What are the most effective home remedies for an abscessed tooth. How can you alleviate pain and swelling from a dental abscess. Which natural treatments provide relief for tooth infections. When should you seek professional dental care for an abscess.

Understanding Tooth Abscesses: Causes and Symptoms

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection in the tooth. This painful condition occurs when bacteria enter the tooth through chips, cracks, or decay. As the infection progresses, pus accumulates, leading to swelling and significant discomfort.

Common symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

• Severe, persistent toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Swelling in the face or cheek
• Fever
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw

Is a tooth abscess a serious condition? Yes, it can be. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues, potentially affecting the jawbone, sinuses, and even the brain in severe cases. Therefore, while home remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care for proper treatment.

Salt Water Rinse: A Simple Yet Effective Solution

One of the most accessible and affordable remedies for an abscessed tooth is a salt water rinse. This solution can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the affected area.

How to Prepare and Use a Salt Water Rinse

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 1/2 cup of warm water
2. Swish the solution in your mouth for about 2 minutes
3. Spit out the salt water
4. Repeat up to three times daily

Why is salt water effective for dental issues? Salt has natural antiseptic properties that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, the warm water helps soothe the affected area and promote blood circulation, which can aid in the healing process.

Baking Soda: Nature’s Dental Cleanser

Baking soda, a common household item, can be an excellent remedy for various dental problems, including abscessed teeth. Its alkaline nature helps neutralize acids in the mouth, while its mild abrasive properties can help remove plaque.

Creating a Baking Soda Rinse

1. Combine 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water and a pinch of salt
2. Swish the mixture in your mouth for up to 5 minutes
3. Spit out and repeat until you’ve used all the mixture
4. Use this rinse up to twice daily

Can baking soda kill bacteria in the mouth? While baking soda has some antibacterial properties, its primary benefit lies in its ability to create an alkaline environment that’s unfavorable for bacterial growth. This, combined with its plaque-removing action, can help manage the symptoms of an abscessed tooth.

Essential Oils: Natural Antimicrobial Agents

Several essential oils have shown promise in managing dental infections due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Three oils that stand out for their potential benefits in treating abscessed teeth are oregano oil, clove oil, and thyme oil.

Oregano Oil for Dental Health

Oregano oil is renowned for its potent antimicrobial properties. To use oregano oil for an abscessed tooth:

1. Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil (such as coconut oil)
2. Apply the diluted mixture to a cotton ball
3. Hold the cotton ball on the affected area for 2-3 minutes
4. Leave the oil on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing
5. Repeat up to three times daily

Clove Oil: A Time-Tested Remedy

Clove oil has been used for centuries to alleviate toothache. Its active component, eugenol, has anesthetic and antimicrobial properties. To use clove oil:

1. Dilute 3-5 drops of clove essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil
2. Apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton swab
3. Alternatively, create a mouthwash by adding a few drops of diluted clove oil to water
4. Use up to three times daily

Thyme Oil: A Powerful Antibacterial Agent

Thyme oil is known for its strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties. To use thyme oil for an abscessed tooth:

1. Dilute thyme essential oil with a carrier oil
2. Apply the diluted oil to the affected area with a cotton swab
3. Alternatively, make a mouthwash by adding a few drops of diluted thyme oil to water
4. Use up to three times daily

Are essential oils safe for oral use? While essential oils can be beneficial, it’s crucial to use them properly. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin or mucous membranes. If you experience any irritation or adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Cold Compress: Immediate Relief for Pain and Swelling

A cold compress is a simple yet effective way to alleviate pain and reduce swelling associated with an abscessed tooth. The cold temperature helps numb the area and constrict blood vessels, which can minimize inflammation.

How to Apply a Cold Compress

1. Wrap ice cubes in a clean, dry towel
2. Hold the compress against your skin near the affected area
3. Keep the compress in place for 15-minute intervals
4. Repeat several times throughout the day as needed

Does a cold compress help heal an abscess? While a cold compress won’t cure the infection, it can provide significant relief from pain and swelling. This can make the condition more manageable while you seek professional dental care.

Fenugreek: An Ancient Remedy for Modern Dental Issues

Fenugreek, a herb with a long history in traditional medicine, may offer benefits for those suffering from an abscessed tooth. Its potential antioxidant and antibacterial properties could help in managing the infection and reducing inflammation.

Preparing a Fenugreek Treatment

1. Make fenugreek tea by heating 1 cup of water and stirring in 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek
2. Allow the mixture to cool
3. Apply a small amount to the affected area using a cotton ball
4. Repeat up to three times daily

How does fenugreek benefit oral health? Fenugreek contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. While more research is needed to confirm its efficacy for dental abscesses specifically, many people find it provides some relief from symptoms.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Powerful Antimicrobial Mouthwash

Hydrogen peroxide is well-known for its antimicrobial properties and can be an effective mouthwash for managing various oral health issues, including abscessed teeth. It can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth.

Creating a Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

1. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water
2. Swish the solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds
3. Spit out the solution – do not swallow
4. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water
5. Use this mouthwash up to three times daily

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for oral use? When properly diluted and used as directed, hydrogen peroxide can be safe for short-term use as a mouthwash. However, it’s important not to swallow the solution and to discontinue use if you experience any irritation or adverse effects.

Oil Pulling: An Ancient Practice for Oral Health

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in the mouth to remove toxins and improve oral health. While scientific evidence is limited, some studies suggest it may help reduce bacteria in the mouth and alleviate symptoms of certain oral health issues.

How to Practice Oil Pulling

1. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil
2. Swish the oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes
3. Spit out the oil into a trash can (not the sink, as it can clog pipes)
4. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water
5. Brush your teeth as normal

Can oil pulling cure a tooth abscess? While oil pulling may help reduce bacteria in the mouth and potentially alleviate some symptoms, it is not a cure for a tooth abscess. Professional dental treatment is still necessary to properly address the infection.

When to Seek Professional Dental Care

While home remedies can provide temporary relief for an abscessed tooth, they are not a substitute for professional dental care. A tooth abscess is a serious condition that requires proper medical attention to prevent complications.

Seek immediate dental care if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fever
• Swelling that extends to your eye or neck
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion or disorientation

How is a tooth abscess typically treated by a dentist? Treatment may involve:

• Draining the abscess
• Prescribing antibiotics to clear the infection
• Performing a root canal to save the affected tooth
• Extracting the tooth if it cannot be saved

Remember, early intervention is key to preventing serious complications from a tooth abscess. While home remedies can provide temporary relief, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, professional dental care.

10 Remedies for Swelling and Pain

Any tooth abscess needs dental treatment, but some home remedies, such as a saltwater rinse or a cold compress, may relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.

A tooth abscess can arise from infections that develop inside the tooth. Bacteria can enter the tooth when it’s chipped, broken, or decaying.

Once the bacteria reach the center of the tooth and the tooth becomes infected, pus accumulates in the tooth. The pus in the tooth swells and results in a toothache.

If not treated, the infection could spread to the gums and bone of the mouth.

A tooth abscess needs medical attention, but some home remedies can relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.

The following home remedies can be applied along with prescribed treatments.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an easy and affordable option for temporary relief of your abscessed tooth. It can also promote wound healing and healthy gums.

To use this remedy:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of normal table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water.
2. Rinse your mouth with the salt water. Try to swish it around inside your mouth for at least two minutes.
3. Spit the water out.

Repeat up to three times per day.

Learn more about how to use a saltwater gargle.

Baking soda is another affordable option for treating various mouth and dental problems, and it may help manage an abscessed tooth. You may even already have some in your kitchen cabinet.

Baking soda is excellent for removing plaque in the mouth. It also has antibacterial properties.

To use this remedy:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water and a pinch of salt.
2. Swish the mixture in your mouth for up to five minutes.
3. Spit out, and repeat until you’ve finished the mixture.

You can repeat this up to two times per day.

What are some more uses of baking soda?

Oregano oil is an essential oil that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce the swelling and pain of an abscessed tooth. Be sure to dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil to prevent further irritation.

To use this remedy:

1. Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil to 1 ounce of a carrier oil.
2. Apply a few drops of this mixture to a cotton ball or swab.
3. Hold the cotton ball on the infected area for two to three minutes.
4. Remove the cotton ball or swab. Leave the mixture on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse.

Repeat up to three times per day.

Here’s how to choose a carrier oil.

A cold compress will help reduce pain and swelling.

To use this remedy:

1. Place ice cubes in a dry towel.
2. Hold the compress against your skin near the affected area.
3. The compress can be used for 15-minute intervals.

This may be repeated multiple times per day.

Fenugreek may have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It has a long history of use as a home remedy for healing wounds and reducing inflammation.

To use this remedy:

1. Make fenugreek tea by heating 1 cup of water in a saucepan and stirring in 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek.
2. Allow the mixture to cool.
3. Apply a small amount to the affected area using a cotton ball.
4. Repeat up to three times per day.

Clove oil has been used since ancient times as a natural toothache remedy. It may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It comes in diluted forms as well as the very concentrated clove essential oil. If using the essential oil form, remember to dilute it by adding 3–5 drops of essential oil to an ounce of a carrier oil.

You can use this remedy several ways:

• Apply the diluted oil to the affected area by placing a few drops on a cotton ball or swab.
• You can also make a clove oil mouthwash by placing a few drops of the oil into a small glass of water.

Clove oil may be used up to three times per day.

Thyme oil is another potent essential oil. It has antioxidant properties and may kill parasites, fight bacteria, and reduce swelling. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil before use.

You can use this remedy several ways:

• Apply diluted thyme oil to the affected area with a cotton ball or swab.
• Make a mouthwash by adding a few drops of diluted thyme oil to a small glass of water.

Use the thyme oil up to three times per day.

Hydrogen peroxide has an antimicrobial effect when used as a mouthwash and may help reduce inflammation. It can also help reduce plaque and bleeding gums.

To use this remedy:

1. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water.
2. Swish the solution around in your mouth, then spit. Make sure not to swallow any of the solution.

Hydrogen peroxide may be used multiple times per day.

What are some more uses of hydrogen peroxide?

Oil pulling is another ancient means of oral hygiene that’s been used to treat mouth ailments.

It’s believed that oil pulling removes toxins from the teeth and gums. Limited studies suggest that oil pulling may be a good treatment for bleeding gums, bad breath, and reducing bacteria. However, there’s not enough scientific evidence to confirm whether it’s effective for use in oral health.

Good oils for oil pulling include:

• raw coconut oil
• sesame oil
• olive oil

Oil pulling is recommended in the morning on an empty stomach.

To use this remedy:

1. Take 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil into your mouth.
2. Vigorously swish the oil around through your teeth for up to 20 minutes.
3. Don’t swallow the oil. Spit the oil out in a garbage can — not your sink — to avoid clogged pipes.

What to know about oil pulling with coconut oil for dental health.

Garlic is another natural remedy with an ancient history of many beneficial therapeutic uses. At least one animal study suggests it might have wound-healing properties.

To use this remedy:

1. Make a paste by crushing a fresh clove of garlic.
2. Rub the paste on the infected area.

This can be repeated multiple time per day.

An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that, without dental treatment, can spread to other parts of the face and the body.

If you have a tooth abscess, seek medical advice immediately.

A doctor or dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics and pain relief.

They may also need to drain the abscess or removed a tooth. Only a qualified medical professional can drain and abscess. A person should not do this at home, due to a high risk of complications.

The home remedies listed above are meant as complementary treatments to the ones prescribed by a doctor. You may need immediate antibiotics and dental care.

As long as a person seeks dental treatment, an abscess will usually heal successfully. Left untreated, however, it is unlikely to resolve and can last for months or years, and it may lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

Depending on the severity of the abscess, it may take 1–2 weeks to heal. One treatment option is with antibiotics. Other options include root canal treatment, incision and drainage, and removing the tooth.

A tooth abscess is an infection that can lead to complications without dental treatment. The fastest and most effective way to get rid of a tooth abscess — and the pain and swelling it entails — is antibiotics, which a dentist can prescribe.

However, various home remedies — such as fenugreek tea, essential oils, and garlic — may help relieve discomfort and enhance healing.

Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Pictures

Abscessed Tooth: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Pictures

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An abscessed tooth can cause throbbing pain. But treatment may reduce your symptoms in a few days. Not treating an abscessed tooth can lead to potentially severe complications.

An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that can form in different parts of a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. It’s sometimes called a dental abscess. An abscessed tooth causes moderate to severe pain that can sometimes radiate to your ear or neck.

Left untreated, an abscessed tooth can turn into a serious, life-threatening condition. Read on to learn more about the different types and how to recognize them.

The different types of dental abscesses depend on location.

The three most common types are:

• Periapical abscess. This is an abscess at the tip of a tooth’s root.
• Periodontal abscess. This is an abscess on the gum next to the root of a tooth. It might also spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.
• Gingival abscess. This is an abscess on the gums.

The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is throbbing pain near a tooth or in your gums. The pain usually comes on suddenly and gets worse over time.

Other symptoms include:

• pain that radiates to your ear, jaw, or neck
• pain that gets worse when you lie down
• pain when chewing or biting
• facial redness and swelling
• swollen, red gums
• tooth sensitivity
• discolored or loose teeth
• bad breath
• foul taste in your mouth
• tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw
• fever

If an abscess ruptures, you’ll feel almost immediate pain relief. You might also notice a sudden bad taste in your mouth as the pus drains out.

Bacteria getting into your teeth or gums leads to a dental abscess. However, the way this happens depends on the type of abscess:

• Periapical abscess. Bacteria enter the pulp within your teeth, usually through a cavity. Pulp refers to the soft, inner part of your tooth. This is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
• Periodontal abscess. Gum disease usually causes this type, but it can also be the result of an injury.
• Gingival abscess. A foreign body, such as a popcorn hull or toothbrush bristle, gets embedded in your gums.

Treatment for an abscessed tooth focuses on clearing up the infection and relieving pain. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist might start with a dental X-ray. This will help them see whether the infection has spread to other areas.

Depending on the type and severity of your abscess, treatment options include:

• Draining the abscess. Your dentist will make a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus. They’ll follow up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
• A root canal procedure. A root canal involves drilling into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp. Next, your dentist will fill and seal the pulp chamber, which holds pulp, and the root canal. They may also cap your tooth with a crown to strengthen it. A crown procedure is usually done during a separate appointment.
• Tooth extraction. If your tooth is too damaged, your dentist might remove it before draining the abscess. Your dentist may pull the tooth if it can’t be saved and then drain the abscess.
• Antibiotics. If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or you have a weakened immune system, your dentist might prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
• Removal of foreign object. If your abscess is caused by a foreign object in your gums, your dentist will remove it. They’ll finish up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.

If you can’t get in to see your dentist right away, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help with the pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may also help.

You can purchase over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication online.

It’s important to have any abscessed tooth treated by a dentist. Even if it’s already ruptured, you’ll want to have the area examined and cleaned by your doctor to make sure the infection doesn’t spread.

Left untreated, an infection can spread to your jaw and other parts of your head and neck, including your brain. In rare cases, it can even lead to sepsis. This is a life-threatening complication of an infection.

Go to the emergency room if you have an abscessed tooth accompanied by:

• high fever
• facial swelling
• difficulty swallowing
• rapid heart rate
• confusion

These are all signs of a serious infection that needs immediate treatment.

An abscessed tooth should clear up within a few days of treatment. Even if it seems to drain on its own, it’s important to follow up with your dentist to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to another area.

You can reduce your risk of an abscessed tooth by practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups every six months.

Last medically reviewed on May 25, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Abscess (toothache). (n.d.).
  mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/abscess
• Dental abscess. (2016).
  nhs.uk/conditions/Dental-abscess/#treatments-for-a-dental-abscess
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Tooth abscess.
  mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
• Murchison DF. (n.d.). Toothache.
  merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/symptoms-of-oral-and-dental-disorders/toothache
• Lang MS, et al. (2018). Dental abscess.
  bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/1206
• Sepsis and dental health. (2017).
  sepsis.org/sepsis-and/dental-health/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 14, 2023

Written By

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

May 25, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Christine Frank, DDS

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on February 14, 2023

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Purulent tooth abscess: symptoms and treatment

What is it?
A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection on the inside of a tooth.

A tooth abscess usually results from a cavity left untreated, or from a crack or chip in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter the tooth.

Treatment of a tooth abscess includes draining the abscess and cleaning the affected area of ​​infection. The tooth itself can be saved by root canal cleaning, but in some cases it may need to be extracted. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences.

Tooth abscess prevention requires proper dental care, a healthy diet and regular dental visits.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

Severe, persistent throbbing toothache pressure when chewing or biting

Fever

Swelling (edema) of the face or cheek

Tender, swollen lymph nodes under the lower jaw or in the neck

Sudden breakthrough of foul-tasting fluid in the mouth and cessation of pain after an abscess ruptures

When to see a doctor
See a dentist right away if any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess are found. If you experience fever and facial swelling and a dentist is unavailable, go to an emergency room. Fever and swelling of the face may indicate that the infection has spread deep into the jaw and surrounding tissue, or even to other areas of the body.

Causes
A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Bacteria enters a cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spreads to the root. The bacterial infection causes inflammation and swelling. The limited space in which inflammation occurs causes pus to be squeezed out into a cavity (also called an abscess pocket) at the apex of the root.

Risk factors
The following factors increase the risk of tooth abscess:

· Poor dental hygiene. Improper care of teeth and gums, such as not flossing and brushing twice a day, can increase the risk of caries, periodontitis, abscesses and other dental and oral diseases and their complications.

· High sugar diet. Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar, such as pastries and sweets, contributes to the formation of cavities and, in turn, tooth abscess.

· Associated health problems. Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, can increase your risk of tooth infection and tooth abscess.

Complications
Tooth abscess does not go away without treatment. In the case of self-opening of the abscess, a significant reduction in pain is possible, but the need for dental treatment does not disappear. If the abscess is not drained, the infection can spread to the tissues of the mandible and other parts of the head and neck. It can even lead to sepsis, a common, life-threatening infection.

A tooth abscess left untreated with a weakened immune system carries an increased risk of spreading infection compared to a normally functioning immune system.

Examination and diagnosis
In addition to examining the tooth and surrounding area, the dentist may perform one or more of the following examinations:

· Tapping on the affected tooth. A tooth with a root abscess is usually sensitive to touch or pressure.

X-ray. An x-ray of a diseased tooth can help identify an abscess. An x-ray or other imaging procedures, such as a CT scan, can also be used to determine if the infection has spread to develop abscesses at other sites.

Laboratory tests. In some cases, knowledge of the bacteria that causes the infection can be useful for targeted treatment, especially if first-line antibiotics have failed.

Treatment and drugs
The goal of treatment is to drain the abscess and clear the infection. To achieve this, the dentist can:

· Perform depulpation. This procedure may help clear the infection and save the tooth. To do this, the dentist drills into the tooth, removes the affected central tissue (pulp), and drains the abscess. The pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth are filled and sealed. The dentist can then place a crown on the tooth. With proper care, a restored tooth can last a lifetime.

· Remove affected tooth. If the affected tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will remove the tooth and drain the abscess to clear the infection.

Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the site of the abscess, antibiotics may not be needed. However, if the infection spreads to nearby teeth, the lower jaw, or other areas, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading. Antibiotics may also be recommended for a weakened immune system.

Lifestyle and home remedies
While the lesion is healing, your dentist may recommend the following steps to relieve discomfort:

Gargling with warm salt water

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed

9 0002 Prevention
Prevention of tooth abscess requires the prevention of caries. Good dental care is key to preventing caries. It includes:

Using fluoridated drinking water

Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste

Daily flossing or interdental cleaner

Changing toothbrush every three to four 6 months or bristle wear

Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary foods and snacks between meals

Visiting a dentist for regular check-ups and professional oral hygiene

You can use an antibacterial or fluoride rinse for additional protection against caries

Tooth abscess – causes, methods of treatment in the clinic and at home – ROOTT

The gums are reddened, swollen, sore – these are classic signs of a tooth abscess a, an inflammatory process in which pus is formed. Accumulating in the cavity, as in a bag, pus causes swelling of the gums. In the people it is called flux.

Purulent inflammation can lead to serious consequences, so it is impossible to self-medicate if the gums are swollen. In dentistry, the cause of the abscess will be determined and specific treatment will be carried out.

Purulent tooth abscess – causes

When immunity is weakened, as a result of trauma or infectious diseases of the teeth, pathogens penetrate into the tissues surrounding the tooth (periodontium). In response to this, the body produces special cells, neutrophils. They neutralize pathogens, but die themselves. Pus is the remnants of dead cells, destroyed proteins of bacteria and neutrophils.

In dentistry, there are 3 types of abscess, depending on the cause:

• Periapical
  A purulent sac is formed at the top of the root.

• Periodontal
  An abscess occupies a space between the gum and the root.

• Desnevoy
  Localized in soft tissues, does not affect the root.

The type of abscess depends on how the pathogens have entered the tissues.

Caries leading to periodontitis

Advanced caries destroys the hard tissues of the tooth and penetrates into the pulp – the neurovascular bundle. Most often, pulpitis is accompanied by severe pain, but in some cases, the pain is not very pronounced, paroxysmal. If pulpitis is not treated in time, the tissues around the root become inflamed, periodontitis develops. Active formation of pus begins. Soon the pouch sticks out under the mucous membrane of the gums. In some cases, the root abscess breaks and a fistula forms in the gum, through which the pus comes out. Due to the fact that the pressure on the tissues is reduced, the patient experiences a feeling of relief. However, the formation of a fistula does not mean recovery. The inflammatory process continues and will eventually lead to tooth loss.

Incorrect treatment

Periodontitis can result from the negligence of a doctor. If the canals of the tooth are not completely sealed, then bacteria begin to multiply in the resulting voids, provoking an inflammatory process.

An abscess after tooth extraction occurs in 2 cases:

• The surgeon did not calculate the forces and caused injury during the extraction, damaging the bone tissue.
• The patient did not follow the recommendations of the dentist, which led to the penetration of pathogens into the wound.

Periodontitis

When the periodontium (tissues and ligaments that hold the tooth in the socket) becomes inflamed, the dentogingival attachment weakens, the gum ceases to fit snugly against the tooth, and tartar accumulates in the gap (periodontal pocket). It is a landing site for bacteria that multiply rapidly, causing the body’s immune response, which means the formation of pus. A swelling is formed in the projection of the pocket. It can be an abscess of the front tooth or side. Where the pocket is deeper, the likelihood of suppuration is higher.

Pericoronitis

Teething, especially third molars (wisdom teeth), can become painful. If the incorrect location or thick mucosa does not allow the “eight” to cut through completely, a hood of mucous forms on the tooth. There are leftover food. As they decompose, they provide nutrients for bacteria, which in turn cause inflammation. It can spread to the gum, forming a wisdom tooth abscess.

Trauma

It happens that when brushing your teeth, while eating or with poor-quality prosthetics, the gum is injured. The integrity of the mucous membrane is broken. Pathogens that are always present in the oral cavity penetrate inside. As a result of their active reproduction, accumulation of pus begins, a gingival abscess develops.

Symptoms

It all starts with slight pain when biting. Then there is swelling on the gum. The pain syndrome is growing. The general condition worsens. The temperature rises, Pain gives to the ear and head. Lymph nodes increase in size, an abscess develops independently of the upper tooth, or the lower one. A putrid odor comes from the mouth. When the abscess breaks through, a fistula is formed. It exudes pus. When the acute process subsides, the fistula closes, but only until a new aggravation.

Treatment

Diagnostic measures help determine the cause and plan treatment.

For diagnostic use:

• Patient interview
• Visual inspection
• Radiography

An x-ray will help to identify the causative tooth and show what is causing the suppuration: root inflammation, periodontal pocket or trauma.

At this stage, the decision is made whether to extract or save the tooth.

If it is decided to save the tooth, then the algorithm of therapeutic measures for periodontitis is as follows:

1. All tissues affected by caries are removed.
2. The tooth is depulped, the canals are left open.
3. If the canals have already been treated, then the old fillings are removed, the canals are cleaned, but not sealed. This facilitates the outflow of pus. If there is a crown on the tooth, they immediately proceed to the next stage.
4. The gum is opened. Insert drainage. After a while it is removed. This step is not always carried out.
5. Medical paste is inserted into the canals of the tooth. The cavity is closed with a temporary filling. After 4-8 weeks, a follow-up examination is carried out. If there is no recurrence, the canals are sealed with gutta-percha, a permanent filling is placed on the tooth.

If therapeutic methods do not help, or a fixed prosthesis is on the tooth, then a surgical method is used. The top of the root is amputated, eliminating the cause of inflammation. At the same time, a tooth cyst, abscess or granuloma is removed.

The treatment regimen for periodontitis is somewhat different. The main method of removing pus is open curettage or flap surgery. The periodontist exfoliates the gum flap, opens access to the root and cleans it from hard plaque and decomposition products. The wound is disinfected, sutures or a periodontal bandage are applied. After a week, the stitches are removed.

Gingivectomy is performed in mild cases. An incision is made on the gum through which the pus is removed.

For pericoronitis, the hood is excised, allowing the tooth to erupt. It also ensures free outflow of pus. The wound is treated with an antiseptic solution, a bandage is applied.

In case of injury, the irritant is removed. If the gum injures the prosthesis, it is changed. A foreign object (a fish bone, for example) is removed. Provide an outflow of exudate.

Regardless of the cause of the abscess, antimicrobial therapy is mandatory. For better healing, dentists recommend salt baths for several days.

Common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as paracetamol can help relieve pain. After opening the abscess, relief quickly comes and painkillers are required only in the first day or two.

Home remedies

Folk healers advise rinsing the mouth with saline, soda solutions, infusions of sage, calendula, chamomile. It is recommended to use propolis in the form of alcohol lotions.

These remedies may temporarily relieve pain, but they do not eliminate the cause of the inflammation. Therefore, relief is temporary, inflammation increases and can result in serious complications. And alcohol infusions also lead to a chemical burn of the mucous membrane.

A tooth abscess cannot be cured without the intervention of a dentist. Only an integrated approach to treatment can stop the inflammatory process.

Why an abscess is dangerous

If the symptoms of inflammation are not severe, most people put off a visit to the dentist. This leads to complications, develops:

• Chronic tooth abscess
  The disease acquires a cyclic character: pus-fistula-outflow of pus-closure of the fistula. Then a cold, exacerbation of common diseases or another reason provokes a new cycle. Each time, the risk that pus will penetrate deep into the tissues or be carried by the bloodstream throughout the body increases.

• Phlegmon
  This is already a diffuse purulent process that captures large areas. There is a strong intoxication of the body, the general condition worsens. Phlegmon is dangerous for its main complication – blood poisoning.

• Sepsis
  As a result of the fact that the infection spreads throughout the body, sepsis affects all organs, leading to their failure. Causes fever, drop in blood pressure. Treatment of sepsis is difficult, the prognosis is not always favorable.

Prevention

The easiest and most effective way to prevent is daily oral hygiene. With its help, most of the plaque is removed, which means that the risk of developing caries and its complications is significantly reduced.

Professional teeth cleaning prevents the formation of tartar, minimizes the possibility of periodontitis.

A visit to the dentist once every 6 months allows you to detect dental diseases in time, before they become complicated by the formation of an abscess.