Can Dental Problems Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
When youre starting to feel a little sick, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those tiny lumps feel soft and tender to the touch and may even hurt a little. These are called lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are common and are a good sign. The swelling in these lumps is one of your bodys reactions to illness or infection.
When your lymph nodes get swollen, it means your immune system is working to clear away infection and viruses or bacteria. These swollen lumps act like filters that help your body get rid of cells or foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid and are located throughout your body in the jaw, arms, groin, abdomen, and legs.
The lymph nodes that swell up are the ones located closest to the area of the infection or illness. For example, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck is an upper respiratory infection. Lymph nodes can swell up with pretty much any kind of infection, including dental issues.
How Do I Know If My Tooth Abscess Is Spreading
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can’t reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of your body.
Common Causes Of Cheek Swelling
There are many possible causes of swollen cheeks. In some cases, the swelling may result from an injury or trauma, such as a fall or burn. It may also occur after surgery to the jaw or other nearby areas. Sometimes, the swelling is unilateral, which means it occurs on just one side of the face, while other times, its bilateral, meaning both sides of the face are affected. Your doctor or dentist will assess your symptoms against the following possible causes to determine the source of the swelling.
Read Also: Can Strep Cause An Ear Infection
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.
How To Get Rid Of A Swollen Face From Tooth Infection
In order to permanently get rid of a swollen face from a tooth infection, you must treat the source of the infection in addition to the facial swelling. This usually requires a combination of draining the abscess, taking antibiotics, and also getting either a root canal or tooth extraction. If you try to do just one of them without the other two, the swelling will just come right back after a few days and you’ll be back where you started.
What this also implies is that all home remedies will do absolutely nothing to reduce facial swelling from a tooth infection. At most, it will slow down the spread of the infection and possibly offer some temporary pain relief.
You May Like: Sickle Cell Anemia Bacterial Infection
How K Health Can Help
Did you know that you can get online dental prescriptions for tooth infections?
to check your symptoms using our symptom checker and text with a doctor in minutes.
K Healths board-certified, U.S.-based doctors can provide a treatment plan and, if required, a prescription to resolve your symptoms as soon as possible. Clinicians are available 24/7.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Use Oregano Essential Oil
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.
Recommended Reading: Does Amoxicillin Treat Sinus Infection
Use Decongestants But Only Temporarily
You can definitely pop some Sudafed tablets or even spritz some Afrin into your nose, but beware: you cant do this forever.
In an acute infection, a decongestant can be useful, but Afrin can become addicting if used for more than a few days and oral decongestants used regularly can have cardiovascular effects, says Dr. Thompson. These are targeted for short-term use.
Also, FYI, patients with high blood pressure shouldnt use these OTC products, and people who are sensitive to stimulants, like caffeine, might have trouble sleeping when using them, per Dr. Takashima.
Recommended Reading: How To Cure Kidney Infection Fast
How To Get Rid Of A Tooth Abscess Without Going To The Dentist
28th June 2021
Are you wondering how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist?
An abscess can form for many reasons. If you have a broken, chipped, or decayed tooth, its easy for bacteria to get into the cracks and infect the area, which can lead to an abscess forming in your mouth.We always recommend that you visit a dentist if you think you have an abscess. If that isnt possible, below are some home remedies you can try.
You May Like: How Does A Tooth Get Infected
Swelling Caused By A Bee Sting
If a venomous bee sting caused the swelling, remove the stinger immediately. Dont use tweezers to remove the stinger. Tweezers can pinch the stinger, causing it to release more venom.
Use a playing card instead:
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.
Read Also: Can Antiviral Medication Cause Yeast Infections
Why Calling A Dentist Is Typically The Best Option
Dentists are specifically trained to treat issues related to the mouth, including facial swelling. Not only can you get a proper diagnosis, but you can also begin the treatment you need to stop the emergency from getting worse and get your oral health back on track. With that said, its not unreasonable to assume that a visit to the emergency room would be an appropriate option.
Unfortunately, many emergency rooms are not equipped to handle dental emergencies because they dont have a dentist onsite to diagnose you or provide treatment. As a result, they are likely to give you painkillers and antibiotics, then tell you to visit a dentist anyway. This wastes precious time, money, and does nothing to address the root cause of the emergency in the first place. The only time it would make sense to go to the emergency room first is if your jaw is fractured or dislocated, you have serious cuts or lacerations on the face or mouth, or the infection is affecting your ability to breathe due to heavy swelling.
Facial swelling can not only be very serious, but worsen without the right professional care. If youre experiencing facial swelling, dont wait another moment to call an emergency dentist for help!
How Do I Prepare For An Appointment With My Dentist For An Abscessed Tooth
To help you get ready for your appointment:
- Make a list of your symptoms include any that may seem unrelated to your tooth or mouth pain. Remember, your dentist can only help you when they know everything going on.
- Make a list of medications, vitamins, herbs or supplements you may be taking with the dosages of each.
You should prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist, including:
- Whats likely causing my symptoms and condition?
- Which tests do you recommend?
- What is the best course of action?
- Are there alternative to the primary
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Remember, your dentist wants to help keep you and your teeth healthy. Just like other medical professionals you may see, theyre an important part of the healthcare team. Be sure to see your dentist routinely and dont put off regular checkups prevention is key! These visits give your dentist a chance to spot problems early, when they may be easier to treat. If you are experiencing pain, its important to see your dentist to get the care you need.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2020.
References
Also Check: Bladder Infection Symptoms In Kids
Diagnosis And Testing For Sinusitis
There are various tests that can and should be performed to confirm a diagnosis, determine the level of infection and check for other more serious issues.
A physical examination is completed, which includes a full head and neck examination so that more serious issues can be excluded. Swollen lymph nodes may occur in the neck if an infection is present, which is no different than the swelling of lymph nodes that accompanies an acute sore throat or ear infection .
Sinus palpation is used to determine the level of tenderness or swelling. When pain is experienced caused by the palpation, in the frontal or maxillary sinuses, it will be taken into consideration. A doctor may also use transillumination to look at the frontal and maxillary sinuses, though this is not always the most effective test.
The oral cavity and oropharynx is examined to evaluate the palate and condition of dentition, as well as looking for evidence of postnasal drip.
Anterior rhinoscopy, conducted with a nasal speculum, is used to examine the condition of the mucus membranes to look for evidence of purulent drainage or to look for signs of polyps or other masses. This examination is carried out with the use of a nasal decongestant, with treatments both before and after.
An ear examination may be carried out to inspect for possible middle ear fluid. This could be a sign of a mass or growth in the nasopharynx .
- Conjunctival congestion
Read Also: How To Fix A Sinus Infection Fast
How Do You Reduce Swelling In Your Face From A Toothache
How can you care for yourself at home?
You May Like: What Antibiotics Treat Kidney Infection
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Doctor Treats Eye Infections
How To Get Rid Of Water Retention
Water retention can cause swelling in your face and body. There are several things you can do to reduce water retention. These include reducing your salt intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly. You should also avoid standing for long periods and wearing tight clothing. If the swelling does not improve after a few days, you should seek immediate medical attention.
How To Reduce Swelling In The Face From An Abscess Tooth Pain Remedy
An abscessed tooth refers to a tooth that has a pocket of pus around its tissue. This pus starts off when the body is trying to fight off bacteria. Oftentimes, this leads to pain in the tooth, and toothache might swell your cheek. There are many ways to reduce swelling in the face from an abscessed tooth, some of which are easy to follow and you can definitely do at home.
An abscessed tooth refers to a tooth that has a pocket of pus around its tissue. This pus starts off when the body is trying to fight off bacteria. Oftentimes, this leads to pain in the tooth, and toothache might swell your cheek. There are many ways to reduce swelling in the face from an abscessed tooth, some of which are easy to follow and you can definitely do at home. If you need some help, its better to consult to your dental clinic to make sure that nothing serious is happening.
You May Like: Can Hiv Cause Ear Infection
Dental Abscess Treatment Options
Most dental abscesses will be treated immediately after diagnosis. An uncomplicated abscess will usually only require drainage to provide relief from the pain. Complicated abscesses may require more complex procedures and medications to control the underlying infection. If the infection spreads to the sinuses or neck, a surgeon may need to treat the condition.
Recommended Reading: Pelvic Exam For Yeast Infection
How Do You Draw An Infection Out Of A Tooth
A saltwater rinse will kill off some of the bacteria in your mouth and irrigate your mouth. It can rinse some of the debris out of your mouth and if you have an abscess it can help break up the pus surrounding the tooth. You can use regular table salt and warm tap water to make a basic saltwater rinse.
Don’t Miss: How Do Doctors Treat Sinus Infections
Restorative Treatments For Toothaches
In most cases, your toothache will be caused by dental decay, in which we will recommend one of the following restorative treatments:
Get a dental filling. If you have a cavity caused by exposed nerves in the tooth, it can lead to a great deal of pain, which can easily be treated with a dental filling. To protect the nerves, we will remove any of the decay by drilling around the cavity, then fill-in the area with a bonding material, which will restore the tooth and protect the nerves from causing pain.
Root canal therapy. Oftentimes, toothaches are caused by dental abscesses, which occur when the pulp of the tooth gets infected. For patients dealing with an abscessed tooth, we will recommend root canal therapy. During root canal therapy treatments, we will clean the inside of the tooth to remove the infection, drain the abscess, then fill the tooth and cover it with a dental crown to protect the tooths natural structure. Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy treatments are no longer as painful as they once were, due to improvements in anesthetics and dental technology.
Dental extraction followed by a dental implant. In cases where a tooth is too decayed or infected to repair, our only option will be to extract the tooth to alleviate pain. After extraction, we will recommend a dental implant, bridge, or denture restoration to take the place of the lost tooth.
Read Also: Need Antibiotics For Ear Infection
Whats The Best Home Remedy For A Tooth Abscess
You can take painkillers or use topical oral pain relief to lessen tooth abscess pain. Natural home remedies like clove oil and a saltwater rinse can also help. But the only way to be sure the infection is gone is to visit a dentist, who can prescribe antibiotics and check what treatment the infected tooth needs.
Read Also: Strongest Otc Yeast Infection Medicine
How To Reduce Facial Swelling After Surgery
Unlike other causes of inflammation, swelling due to a surgery can take at least several days to go down . When it comes to the best methods for reducing facial swelling after a surgery, you can use several of the tips recommended for bruising. Using an ice or cold pack on your face is one of the best things you can do.
Your doctor will likely have a specific protocol for you to follow, but generally, you can apply ice to the swollen area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Depending on your tolerance, most doctors will tell you to do this at least three times a day.
The type and extent of any jaw surgery youre healing from can also dictate how long generalized facial swelling lasts.
Treatment For A Tooth Infection
There are many ways for your dentist to treat the infected tooth. The type of treatment depends on several factors, like to what extent the infection has spread, and the initial location of the dental abscess. Read further as we explain the possible different treatment for a tooth infection.
Root Canal Therapy: It may be necessary to receive a root canal treatment. This can help treat abscesses deep inside the tooth. The root canal therapy procedure requires thedentist to drill into the tooth and remove the pocket of pus and bacteria at the root of the tooth. Once finished, thedentist will fill the space with a material called gutta-percha. After the tooth is healed, thedentist can restore the tooth with a dental crown, or a filling to prevent an infection from happening again.
You May Like: Can An Ear Infection Go Away On Its Own
Can A Tooth Abscess Go Away On Its Own
A tooth abscess is a specific type of dental abscess called a periapical abscess. It starts as an infection inside the tooth and moves into the area below the tooth. It will not go away on its own. If the abscess ruptures, youll feel immediate pain relief, but you should still seek dental treatment for the underlying infection.
Reasons For Toothache May Include:
- Tooth decay when bacteria wears down tooth enamel, this can expose the more sensitive dentine layer underneath
- Gum disease if gingivitis develops into more severe gum disease, this can cause the gums to recede and teeth to ache and come loose
- Root canal infection if tooth decay or other damage reaches the soft centre of the tooth , this can cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity
- Chipped or cracked tooth injuries to teeth can cause pain and sensitivity and may leave the tooth open to infection
- Loose or broken filling if part of a filling, crown or other dental work comes loose or falls out, this can leave the underlying tooth vulnerable
- Dental abscess severe tooth decay or gum disease can cause a painful abscess to develop inside the gum
- Impacted wisdom tooth if a wisdom tooth or other tooth is stuck inside the gum, this can be painful and also cause swelling
- Teeth grinding if you grind or clench your teeth when you sleep , this can put strain on your teeth and cause them to hurt in the morning
- Mouth ulcer an ulcer can cause pain in nearby teeth
- Sinus infection pressure or swelling in the sinuses may cause toothache, especially in the upper jaw
- Jaw problems a misaligned jaw or other problems with the jaw or temporomandibular joints can cause an uneven bite and toothache
Recommended Reading: Fastest Way To Clear A Yeast Infection