When Should I See A Professional
If youre wondering how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist, the simple answer is that you cant. Your dental health has reached the point where you need professional intervention and treatment, or it will continue to worsen. Luckily, this is a great opportunity to engage with your dental professional, and theyre specially trained to help you confront this problem and the issues that led to it.
We recommend scheduling a visit with your dental professional immediately. In the meantime, we have some helpful tips for finding relief at home while youre waiting for your appointment.
Helpful tip: The Mayo Clinic recommends visiting the emergency room if you experience swelling and fever or have trouble breathing or swallowing.
What Symptoms Relate To Toothache And Swelling
Toothache can start suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain can be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go. It can also affect your head, ear and jaw.
If you have toothache, you may also have:
- swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
- swelling of your jaw and face
- pain when chewing
- bleeding from your tooth or gums
- sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food
What You Can Do
A toothache is mild to severe pain in or around your teeth and jaws. It may indicate that you have a tooth or gum concern.
If you have a toothache, its important to figure out whats at the root of your discomfort. From there, you can determine how to best relieve any pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
A regular salt water rinse and cold compress application can typically remedy minor irritation, but more serious toothaches may require a dentists intervention.
If your symptoms persist for more than a day or two, see your dentist. They can provide guidance on how to relieve your symptoms and prevent future pain.
You should also talk with your dentist before using any of the following remedies if youre pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical condition that may be impacted by herbal ingredients.
Keep reading to learn more.
For many people, a saltwater rinse is an effective first-line treatment. Salt water is a natural disinfectant, and it can help loosen food particles and debris that may be stuck in between your teeth.
Treating a toothache with salt water can also help reduce inflammation and heal any oral wounds.
To use this approach, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
can reduce plaque and heal bleeding gums .
Make sure you properly dilute the hydrogen peroxide. To do this, mix 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water, and use it as a mouthwash. Dont swallow it.
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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 .
You Experience Stomach Pain
You should call your doctor if you, your child, or your infant has a high fever. A high fever is defined as:
- adults: 103°F or higher
- children: 102.2°F or higher
- infants 3 months and older: 102°F or higher
- infants younger than 3 months: 100.4°F or higher
Get immediate medical attention if the fever is accompanied by:
A tooth becomes infected when bacteria gets into the tooth through a chip, crack, or cavity. Your risk factor for a tooth infection increases if you have:
- poor dental hygiene, including not brushing your teeth 2 times a day and not flossing
- a high sugar diet, including eating sweets and drinking soda
- dry mouth, which is often caused by aging or as a side effect of certain medications
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Can A Toothache Make Me Sick Or Even Be Fatal
A toothache itself isnt fatal. But an untreated infection in your tooth can spread. You can become sick, and this illness could turn into something serious or even life-threatening. So if you toothache isnt getting better its a good idea to contact your dentist.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/23/2020.
References
When To See A Dentist For Severe Tooth Pain
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately:
- Pain when chewing or biting down
- Pain that lasts for more than one day
- Fever
- Swelling that lasts for more than one day
- Red gums
- Presence of pus or abscess
- Trouble swallowing
- A broken or fractured tooth
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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
- Fever
Treatments For Tooth Pain
Once you have a clearer idea of whats causing your tooth pain, you can take steps to get relief. Here are some approaches to consider:
1. If you think your tooth pain is caused by sensitivity, you should avoid acidic, hot, and cold foods and beverages. In addition, try an over-the-counter pain reliever, a gentler toothbrush, a toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth, and consider wearing a mouth guard, especially when you sleep at night. Other at-home remedies for sensitive teeth also may help.
2. If your tooth pain is caused by cavities, tartar, periodontal disease, or any other damage to your teeth, gums, jaw, or sinus area, youll need to consult a dentist. They may refer you to a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist , a periodontist , or an endodontist . Dental care can be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover it.
3. If your toothache is caused by an underlying condition such as a cold, infections, or even anxiety or stress, managing those symptoms should clear up your dental pain. For example, if youre congested, try an over-the-counter decongestant or a hot washcloth on your face to relieve the pain.
4. Alternative remedies such as CBD can help some dental pain and problems, but not others.
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When To See A Doctor
A person should see their dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection. Early treatment will help prevent the infection from spreading into other tissues.
A tooth infection that has spread is a medical emergency. Such infections can quickly become widespread and severe. Systemic infections can be life threatening.
A person should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. If there are no dentists available, a person should visit the emergency department of their nearest hospital.
A dentist or doctor will provide treatments to target the infection and stop it from spreading further.
The type of treatment that a person receives for a tooth infection will depend on several factors, including:
- the initial location of the abscess
- whether, and to what extent, the infection has spread
- the extent of the immune systems reaction to the infection
Possible treatments for a tooth infection include those below.
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.
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Why Does A Tooth Get Infected
If you wonder what to do if my face is swollen from an infected tooth, first of all it is to know the cause. An infection in a tooth can have different origins:
- Bad hygiene habits : the lack of brushing and correct cleaning of the teeth can cause cavities and bacterial proliferation in the mouth.
- Bad eating habits : such as excess sugar and unhealthy foods.
- Lack of regular dental control : if you go to a dentist frequently, it is possible to diagnose lesions in early stages, such as cavities. If they destroy the tooth, it is more likely to become infected.
- Periodontitis : it is the infection of the gum and the tissues that surround a tooth. In these cases there is usually exposure of the tooth roots with retraction of the gingiva.
- Trauma : a blow or injury to the mucosa can give access to bacteria and cause an infectious disease.
How To Diagnose A Gum Abscess
If you experience gum pain, tenderness, or tastes pus in your mouth, dont ignore these signs. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may be able to identify a gum abscess based on your symptoms.
During this appointment, your dentist may examine your gums and look for signs of an infection. These include pain, swelling, and redness. Along with visual observation of your gums, your doctor may order a dental X-ray to check for periodontal disease or an infected tooth . An X-ray can also help your doctor assess whether you have bone loss from the infection.
Symptoms of a gum abscess may improve slightly in time. But even if an abscess ruptures and drains, you should still see a dentist to treat the infection.
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What Is A Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a swelling filled with pus in or around a tooth that is caused by a bacterial infection. There are various types of abscesses.
- Tooth infection: The infection and swelling can begin inside a tooth.
- Periapical abscess: The infection spreads to the tissue below the tooth.
- Periodontal abscess: The infection builds up in a tooth’s surrounding tissues.
- Pericoronal abscess: The infection builds up in the gum tissues covering a tooth that hasn’t fully emerged.
- Gingival abscess : The infection spreads to the gums themselves.
No matter what the type, an abscess usually hurts. The pain can come on quickly and become unbearable in a day or two. In most cases, tooth pain is what drives a patient to seek treatment.
A tooth abscess can range from a minor infection to a severe and even life-threatening infection that has spread to other parts of the face or body. While most tooth abscess treatments are outpatient, some end up in an emergency room. More than half of dental-related emergency room visits are due to dental abscesses. The most severe infections may require hospitalization.
At this stage, the infection is not an abscess. The infection will gradually make its way through the root canal, eventually killing the tissue, and emerging from the bottom, or apex, of the tooth. From there, it infects the bone and tissue at the apex of the root, causing a periapical abscess.
How Do You Get Rid Of A Toothache In 5 Minutes
You can try to get rid of a toothache in 5 minutes by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, salt water, or wheatgrass.
Next, you can apply clove oil, vanilla extract, or garlic paste to the affected area.
Finally, apply a cold compress or ice pack. If the pain doesnt resolve or if its severe, talk with your dentist.
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What Is An Abscessed Tooth
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur in different places around a tooth for different reasons and affect the involved tooth, but also the surrounding bone and sometimes adjacent teeth. Three types of tooth infections can cause abscesses:
- Gingival: This infection develops in the gums. It does not usually affect the tooth or supporting structures.
- Periapical: A periapical abscess is an infection that forms at the tip of the root. This occurs because bacteria can spread to the inside of the tooth to the pulp through a fracture or cavity. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invades the pulp, they can spread to the tip of the tooths root causing the infection to spread to the bone eventually leading to an abscess.
- Periodontal:This infection starts in bone and tissues that support the tooth. A periodontal abscess usually results from periodontitis or gum disease and is more common among adults.
Can You Get Antibiotics Over The Counter For A Tooth Infection
Untreated dental cavity infections can cause intense pain.
While some over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce severe pain, they will likely not treat the infection itself. You may need antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
However, most antibiotics are not available over-the-counter. The best thing to do is to go to your doctor, who can prescribe one for you after diagnosis.
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics of the penicillin class for treating an abscess tooth.
Sometimes, penicillin antibiotics are prescribed alongside metronidazole to cover a wider variety of bacteria, especially if an infection spreads.
Your doctor will know the best type of antibiotic treatment to prescribe, depending on the bacteria causing your tooth infection.
If you have a medical condition or are allergic to antibiotics like penicillin, you should let your doctor know so they can prescribe a different antibiotic for you.
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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
Is It Possible To Prevent An Abscessed Tooth
Good oral health habits and regular dental visits can play a big role in preventing abscessed teeth. Time is also a big factor in whether a tooth is allowed to reach the point of infection. The longer the tooth sits untreated, the higher chance that infection can occur and spread to become an abscess. Once a decayed, fractured, or sensitive tooth is noticed, taking the preventive steps to fix it early will help prevent bigger problems such as an abscessed tooth.
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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.
How To Prevent Toothache
The best way to prevent toothache is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
To do this:
- cut down on sugary foods and drinks only have them as an occasional treat at mealtimes
- brush your teeth twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- clean between your teeth using floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque
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