What Causes A Tooth Infection
The primary cause of a tooth infection is dental caries, or tooth decay. Your mouth is full of bacteria all the time, but usually that bacteria doesnt get inside your teeth where it can cause an infection. When decay causes cavities and cracks or holes in your teeth, bacteria can seep into your teeth and cause a tooth infection. An infection can also happen if you have an injury to your tooth that causes a crack or a chip in the tooth. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy through regular brushing and flossing can help prevent decay and infections.
Infection can happen in different parts of the tooth. Sometimes the infection occurs on the side of the tooth if there is an opening there and that can cause the infection to spread to the gums. Pockets of pus called abscesses can form around the infection that will need to be drained by the dentist for the infection to go away.
Relieving Pain From Dental Abscesses
A Dental abscess and periodontal abscess can be very painful. There are a few things that you can do at home to help relieve your pain until you can see your dentist.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This will help to reduce swelling and pain.
Take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face. This will help to reduce swelling.
If you have a toothache, it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible so that they can determine the cause of the pain and provide proper treatment. A Tooth abscess and jaw bone infection can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Signs Your Tooth Is Infected
If youve ever experienced a tooth infection, you know it can be very uncomfortable. A tooth infection is typically accompanied with a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can be found anywhere in the mouth.
There are two types of abscesses. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums, usually near the side of the tooth.
A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity. If the interior of your tooth , encounters any unknown substance, it can inflame the blood vessels and nerves, impacting the tooth enamel. Endodontic treatment helps treat tooth decay and other infected materials to help seal and fight future infections.
Rick Davis, DDS, and Rick Schwartz, DDS, are experts in endodontics at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, visit a specialist who can diagnose and help treat it.
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Treatments For A Dental Abscess
The best way to treat a tooth abscess and jaw bone infection is to see your dentist as soon as possible. Once at the dentist, they will likely do one of the following:
Prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Drain the pus from the abscess.
Perform a root canal procedure.
In some cases, you may need to have a tooth extracted. This is typically only done if the tooth is severely damaged or infected.
How Do I Treat A Toothache At Home
For temporary relief of a toothache, you can do the following:
- Rinse with warm saltwater. Saltwater can loosen debris between your teeth, act as a disinfectant and reduce inflammation. Stir a ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. A hydrogen peroxide helps to reduce inflammation and pain. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and rinse thoroughly. Dont swallow it.
- Cold compress. For swelling and pain hold a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel to the painful area for 20-minute periods. Repeat every few hours.
- Pain medications. Over-the-counter pain medications can reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can be used, or take acetaminophen if you cant take NSAIDs. Dont give a child under the age of 16 aspirin use Tylenol instead.
Natural or herbal treatments
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Use Peppermint Tea Bags
Generally considered safe, peppermint tea bags have mild numbing properties that can ease oral pain for a short time. Most people prefer to cool their tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes before use. You can also apply the tea bag while its still warm and then wait for it to cool. This can create a pleasing sensation that can help take your mind off your toothache.
The Role Of Antibiotics In Odontogenic Pain
A Cochrane review recommends that antibiotics are indicated when there is clinical evidence of systemic or local spread of dental infection . In such instances, antibiotics with coverage of oral bacteria such as a penicillin with beta-lactamase inhibitor or metronidazole may be prescribed. Antibiotics have a limited role in the treatment of dental infection without spread: the evidence has not shown that antibiotics reduce pain or prevent subsequent dental infections when there is no evidence of spread. Instead, inappropriate use of antibiotics risks resulting in antimicrobial resistance and has adverse effects with minimal benefit to patients. Despite this, the reported rate of antibiotic prescription in primary care patients with odontogenic pain in the United Kingdom has been disproportionately high at 57%.
In summary, a safe approach to clinical decision-making in patients presenting with tooth pain entails careful differentiation between odontogenic versus non-odontogenic pain, keeping in mind the possibility of underlying red flags. Management decision-making includes the use of simple analgesics, antibiotics only when clinically indicated, and prompt dental or specialist referral when required.
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Pain Relief For An Abscessed Tooth
A toothache that is caused by an abscess may come and go, but dont 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:
Symptoms Of A Dental Abscess
The most common symptom of a tooth abscess is tooth pain. You may also experience:
Swelling in your face or jaw
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Bad taste in your mouth
Difficulty swallowing
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see your dentist as soon as possible.
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Alcohol: Do Not Use Alcohol
Although it is popular, it is an ineffective home remedy. People tend to soak some alcohol in the cotton swab and apply the same to the abscessed area. Alcohol may temporarily numb the pain, but it does not remove the infection. The result will be temporary relief. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that the use of alcohol as a pain killer can be extremely dangerous, as the amount of alcohol needed to get numbing effects is often very high. So better to avoid this remedy.
These are some of the remedies that can be used at home to get relief from painful symptoms of abscessed teeth. Although, if each option has its advantages, there are some disadvantages also associated. Therefore, it is better to use every option after gaining a thorough understanding and just for getting temporary relief. After which always have a visit to a nearby dentist as soon as possible.
Treatment For A Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are usually treated by a dentist. The dentist will drain away the pus.
If a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, you may need root canal treatment, or the tooth may be removed. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic, so you do not feel any pain.
You may be offered painkillers to take for a few days after treatment and may also be given antibiotics.
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How Is An Abscessed Tooth Diagnosed
In addition to examining the tooth and surrounding tissue for signs of infection, your dentist may:
- Recommend an X-ray. This can help identify sources of dental disease that may have led to the infection. Your dentist can also use X-rays to determine if the infection has spread and may be affecting other areas.
- Recommend a CT scan. If the infection has spread to other areas within the neck, this will help to identify the extent of the infection.
- Tap and press on your teeth. A tooth with an abscess is often sensitive to touch or pressure.
- Thermal tests. These tests will help your dentist determine the health of your pulpal tissues.
Proven Toothache Treatments To 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.
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How To Relieve Tooth Pain
Desperate for a temporary toothache remedy? If your toothache isnt caused by a serious underlying issue or you are waiting for an upcoming dental appointment, you can get toothache relief with over-the-counter medications, cold-compresses and other at-home treatments. Read on for more home remedies for tooth pain.
Can Seasonal Allergies Make Your Teeth Hurt
Our body produces more mucous to help clear out allergens from the environment. This excess of mucous causes sinus pressure to press against the nerves of our upper molars. This can mimic toothache symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve by taking decongestants or antihistamines, you should call our emergency dental clinic in Lincoln, NE to determine the cause of your symptoms.
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What Are Dental Abscesses
If youre experiencing a concerning amount of pain or discomfort in your mouth, it may be caused by a condition known as a dental abscess. An abscess is a pocket created by bacteria that can occur in your tooth or gums .
Your abscess may be caused by:
- An improper oral care routine
- Traumatic injury to your face or mouth
- Faulty or damaged dental work
Symptoms of a dental abscess may include:
- Persistent pain sourced from your mouth, jaw, neck, or ear
- Swelling around the affected areas
- Sensitivity to touch, pressure, or temperature
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth due to the abscess draining
What Are The Types Of Skin Infections
Every person is unique and in that, so is his or her anatomy. There are multiple types of skin conditions that can ail you without warning, and you should be prepared and ready to identify them. A diagnosis is the only way to know what kind of treatment should be administered in order to take care of the infection. These are the different kinds of skin infections one should watch out for.
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Home Remedies For A Tooth Infection
Tooth decay, untreated cavities, recent dental work, or injuries can cause a tooth infection, or tooth abscess, at the tip or side of a tooths root.
Dental infections cause inflammation and can cause extreme pain.
They are one of the most common causes of toothache, and if theyre not medically treated, the bacteria can spread to the gums, bone, and even the eyes.
If you think you have a tooth infection, talk to a dentist or doctor who can diagnose and properly treat the problem.
But if youre in pain and cant get to a doctor or dentist immediately, home remedies for tooth infection can help manage the pain and keep the infection from spreading.
In some cases, your provider may also recommend home remedies to manage your pain while theyre treating your infection.
While some of these home treatments arent likely to cause major medical concerns, its important to talk to a healthcare provider before attempting to treat your abscessed tooth.
Tooth Infection Spreading To The Body: Signs And Symptoms
confusion
rapid heart rate
fever
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Sepsis can be treated with antibiotics, but it can progress quickly and become deadly if not treated promptly.
Tooth abscesses and jaw bone infections can both be severe conditions that require prompt treatment. If you are experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms associated with these conditions, do not hesitate to contact your dentist or doctor.
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Rinse Your Mouth With Saltwater
Rinse your mouth with salt water to find temporary relief from the discomfort. It is an affordable and easy home solution. A saltwater rinse also works effectively to heal wounds and promotes healthy gums.
Take ½ teaspoon of salt and pour it into a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this salty remedy and swish the solution for 2 minutes at least. Do this thrice a day.
How Common Is This In My Practice
Dental caries is a common dental condition. Globally, up to 35% of people have untreated dental caries, and an estimated 32.4% of the Singapore population will experience pain from symptomatic dental caries in their lifetime. Locally, oral disease is ranked 16th in terms of years lost to disability and has been an important cause of functional and social impairment. Other common causes of tooth pain include periodontal disease and dental trauma. Patients often seek the opinion of their family doctors for their tooth pain.
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How Common Are Discolored Or Stained Teeth
While no one knows for sure how many of us suffer from stained teeth, its clear that how healthy and white our teeth are is something we care about. These days, we see a shiny smile as a sort of social status symbol, making whitening products and procedures pretty popular. Most of us consider our smile our most important social feature, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
A simple stroll down any drugstore oral care aisle reveals a wide assortment of whitening trays, strips, toothpastes and mouthwashes. Now more than ever, we are putting our money where our mouths are, spending more on both over-the-counter and professional whitening products and procedures every year. If youre ready to whiten your smile, there are options for every budget but it pays to know which are safe and effective and which may do more harm than good.
When Is A Tooth Infection An Emergency
A dental abscess infection is always considered a dental emergency. Any visible gum swelling can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
During emergency treatment for a dental abscess, the surgeon will open up the abscess and drain it. This will relieve pressure and reduce any pain associated with the infection.
You will also receive prescription antibiotics to help clear the infection.
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How Dental Insurance Can Help
Dental emergencies happen. Even if you are practicing good dental hygiene and you take care of your teeth, you can still end up with an infected tooth that needs to be dealt with right away. Dental insurance can help cover the costs of things like X-rays, exams, and other treatments, as well as more expensive care like root canals.
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.
What Are The Best Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can be caused by any number of different types of bacteria. The best antibiotic will be tailored for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Side effects, however, are an important consideration when a dentist or healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic. One in 15 people are allergic to one or more types of antibiotics, and allergic reactions to antibiotics could be life-threatening.
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Dental Abscess Symptoms And Treatments
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth. The most common cause of a tooth abscess is a bacterial infection, which can be caused by bacteria, a cracked tooth, or gum disease. Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
severe toothache
swollen gums
fever
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see your dentist immediately. A tooth abscess can lead to severe complications, such as jaw bone infection, if left untreated. Treatment for a tooth abscess involves draining the pus and cleaning the area around the tooth. In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
How To Stop Tooth Pain Fast
Sometimes over-the-counter medication and at-home remedies arent enough to stop tooth pain. When youre not sure what to do for tooth pain, its time to visit a professional.
Whenever dental pain is too much to stand, emergency dental care is warranted. If the pain is severe, use your dentists emergency care line. Otherwise, schedule an examination as soon as possible, so you can get pain relief and avoid further complications.
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Check If You Have A Dental Abscess
Signs of a dental abscess include:
- intense toothache or pain in your gums
- redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area
- a bad taste in your mouth
- difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food
- a swollen face or jaw
- a high temperature