jaw and surrounding areas of your head and neck. You may have a swollen face, or your eye may swell shut. If left untreated, you may even develop sepsis a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your whole body.

Are There Any Over

You should always see your dentist if you have a tooth infection. Your teeth are very close to your brain and a tooth infection can quickly spread to nearby areas and organs.

Antibiotics arent available without a prescription, but there are a few things you can do at home for relief before your appointment, such as:

taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
avoiding hot or cold foods whenever possible
trying to chew with the opposite side of your mouth
brushing with a soft toothbrush around the affected tooth

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Some Natural Remedies Can Help You Control Tooth Pain And Help Stop Tooth Infections From Getting Worse

The only way to truly get rid of an infection is with antibiotics. However, home remedies for tooth infection can help manage the symptoms and alleviate some of the pain. If you have a tooth infection you need to see a dentist to assess whether or not you need a root canal and to get prescription antibiotics to make sure that the infection goes away and doesnt cause any more pain or damage to your teeth.

There are some natural remedies that you can use to both help control the pain and help stop the infection from getting worse or spreading while you wait for the infection to die off. Not all of these remedies will work for every person but if youre in pain from an infected tooth they can bring you some relief.

How To Get Rid Of An Abscess Tooth At Home

Getting proper knowledge about tooth abscess home remedy is essential because it is among the common dental emergencies that need to be dealt with as soon as possible at home. Tooth abscess is caused by the bacterial infection that may lead to tooth decay and further complex dental problems. It is actually considered an early precautionary stage among tooth decay stages. So, it is very important to know all about a specific infected tooth abscess home remedy that can actually provide tooth abscess pain relief fast. There are some popular home remedies for treating the infected tooth abscess.

Lets get an overall review about tooth abscess, its symptoms, importance, risks and the ways to treat the tooth abscess using home remedies.

Following are most common FAQs related to tooth abscess.

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How Can I Tell If My Tooth Infection Has Spread

Untreated infections in your mouth can travel to other areas, including your face, jaw, and neck, which can be life-threatening. Very rarely, infection can travel to your brain. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms along with your tooth pain, get medical help right away:

Fever
Skin redness or swelling in your neck or face
Pain with opening your mouth or touching your jaw or face
Sore throat
Changes in mood or vision
Confusion and extreme drowsiness
Severe pain and overall feeling of being unwell

Untreated tooth infections can also spread to your bloodstream. This can cause a life-threatening infection called sepsis or even travel to your heart.

If you have any symptoms that might indicate your tooth infection has spread, visit an emergency department immediately.