Steps You Should Follow Before Getting Emergency Dental Care for Abscessed Gums

Posted on: 21 August 2020

It is quite troubling to wake up in the morning and discover one side of your mouth is swollen. A lot of things can lead to swelling of the gums, such as trauma to the mouth, allergies, and abscesses.

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that develops on the gum and causes inflammation or swelling to the jaw and the gums. Abscesses are formed when bacteria in the mouth lead to infection between the teeth. As the inflammation festers, the pus builds up, and the inflammation leads to swelling.

Here are three steps to follow when you realize that your gum or jaw is swollen as a result of a tooth abscess.

Rinse the Infected Area

It is advisable to find simple home remedies to alleviate the pain and stop the swelling from growing as early as possible. One of the best rinses you can make is the saltwater rinse. The salt in the water has antibacterial qualities, and it soothes the inflammation.

You can also use tea tree oil or turmeric gel on the swollen area. Once the active ingredients get into the infected area, they soothe the swelling and alleviate the pain before you make an appointment with an emergency dentist.

Ice and Compress

Another first aid trick that can improve your experience when dealing with swollen teeth is the simple use of ice. When you place a pack of ice on the swollen part of the mouth, the cold numbs the nerves. This reduces the pain sensation for some time.

Ice is also helpful in reducing the swelling as it inhibits further inflammation. Make sure that you interchange icing with warm compression as it helps drain the lymphatic system and reduce pus accumulation.

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

The other symptom of a tooth abscess that you have to deal with is the pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter painkillers are great for dealing with the pain as you wait to see an emergency dentist.

However, remember that ultimately, you will have to see the dentist so that they can open up the pus pocket, drain the pus, and then perform the necessary treatment to save the tooth.

Contact an emergency dentist when you notice any part of your mouth is swelling. This will save you a lot of pain and discomfort.  However, ensure you choose a reliable dentist who has the skills, experience, and relevant technology to deal with this problem. 

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