If you have an abscessed tooth, see your family dentist as soon as possible.
An abscess is an infection that originates at the root of the tooth. Swelling and pus form around the tooth and hit the nerves pretty hard, making for what could be unbearable pain for you.
Obviously, infection associated with an abscessed tooth is very serious, and it’s important that you see your family dentist as soon as possible. The last thing you want to do is brush off an abscessed tooth, as the infection could spread and lead to more serious health complications.
As you wait to get into the family dentist, there are some things that you can do to control the pain caused by an abscessed tooth.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication. Remember that your abscessed tooth is exacerbated by inflamed tissue or an inflamed nerve. So stick with medications that reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen. Use the medication as directed and don’t place the medication directly on the tooth or gums. This could irritate the tissue.
- Avoid certain foods. With your infection, it’s likely that the top layers of your tooth have been affected, leaving your tooth more sensitive to extreme temperatures. So avoid very hot or cold food or drinks. In addition, it’s good to stay away from foods and drinks that are sugary or contain a lot of acid.
- Floss. Yes, it might be painful to floss around an infected tooth, but you want to make sure that you eliminate any food particles or plaque that may be surrounding the tooth. This may ultimately help to reduce your pain.
- Keep your head up high. In other words, elevate your head when you rest. It may relieve some of the pressure from your toothache.
- Make warm salt water your friend. Use it to rinse your mouth two or three times a day, as it helps to eliminate bacteria from the affected area. Using salt water is especially crucial if the sore surrounding the tooth bursts.
While these measures may bring you some temporary relief, it’s important to note that an abscessed tooth will hot heal on its own. You will most likely need to be prescribed antibiotics, or you may even need a root canal to remove infected tissue. So do not wait to seek treatment!
And if you don’t have a family dentist and live in the Reynoldsburg or Columbus areas, we can most certainly treat your dental needs and make you feel right at home. So whether you just need preventive care or need to have a more serious issue addressed, feel free to contact us to schedule treatment or receive a free consultation.