More Than A Pain In The Mouth: Abscesses

Dentist Blog

A dental abscess is an infection of the gums and should be treated promptly. This type of dental problem does not just disappear on its own and the faster you seek help the less damaging and painful it will be. An abscess can be caused by anything that allows bacteria to enter your gum area, and the culprit can be due to:

1. Cavities
2. Broken or cracked tooth
3. Loss or loosening of a filling

Once bacteria enter, a pus pocket forms on your gum. It's important to note that an abscess is not always painful. To find out more about what to look for if you think you have an abscess and what to do, read on.

Common Signs of an Abscess

It's not necessary for you to experience all of the below symptoms of an abscess. If you notice any of the below, call your dentist right away and have it checked out.

1. Pain that may be felt anywhere from your tooth and gum areas to your ear and jaw area.
2. Sensitivity when chewing and to hot or cold foods and beverages.
3. Fever
4. Bad taste in the mouth.
5. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or jaw.
6. Swelling of the gums and sometimes a noticeable pocket of pus beneath the skin of the gum. This pocket can open and release pus (which, naturally, tastes awful).

Home Remedies for an Abscess

While it's important to see your dentist as soon as you can, there may be a few days before your abscess can be treated. To help you feel more comfortable while you wait to see the dentist, try some of the below methods to relieve the pain and discomfort of an abscess.

1. Be careful about your food and drink choices. Avoid things with hot or cold temperatures or that are high in sugar, both of which can aggravate an abscess.

2. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you handle pain. Your dental office can recommend a pain reliever but those that reduce inflammation (an NSAID) are often the most helpful.

3. Use a warm (not hot) salt and water mixture to rinse out your mouth several times a day. Gently swish the mixture around and then spit it out. Salt can remove germs from your mouth and may help reduce the inflammation.

Dental Remedies

The root cause of the abscess is addressed often with a root canal procedure. That saves the tooth but seals any openings from bacteria. This might be followed up by a crown to make the restoration complete. To find out more about abscesses, speak to your dental care professional.

30 July 2019