Plymouth Dentists Excellent Care And Professional Service
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You Have A Secret Sunburn
Yep, it’s possible to get a sunburn even if you don’t feel like you’ve been soaking up rays. “Ultraviolet light exposure from your everyday activities adds up, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Not only can this cause redness, but in some cases, swelling as well.
Nix your chances of getting a sunburn by applying sunscreen daily. And if you’ve already gotten a sunburn, Dr. Zeichner suggests applying a light moisturizing lotion to soothe and hydrate your skin. If the burn is uncomfortable or doesn’t improve in a few days, visit a dermatologist for professional treatment.
If You Cant Get Into A Dentist See A Physician
Not all areas have dentists who reserve time for emergencies and sometimes all the slots are full. If this is the case in your situation, touch base with your primary care physician, an urgent care, or if need be, a hospital. Either way, youll need antibiotics to take care of the infection, and any medical provider can help you there.
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What To Expect From Your Dental Visit
When the dentist receives you, as a first step, they will ask what has happened to you and since when have you been like this, if you have other diseases or have suffered a blow. By checking your mouth you can tell what is happening. Sometimes an x-ray may be necessary to see possible complications or extent of infection.
The most important thing is to resolve the cause of the infection. Among the objectives that the person who treats you will pursue will also be to save the tooth and reduce the possibility of complications.
If there is a cavity it must be treated, if there is a foreign body it must be removed, if there is an abscess it must be drained and if there is injury to the nerve endodontics may be needed. They will also recommend what to take for toothache after your visit.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What to do if my face is swollen from an infected tooth , we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category .
Outlook For Tooth Abscesses
The recovery is good from a small dental abscess, once it has ruptured or been drained. If the symptoms are improving, itâs unlikely the infection is getting worse. Youâll need follow-up care with your dentist to reassess your infection and to take care of the problem tooth. For example, you may need to have the tooth pulled or have a root canal performed on it.
If itâs not treated, a tooth abscess can spread to the floor of the mouth or to the neck and threaten your airway and ability to breathe. This may be life-threatening unless itâs properly drained.
An untreated infection also can spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck. In some cases, it can lead to , which is a serious infection that spreads through your body.
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Home Remedies For Swollen Cheeks
If you have swollen cheeks, you may wonder if theres anything you can do at home to make yourself more comfortable. The NIH explains that raising the head of your bed or elevating your head with extra pillows can help reduce facial swelling. If the swelling began after an injury, the NIH suggests applying a cold compress.
However, home remedies arent always enough. If the swelling doesnt go away, or if it gets worse, the NIH recommends seeing a medical professional. Swelling thats sudden, painful or accompanied by a fever should always be evaluated by a doctor or dentist. If your facial swelling is making it hard for you to breathe, seek emergency treatment.
What Is A Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection located at the base of the tooth. It often develops from a cracked tooth or a cavity. Left untreated, a small pocket of fluid develops, causing toothache and swelling. It can lead to pain when chewing or an increased amount of sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Bacterial infections can spread from their original location at the base of a tooth to the face, advancing the dental abscess to facial cellulitis. Facial cellulitis causes your face to swell significantly and causes pain in your jaw. More advanced cases of a dental abscess can spread through your blood and potentially lead to sepsis.
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Swollen Or Tender Lymph Nodes
The lymphatic system runs throughout the body and acts as a waste removal system, getting rid of cellular waste. When there is infection or inflammation in the body the lymph nodes can swell or become hard. If you suddenly have lumps under your jaw or in your neck that are hard to the touch, you may have inflamed lymph nodes, which could mean you have an infection.
You Have Cushing’s Syndrome
Cortisol is a stress hormone, but it also helps regulate your blood pressure, blood sugar, and a slew of other things. When too much of it gets pumped out by your adrenal glands, it can lead to Cushings syndrome, a condition characterized by a round, moon-shaped face, skin that bruises easily, and thicker or more body hair.
Cushing’s syndrome affects women nearly three times more often than men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , and it often crops up in people who have been on glucocorticoids, which help inflammation, per the NIDDK.
Left untreated, Cushing’s syndrome can lead to heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, among other medical issues, says the NIDDK.
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What To Do About An Infected Tooth
If you suspect you have an infected tooth, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. If you have severe pain, are having trouble breathing, or notice any signs of sepsis, an emergency room can provide you with more prompt care. Never ignore an infected tooth, because it will not go away on its own, and the symptoms and pain will likely worsen quickly.
Once your infected tooth has been treated or is healing from the infection and any subsequent procedure, you may experience a little pain or tenderness. You can gently clean the area by swishing salt water in your mouth, and over the counter pain relievers will help ease any discomfort. Follow any instructions that your dentist gives you.
Are you looking for a dentist near you who can treat tooth infections? Klement Family Dental is happy to help! Our caring, compassionate team of professionals understands that sometimes, patients may be nervous when visiting the dentist, especially for a problem like an infected tooth. We strive to make you comfortable and help you relax during your procedure. Oral health is such an important component of your overall health, and we believe you should never avoid the dentist because youre scared. If youre in the St. Petersburg, Florida area,contact us to learn more about the services we offer. We have two convenient locations and a team of expert staff ready to make your next dental visit a pleasant experience.
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, it’s 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.
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Who Gets Tooth Infections
Youre more likely to develop tooth infections if you:
- Smoke: Smokers are about twice as likely to get tooth infections as nonsmokers.
- Have dry mouth: Bacteria thrive in a mouth with a low amount of saliva.
- Have poor dental hygiene: Regularly brushing, flossing and getting dental cleanings reduces bacteria.
- Have a weakened immune system: Diseases or medications can lower your immune response, making it harder to fight off germs.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection
If your tooth is infected, your pain may be:
- Gnawing or throbbing.
- Continuous or only when chewing.
- Radiating to the jawbone, neck or ear.
Other oral symptoms of infection include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Bitter taste in the mouth.
- Foul-smelling breath.
- Swollen area in the upper or lower jaw.
- Open, draining sore on the side of the gum.
In addition, you may experience more generalized symptoms like:
- Fever.
- General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling.
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What Is A Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess, or dental abscess, is an infection of the mouth, face, jaw, or throat that begins as a gum infection, tooth infection, or cavity. These infections are common in people with poor dental health and result from lack of proper and timely dental care.
Different kinds of tooth abscesses include:
- Periapical: This is the most common type. It happens when bacteria infect the pulp inside one of your teeth.
- Periodontal: This is when bacteria infect your gums.
- Gingival: This type is usually caused by something that gets stuck in your gums, like a food particle or a broken tooth.
Ways To Tell If You Are Living With An Infected Tooth
Are you suffering from a debilitating toothache? Perhaps youve noticed a little gum or jaw swelling, or your tooth seems to be a different color? It could be a serious tooth infection.
Your teeth are packed with nerves. Thats why a toothache, though it may only affect one part of your mouth, is excruciating. Whats more, the pain may sometimes be related to a deeper oral health issue.
If your tooth feels sore, sensitive, or youre experiencing sharp pains in your mouth, you may have a tooth infection or a tooth abscess.
Why a tooth becomes infected
There are a number of causes of tooth infections. One of the most common causes is older root canals. When you have a root canal, your dental professional removes a nerve from the affected tooth. Unfortunately, bacteria can grow in that area, leading to an infection that your body struggles to fight off.
Its important to recognize the signs of an infection, so you can seek immediate treatment.
How to tell if your tooth is infected
How to cure a tooth infection
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Complications Of Toothache And Swelling
Its important to fix the cause of toothache and swelling. Poor mouth health can destroy the tissues in the mouth, leading to long-term problems. It can make it harder for you to chew and swallow and can affect your nutrition and general health. Untreated dental problems can also affect your overall health.
Tooth Infection Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of the tooth infection, treatment may include:
Dental Abscess Treatment
During this procedure, your dentist will make a small incision into your gums and drain the abscess. They will drain all of the pus out before stitching it back up to ensure the bacteria is removed.
If your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, extraction will likely be necessary. Youll need a dental implant after the tooth is surgically removed, which can cost up to $4,000.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is necessary if you have a large cavity that has spread to the tooths pulp. This treatment can also involve abscess draining.
During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected dental pulp and drain the abscess.
The root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Then a dental crown is placed on top of the root canal treated tooth.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat dental abscesses. After the abscess is drained, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the remaining infection. Antibiotics alone do not cure abscesses.
Depending on the severity of your abscess or infection, you may need oral antibiotics or IV antibiotics.
Apicoectomy
If you have a root canal-treated tooth but are still experiencing a toothache an apicoectomy may be necessary. This is a minor dental surgery that removes the apex .
If you develop sepsis, you’ll need to visit an ICU . Fluids and IV antibiotics will be used to treat this condition.
Summary
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Causes Of Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses are the result of bacterial infection. When the gum tissue surrounding a tooth becomes damaged or the tooth itself is damaged, bacteria that are already in the mouth and, under usual circumstances not harmful, may enter the area and cause infection.
One of the most common causes of damage to the teeth and gums is poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, high sugar or carbohydrate consumption, and lack of regular checkups at the dentist. These factors may lead to dental caries or cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, which can admit bacteria to the inside of the tooth or the gum. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is therefore one of the best ways of reducing the risk of developing dental abscesses, as it removes one of the main causes of abscesses.
What To Do If You Have A Dental Abscess
You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have a dental abscess.
Avoid visiting a GP, as there’s little they can do to help.
You can get help from:
- your registered dentist if it’s out of hours, they should have an answerphone message with details of how to access out-of-hours dental treatment
- NHS 111 who can give you details of dental services in your area
- your local A& E if you’re having difficulty breathing or swallowing, or there’s swelling around your eye or neck
You may have to pay for emergency NHS dental treatment, depending on your circumstances.
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Treatment And Pain Relief For Tooth Swelling
If youre experiencing swelling, the first step is to reach out to your dental professional. Theyll be able to determine the cause of your swollen gums and teeth and recommend the best treatment. At home, however, you can gargle warm salt water, which will help rinse away bacteria. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help reduce swelling and soreness.
Your mouth is full of bacteria, and even the most dedicated teeth brushers may develop a swollen tooth. That being said, excellent oral care is still crucial to preventing swelling in your mouth. That means brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss, water flossers, or another interdental cleaning device.
Unlike a bruise or mild cut on your skin, swelling inside your mouth near your teeth can be a severe issue, and you should address it as such. Dentists can prescribe antibiotics and medications that will not only treat the pain but target the infection. Plus, the sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can eliminate your tooth swelling pain and get back to having a healthy, confident, pain-free smile.
Increased Heart And Breathing Rate
Do you notice that your heart starts beating faster than normal? What about your breathing? Do you feel like you’re panting to get enough air?
Both of these are indications that sepsis is beginning to set in. If this happens to you, don’t wait to get in to see your dentist. You need to see a doctor right away.
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Other Reasons You May Experience Toothaches And Swelling
If you are experiencing a toothache and swelling, it may result from another dental condition rather than a dental abscess. Some causes of toothaches and swelling include:
- Root canal infection: If you had a root canal recently, it might be responsible for your symptoms. Tooth decay and other damage can reach the inside of your tooth easily.
- Medication side effects: Your toothache and swelling could also be a reaction to a new medication.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: If a wisdom tooth is impacted or stuck on the side of your gum, it could lead to swelling and increased sensitivity.
Reduce Swelling In Face
As mentioned, tooth abscess must be treated by a dental professional. But if a dental visit is not possible at the moment, you may opt to follow these simple home remedies to ease the face swelling and pain.
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