The tooth infection can be as painful and uncomfortable as swelling gums and the face. It can spread and develop other diseases in case you do not get it treated. You can get to know how you can ease pain and manage swelling before a dentist intervenes. In case you are having severe pain or swelling, you should get emergency dentistry in Fairview to help ease it and avoid complications.
Understanding Tooth Infections
A tooth infection occurs when bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth and cause inflammation and pus accumulation. This is also called an abscessed tooth and may be caused by cavities, gum disease, or dental trauma. Some of the symptoms include:
- Toothache that does not go away
- Swollen face or gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Fever and general malaise.
If you experience these symptoms, you should seek professional help to prevent further complications.
Immediate Steps to Reduce Swelling
Swelling is one of the major signs of an infection, and it can interfere with chewing and speaking. When you need professional treatment, you may go ahead and do the following at home to reduce swelling:
- Apply a cold compress: Put an ice pack on the swollen area for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
- Rinse with salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce bacteria and provide temporary relief.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and supports healing.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling.
These home remedies may make you feel better, but they cannot replace professional dental care. If the pain is not going away, it’s necessary to seek emergency dentistry for prompt care.
Home Remedies for Managing Tooth Pain
When waiting to visit your dentist, you can use some of the home remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort due to an infection:
- Clove oil: The natural remedy is antibacterial and numbs the infected area. Use a cotton ball with a small amount.
- Garlic paste: Garlic is antibacterial in nature. Crush a garlic clove and apply it on the infected tooth to alleviate the toothache for a while.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and use it as a mouthwash to kill bacteria and also relieve swelling.
Remember that these cures are temporary. A dentist will provide the best guidance about how to eliminate the infection altogether.
When To See A Dentist
If you have a toothache swollen face for a couple of days, a visit to the dentist is a must. A few signs that tell you this is an emergency are:
- Pain beyond endurance
- Swelling beyond the neck or eyes
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
- Accompanied by fever and chills
These symptoms could indicate that the infection has spread, which may pose a serious threat to your life. Immediate intervention would be needed to prevent serious health risks.
Treatment Options for Tooth Infections
Once you visit the dentist, they will examine the affected area and suggest the best treatment. Some common treatments include:
- Antibiotics: If the infection is severe, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
- Draining the abscess: The dentist may need to drain the pus to relieve pressure and reduce swelling.
- Root canal therapy: If the infection has reached the tooth pulp, a root canal may be needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
- Tooth extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may recommend removal to prevent further infection.
Your dentist will guide you on the best treatment based on your condition.
Preventing Future Tooth Infections
Preventive care stands as the most effective method to prevent dealing with tooth infection. Follow these tips to keep your teeth healthy:
- Brush and floss daily to remove bacteria and food particles.
- Regular dental check-ups, together with professional cleanings, should be part of your dental care routine.
- Sugary foods should be avoided since they lead to cavity development.
- Early treatment of dental conditions such as gum disease and cavities helps stop infections from developing.
Proper oral hygiene practices will defend your teeth while minimizing the chances of future infections.
Get Relief from Tooth Pain with Expert Dental Care
A face that is swollen because of a toothache should never be taken lightly. If you have swelling or pain, professional dental service is the best course of action. We provide quality treatment at Fairview Dental Clinic to heal infections and end pain.
If you’re looking for a dentist near you, our skilled staff is here to assist you. Call us now to book an appointment and find the relief you need.
