Periapical Abscesses: Affecting The Inside Of The Tooth
Periapical abscesses usually occur near the tip of the root of the tooth. They are more common among children than among adults. Children with poor dental hygiene are particularly at risk of periapical abscesses.
Poor dental hygiene, including inadequate brushing or flossing, can cause caries, also known as cavities, which erode the enamel and dentin, admitting bacteria to the pulp. As a result of this, the pulp becomes inflamed, and this can lead to the death of nerves in the tooth. Because dead tissue is more vulnerable to infection, this puts the tooth at high risk of an abscess.
In periapical abscesses, damage to the enamel and dentin, as in the case of later-stage cavities admits bacteria to the pulp, leading to an inflammatory condition known as pulpitis. Periapical abscesses are a common complication of severe, long-term pulpitis. They can cause swelling in the jaw, cheeks and the floor of the mouth.
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.
Cold Compress With Ice
When you have an infection such as an abscess, swelling occurs in the area. Applying ice to the area constricts the blood vessels, which reduces pain and swelling. This will not heal the abscess, but it will reduce the symptoms. For this method, apply an ice pack or similar to the area on and off for fifteen minutes multiple times a day.
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Treatments For A Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection and draining away the pus.
Depending on the location of the abscess and how severe the infection is, possible treatments include:
- root canal treatment a procedure to remove the abscess from the root of an affected tooth before filling and sealing it
- removing the affected tooth this may be necessary if root canal treatment is not possible
- incision and drainage where a small cut is made in the gum to drain the abscess
Local anaesthetic will usually be used to numb your mouth for these procedures.
More extensive operations may be carried out under general anaesthetic, where you’re asleep.
Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for dental abscesses, but may be used if the infection spreads or is particularly severe.
Ii Home Remedies For Tooth Infection And Swelling
There are many home remedies for tooth infection and swelling out there. And now, we will show you some of the natural treatments for tooth infection pain that you can consider applying at home.
1. Oil Pulling
This should be the first one among natural home remedies for tooth infection pain that we would like to mention in this article. Oil pulling can be effective in treating a tooth infection or painful gums. This trick helps eliminate the bacteria in your mouth, draw toxins from your mouth and improve oral health.
Directions:
Read on 38 Tips How To Get Rid Of A Toothache Pain Naturally At Home to discover some of the natural home remedies for a toothache pain that you can apply at home.
2. Black Tea Bag
Using a black tea bag is another great way on how to cure tooth infection. This is because black tea has a compound called tannins, which help relieve pain and inflammation. Besides, it is also rich in powerful antioxidants, which help fight infection and improve oral health.
Directions:
- Dip a black tea bag in some warm water for several minutes.
- Then, remove the tea bag from the water and squeeze it out.
- Place the black tea bag on your affected tooth
- Let it sit on for at least several hours or overnight
- The next morning, rinse the mouth using warm water mixed with salt.
- Repeat this remedy once daily for a few weeks.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Method 1:
- Add 1 tsp. of raw apple cider vinegar to a cup of water
- Drink this solution twice daily.
Method 2:
6. Clove
Method 1:
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Abscessed Tooth How To Care For A Tooth Abscess
An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease or a cracked tooth. These problems can let bacteria enter the pulp and can lead to pulp death. When pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone, it forms a pus-pocket called an abscess. If the abscess is not treated, it can lead to a serious infection in the jaw bone, teeth and surrounding tissues.
How To Know If You Have An Infected Tooth
This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu’s Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 245,386 times.
Experts note that if you have tooth or jaw pain that hurts more when you chew or eat, you may have a tooth infection.XResearch source A tooth infection, or an abscess, happens when bacteria enters you tooth’s inner pulp and infects the root or the gums. Studies show that abscesses can not only cause pain, but they can be life-threatening if the infection spreads to other parts of your body.XResearch source If you suspect you may have an infected tooth, make an appointment with your dentist right away.
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Rinse Your Mouth With Baking Soda
Baking soda can help remove and fight plaque in your mouth. Its a common household item that most people have in the cupboard. Mixing baking soda and water and rinsing for five minutes twice a day is a good way to fight an abscess at home.
Baking soda increases the PH in your mouth. Lots of bacteria thrive in acidic conditions. When the PH of your mouth increases, it becomes a more alkaline environment, and these bacteria can not multiply as easily. Essentially, lots of oral problems are caused by an imbalance of acid and baking soda balances the acidity levels.
You can also make a paste using baking soda and water to apply directly to your gums.
Biofilms like plaque are colonies of bacteria that attach to the surface of your teeth and gums, causing oral problems. Grains of baking soda can disrupt the biofilms, reducing the bacteria on your teeth and the damage they cause.
How To Prevent Infection
Prevention is the best treatment for infection after tooth extraction. When you get dental extraction, be sure to follow tooth extraction aftercare and practice good oral care as instructed by your dentist.
Follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the blood clot is in place and your extraction sites are clean and recovering.
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What Causes Dental Abscesses
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
If you do not 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 do not 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
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.
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If You Experience Mouth Pain Swelling Inflammation In The Gums A Foul Taste In The Mouth Tooth Sensitivity Facial Redness Or Even A Fever This May Indicate An Infection In Your Tooth
So, if youre wondering what to do if you have an infected toothheres some practical advice to help you understand what this means and your next best steps.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN INFECTED TOOTH
An infected tooth is also generally referred to as anabscessed tooth.
Periodontal disease, tooth decay, or a cracked tooth can cause an infection where bacteria enter the pulp .
The bacteria in the pulp is what can eventually lead to pulp death as a pus-pocket forms.
Infection can happen in the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues if left untreated.
What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Tooth?
If you have an infected tooth, youll most likely know it by the pain in your mouth, or near a tooth.
The pain can start out of nowhere and graduallyor suddenlyworsen.
Keep in mind, even if the pain does go away that may indicate a larger challenge with nerve damage and the potential of bacteria spreading further.
Other symptomsto look for
Radiating pain in your jaw, ear, and neck area
Worsening pain when you lie down
It hurts to chew or bite
Lymph nodes that are tender or swollen around the neck and jaw area
Swollen face and/or gums
Teeth that are discolored or loose
Bad breath and/or taste in your mouth
Sensitive teeth
Fever
If you experience any of these symptoms, its important to call your dentist for the next best steps.
What Are the Treatment Options for an Infected Tooth?
The goal of treating an infected tooth is to clear the infection and relieve pain.
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.
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The Tooth Infection Is Drained
It may be necessary in some cases to drain the pus directly from the site of infection. Drainage to remove the pus from an abscess at the back of the mouth may happen at your dentist office.
Even though most tooth infections can be easily treated, treatment should never be delayed. Delays in proper treatment can cause the tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body. If a tooth infection spreads, it could become life threatening. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a tooth infection, seek immediate dental treatment. The most effective way to prevent a tooth infection is to have good oral hygiene. Limit your sugar intake, brush your teeth and floss twice daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and exams.
How Is A Tooth Infection Treated
Treatment options for a tooth infection include:
- Drainage. A dentist will make a small incision in your gums to drain the abscess. However, this is typically used as a temporary measure, and further treatments are often needed.
- Root canal. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed from the tooth. The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and filled. A crown is then placed to help restore the tooth.
- Tooth extraction. In situations when an infected tooth cannot be saved through a root canal, it may be extracted instead.
- Antibiotics.Antibiotics are drugs that can kill bacteria. Theyre sometimes used to treat tooth infections. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may receive oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics. Your tooth will also need a root canal or extraction along with the antibiotics.
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K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
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Wisdom Teeth Infection Complications
Sometimes an infection in the wisdom teeth can lead to other health problems. These include:
- A cyst This is a fluid sac that forms near to a tooth that can be caused by impacted wisdom teeth or infection. Cysts can affect the roots of adjacent teeth and may even weaken or damage the jaw.
- Severe or recurrent infections Chronic infection from wisdom teeth can travel through the mouth, jaw, and respiratory tract which in rare cases can enter the bloodstream. This causes a serious health condition known as sepsis. Many dentists remove wisdom teeth at the first sign of trouble to prevent recurrent infections.
Treatment for wisdom teeth infection generally depends on the cause and severity of the infection.
That said, treatment usually involves
- A thorough clean of the wisdom teeth and the surrounding teeth and gums
- An antiseptic mouth wash
- A course of antibiotics to treat the cause of the infection
These methods will help to calm the situation and get the infection under control, but in most cases, the wisdom teeth will probably need to be extracted. This is to help prevent further infection and damage to soft tissues.
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What To Do If You Have An Infected Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth dont always cause problems and may not need to be removed. But an infected wisdom tooth will rarely heal on its own, and may cause other problems
If youre concerned that one or more of your wisdom teeth are infected, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
1. Visit Your Dentist
At your appointment, tell your dentist about your pain and any other symptoms youre experiencing. Theyll examine the area to diagnose the problem.
If they diagnose a wisdom tooth infection, theyll likely recommend having the teeth removed. Even if only one wisdom tooth is infected, having all of them removed at once will spare you any future complications.
Dental imaging is needed to determine the location of the wisdom tooth in relation to other teeth and nerves. Intraoral x-rays, panoramic x-rays, and Cone Beam imaging are commonly used.
If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted, your dentist may be able to remove them without help from a surgeon. This is because removing fully erupted wisdom teeth is similar to removing regular teeth.
However, its likely that at least one of your wisdom teeth will be impacted or only partially erupted. In this case, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to have them removed.
2. Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions for your removal appointment. Be sure to follow them carefully.
3. Pursue Other Treatments
4. Use Home Remedies for Pain Relief
These include:
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
- Fever
- 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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Wait A Minute Isnt A Root Canal Supposed To Cure My Infected Tooth
Yes, at least that is what you are told by your well-meaning dentist. What you are not told is that the tooth you are saving by doing a root canal no longer has a blood supply or nerve. So basically you are left with a dead tooth that is cut off from the rest of your body. Blood no longer flows into your tooth so the healing components of your immune system cannot access it to heal the infection in and around it. Your tooth is cut off from your immune and lymph systems, so your body cannot fight any bacteria thats left behind. So what happens over time is that the tooth and the bone around the tooth become reinfected with bacteria that is draining from inside the tooth, and there is nothing the body can do about it. I cant tell you how long this problem will take because it is different for each situation and patient. However, what I can tell you is that once a root canal gets infected again, there is no way for it to heal. Antibiotics, essential oils, colloidal silver, lasers, ozone, whatever we are talking about wont get to the source of the problem because there is no longer any blood supply to carry these things inside the tooth where the infection is.