What Steps Should You Take If You Have an Abscessed Tooth
It Is Important to Act Quickly When You Have Any Pain in Your Teeth
An abscess tooth can be extremely painful. If you have some discomfort in your mouth, you may have an infection deep in the roots of your gums and teeth. If you have an abscessed tooth, you need to contact a dental professional immediately before the pain gets worse or the infection spreads. Get your treatment right away.
What Is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscess in a tooth is a pocket of puss that is found deep in your gums around or in the root. This pocket is caused by a bacterial infection, and it won’t get better on its own. Usually, an abscessed tooth is caused by a deep cavity, tooth decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth. Not treating an abscessed tooth can lead to the infection spreading to other areas. It can also spread beyond your jaw and infect other body parts such as you neck or head. It is important to stay calm and assess your symptoms so you can clearly tell your dentist everything you are experiencing so they can properly diagnose and help you.
What Are the Symptoms of An Infection in Your Mouth?
In most cases, if you have an abscessed tooth, the area where it is located will hurt. It is usually a sharp pain when you put pressure on that area. You may also notice the gums around that tooth becoming red and swollen. Another telling symptom of an abscess in a tooth is swollen lymph nodes and a sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. There are some people who experience a bad taste in their mouth or a bad odor when you chew. If you have any of these signs or see a pimple like bump on your gum, it is important to call your dentist to confirm if you have an abscess tooth so they can heal it.
What Can You Do to Relieve and Treat an Abscess?
After you have confirmed your symptoms above, the first thing you should do is to call your dentist to assess your mouth. The infection will not go away on its own. Getting into your dentist right away will help ensure that the infection will not spread to other areas of your body. Your dentist will likely take an X-ray and will tell you your diagnosis and it has spread anywhere else. If you cannot get into your dentist right away, there are a few things that you can do to relieve the pain and prevent the infection from spreading. Below are a few steps you can take to treat your tooth abscess before getting to your dentist:
Rinse With Salt Water
One thing you can do to reduce your discomfort is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Take ½ teaspoon of salt and mix it with a glass of warm water. Take a large amount into your mouth and swish it around for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This will help clean the area and can make some of the discomfort you are experiencing go away.
Relieve Your Discomfort and Inflammation
Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce your discomfort and inflammation. It is important to follow the instructions that can be found on your bottles label. This will help minimize the pain before you are able to go to the dentist. Be sure to consult with your dentist if you have taken any over the counter pain relievers prior to taking them before your appointment. Your care provider may want to prescribe you a dose of something to help ease your pain, but they should be aware if you have already self-medicated.
Apply a Cold Compress
If one of the symptoms you are experiencing is facial swelling, you can try applying a cold compress to the area. This may help reduce swelling and relieve some discomfort. Hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
What Should You Not Do?
If you have an abscessed tooth, there are a few things that you should not do to avoid making the infection worse. The best thing that you can do other than the tips above is to leave it alone and not touch it. Touching the area with your fingers can cause the infection to become worse or even spread. It is also important to avoid hot or cold food and drinks that can irritate the area further. Eating soft foods and avoiding sugar or anything spicy will help the area stay calm and not cause inflammation.
How Can You Avoid Further Issues?
There are a number of things that you can do to avoid getting a tooth abscess. Incorporating a few steps into your daily dental routine will help keep your teeth clear of anything that may cause harm later down the line. Below are a few steps that we think can benefit your mouth and teeth:
Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day
The easiest thing you can do to avoid any issues in your mouth is to brush your teeth twice a day. Making sure you brush for at least two minutes twice a day with good toothpaste will do the majority of the work to prevent any issues in your mouth. It is also important to remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when you see the brush bristles begin to fray.
Make Sure Your Floss
Using is an important step in protecting your teeth from damage. Using floss can ensure you have removed and cleaned any obstructions or leftover bits of food that may have gotten stuck in between your teeth. Not clearing these areas can be the cause of an infection and lead to a tooth abscess. It is important to clear away any plaque buildup that can also cause issues.
Use Mouthwash After You Brush
Swishing around mouthwash after flossing will clear anything left over and make sure your teeth and protected from tooth decay. Mouthwash will also reduce the growth of plaque around your teeth and in your gums. Mouthwash can also help relieve discomfort and speed up healing for some sores.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and professional dental cleanings will help get the areas that are harder to reach and keep you informed of anything that may be off. Your dentist will be able to notice any irregularities that may be developing. Getting ahead of these issues will make it easier to treat them before they get worse.
Remain Calm and Call Your Dentist Today for Treatment
It is important to remain calm and give your dentist a call to get your teeth assessed. Getting dental treatment is important and your dentist will be able to diagnose and help heal an abscess tooth. This infection will not go away on its own. Call your dentist today to get your tooth abscess treated.