Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Disorder
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction disorder refers to long-term pain and dysfunction in the TMJ, the joint that connects the upper and lower jawbones.
The TMJ is a complex joint with complicated movements and is subject to strain and injury. Symptoms may come and go for no apparent reason. Misalignment of the teeth and jaw, and tooth grinding, are no longer believed to be a cause. Women seem to be more susceptible than men.
TMJ disorder has three types:
- Pain or discomfort in the muscles controlling the TMJ.
- Dislocation or injury to the jawbone.
- Arthritis of the TMJ.
Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and imaging. The goal is to rule out other causes such as sinus infection or facial nerve damage.
Due to the difficulty of diagnosing TMJ disorder, treatment begins with conservative methods that do not permanently change the jaw or teeth. Ice packs, soft foods, gentle stretching of the jaw muscles, and reducing stress are all encouraged. Short-term pain medications may be used. Splints, Botox, implants, and surgery are not recommended.
How Do You Treat A Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess can arise from infections that develop inside the tooth. Bacteria can enter the tooth when its chipped, broken, or decaying.
Once the bacteria reach the center of the tooth and the tooth becomes infected, pus accumulates in the tooth. The pus in the tooth swells and results in a toothache.
If not treated, the infection could spread to the gums and bone of the mouth.
A tooth abscess should be treated by a dentist, but some home remedies can relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.
The following home remedies can be applied along with prescribed treatments.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an easy and affordable option for temporary relief of your abscessed tooth. It can also promote wound healing and healthy gums.
To use this remedy:
Baking soda is another affordable option for treating an abscessed tooth. You may even already have some in your kitchen cabinet.
Baking soda is excellent for removing plaque in the mouth. It also has antibacterial properties.
To use this remedy:
You can repeat this up to two times per day.
What Causes Dental Abscesses
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
If you don’t keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:
- poor oral hygiene plaque can build-up on your teeth if you don’t floss and brush your teeth regularly
- consuming lots of sugary or starchy food and drink these can encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess
- an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums bacteria can get into any damaged parts of the teeth or gums
- having a weakened immune system this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and those having treatment, including steroid medication or chemotherapy
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Dehydration And Stomach Pain
You may notice that you don’t have to pee very much. And when you do, your urine is a darker color than normal. This means that you’re getting dehydrated and moving into the second stage of sepsis.
You may also begin to experience stomach pain and even diarrhea and vomiting. Both of these symptoms will speed your rate of dehydration and cause even more severe problems.
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:
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The Infection Can Be Scary If Not Treated Timely
A wisdom tooth infection is a kind of infection that needs to be treated as early as possible. Otherwise, it may harm the surrounding muscles and create more infections that will cause more trouble. The above-mentioned symptoms will let you know if you are suffering from a wisdom tooth infection or not. In case you find any such symptoms, you are strongly advised to consult your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible.
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How To Diagnose An Abscess
A dentist/doctor can identify an abscess easily. An x-ray will confirm if theres a pus-filled pocket near the
tooth root. If there is, the dentist may do one of three things make a small incision and drain the abscess,
perform a root canal or remove the tooth. If the infection has spread, the doctor will most likely prescribe
an antibiotic to treat it.
An important thing to remember is that an abscess will not go away on its own and will need to be treated
ER. The infection can spread as quickly as a day or two. If it begins to spread throughout your body, the
seriousness increases and it can even cause death. An abscess is nothing to ignore so act as soon as possible
if you have any suspicions that you have one.
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Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spreading To The Body
When left untreated, an infection in your tooth can make its way to other areas of the bodyand to be clear, just because an abscess has ruptured doesnt mean its gone. A rupture is actually the first sign that the infection is spreading, and the abscess still needs to be adequately drained.
If left untreated, the infection can enter your jaw and hitch a ride to other areas of your body. The infection can even spread to your bloodstream and cause sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening response to an infection in your body that causes the chemicals that fight infection to be thrown out of whack. It also produces changes that can damage several organs.
- Blurry or gray vision
Brain abscesses are life-threatening, so if you suspect you have one, seek medical attention immediately. This infection can disturb the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, and it may also rupture, which creates a dire situation. Brain abscesses require treatment in a hospital thats usually a combination of antibiotics and, depending on the size, surgery.
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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What To Do If You Think You Have An Abscess
While waiting to see the dentist, the discomfort can sometimes be eased by rinsing with a salt water solution and using over-the-counter pain relief medication: you can read about how to use pain medications here. If pain is severe, consult with your GP or pharmacist about alternatives. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics, which will most likely provide some relief within 48 hours of the first dose.
You can also try cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce swelling.
It is important to continue brushing and flossing teeth to help get rid of any bacteria and plaque which can contribute to the problem. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol and tobacco substances. You may find its difficult to eat due to the discomfort. Its important to keep well-hydrated and as well-nourished as possible, so soft or liquid foods, such as soups, may be your best choice.
Corinna Dental Group will always give priority appointments to patients in pain. Please go to our page on Emergency Appointments to learn more.
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What Will The Dentist Do For My Infected Tooth
The dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. They may also recommend a root canal to remove the infected tissue. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tooth.
Tooth infections can be severe and cause permanent damage if left untreated. If you think you have a tooth infection, see a dentist or doctor. Treatment for a tooth infection usually includes antibiotics and pain relievers. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
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Detail Of Lymph Gland Names
Small lymph glands occur throughout the body. Lymph glands that are near each other often form into groups or chains. Examples of where lymph glands group together are the sides of the neck, the armpits and the groins. The diagram shows the main groups of lymph glands in the head and neck. However, lymph glands occur in many other places in the body.
Lymph glands are joined together by a network of lymph channels. Lymph is a fluid that forms between the cells of the body. This watery fluid travels in the lymph channels, through various lymph glands, and eventually drains into the bloodstream.
Lymph and lymph glands are major parts of the immune system. They contain white blood cells and antibodies that defend the body against infection.
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Signs And Symptoms Of An Infected Tooth
You may have an infected or abscessed tooth if youre experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Painful throbbing in your tooth, jawbone or near your neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Sensitivity to the pressure
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or neck
- A salty fluid taste in your mouth
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Contact your dentist if you think you may have an infection, and consider the below home remedies to soothe your symptoms until then.
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What Natural Home Remedies Relieve Pain From A Dental Abscess
There are no home remedies for a dental infection once it is present, but it is possible to manage the symptoms of the discomfort and swelling.
- People who have cavities or toothaches can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen or naproxen , as needed for relief of pain and inflammation. As an alternative to or in addition to NSAIDs, acetaminophen may be also taken. These medications may help the pain, but they will not treat the infection. Follow-up with a health care professional is always indicated.
- If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm-water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage. Even then, a follow-up visit to a dentist is important.
- Infectious swelling accompanying a dental abscess is different than inflammatory swelling, and application of ice or cold packs to the area is not recommended.
Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spread To The Jawbone
The most common symptom of a tooth infection spread to the jawbone is pain. This pain is often severe and can radiate from the affected tooth to other parts of your face or head. You may also experience swelling in your face or jaw, and your lymph nodes may be swollen. If the infection spreads to your brain, you may experience fever, headaches, or seizures.
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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.
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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding
medical conditions or an infected tooth.
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How Can A Tooth Get Infected
Chips, cracks, or cavities are all ways that a healthy tooth can become infected. Additionally, certain factors may put you at greater risk for suffering from a tooth infection:
- Consuming high amounts of sugar. High sugar intake can cause cavities, one of the main ways tooth abscesses form.
- Dry mouth. Certain medications and aging cause dry mouth, which puts you at risk for infections because it increases the likelihood of tooth decay.
- Inadequate dental care. Not taking care of your teeth can have lots of negative consequences.
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.
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Root Canal Or Extraction
The abscess drainage and antibiotics will certainly help bring the facial swelling down but they wont get rid of the source of the tooth infection. As the name implies, the source of the infection stems from the tooth itself and the only way to treat the tooth is either take out the nerve via a root canal or remove the entire tooth.
Normally after the swelling comes down from the drainage, you will return to your dentist about 2 days later to have either one of these procedures done.
Your Teeth Can Also Be Discolored And Become Loose
This is possible with swollen gums after the bacterial infection leading to periodontitis which arises if you have untreated gingivitis. This infection caused by plaque buildup invades the tissue and bones supporting your teeth, making them loose.
Other systemic symptoms are related to toothache and swelling, like fever and general body weakness.
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How To Identify And Treat Abscess Tooth Symptoms
Have you been avoiding sensitive spots when youre brushing your teeth? Do your gums appear redder than usual, or are your jaw and cheeks swollen? Are you experiencing intense and unrelenting pain in your mouth? All these problems may be symptoms of a tooth abscess.
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus in a tooth that is caused by bacterial infection. Tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or periodontal disease can all trigger the infection.
There are two types of tooth abscesses. Periapical abscesses, the most common, develop at the tip of a tooths root. Periodontal abscesses occur on a roots side, in the gums. Both types cause inflammation and pain. And if an abscessed tooth goes untreated, serious infection in the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues can result.
An abscessed tooth wont go away on its own. Even if an abscess ruptures on its own, dental treatment is needed to eliminate the presence and spread of infection. Recognizing abscessed tooth symptoms is critical for getting the care you need in time to keep this common oral health problem from becoming even worse.
How To Recognize Impacted Wisdom Teeth
1. Throbbing Pain In The Back Of The Jaw
Throbbing pain is one of the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. If you notice severe pain in the very back of your mouth your dentist should check for wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth can also create a trap for plaque and bacteria and can damage the adjacent molars.
2. Swollen, Tender, Or Bleeding Gums
When wisdom teeth start to erupt, they may cause tenderness, swelling, and inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. Additionally, as the wisdom teeth are the further back teeth in the mouth, they are often the toughest to clean. Plaque and bacteria sitting on the gum may cause irritation and bleeding gums.
3. Swollen Jaw And Surrounding Area
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling in the jaw and surrounding tissue. At first, the swelling may be only slight but it can develop very quickly and cause a lot of pain. Many patients feel pain and have difficulty opening their mouths or speaking normally. If youre experiencing swelling in your mouth or in the surrounding jaw bone, it is imperative that you contact your Calgary dentist immediately to have it checked.
4. Swollen Glands In The Neck And Shoulders
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling in the jaw as well as the surrounding glands and lymph nodes. If the wisdom teeth become infected, swollen glands are often present. Removing an infected wisdom tooth will often relieve the pain and swelling of the glands.
5. Ear Pain and Headaches?
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