A dental abscess is a bacterial infection through a buildup of pus formed inside the tooth root. Pus is a thick fluid containing dead tissue, cells and bacteria and is regularly produced when an infection has formed. Eventually, the infection can spread to the gums and bone if not treated.
An abscess is a line of defence to your body when bacteria begin to build. They are painful and can significantly impact your oral health pretty quickly, and because of this, treatment for a dental abscess is essential.
One of the symptoms of an abscessed tooth is swelling, which is one of many other symptoms. Let’s first understand the causes of an abscessed tooth before understanding how you can reduce swelling in the face from an abscessed tooth.
What Causes An Abscess Tooth?
When bacteria get into your teeth and gums, this will lead to a dental abscess. Tracking back further, bacteria forms likely from food particles that get stuck in between your teeth. Then this leads to dental plaque and tartar build-up. As this builds, this leads to a dental cavity, which is a tiny opening or hole in the tooth root. This is where bacteria begin to penetrate and build. Gum disease also causes a dental abscess.
What Are The Symptoms?
A dental abscess is painful, and you’ll eventually begin to experience redness and swelling in and around your mouth and face. When eating hot and cold foods, the sensitivity will also rise. You may also experience vomiting, fever and diarrhea.
How Do I Reduce Swelling in Face From An Abscess Tooth?
Luckily, home remedies are available to help reduce swelling in the face from an abscessed tooth. Try either of the following proven methods:
Saltwater Rinse
Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Saltwater helps increase the PH balance inside the mouth, creating an alkaline environment reducing bacteria’s opportunity to penetrate. Mix ½ teaspoon of table salt into a glass of lukewarm water.
Baking Soda
One of the causes of dental abscesses is dental plaque build-up, and baking soda helps remove plaque from the mouth because it is an antibacterial property. Mix ½ tablespoon into a ½ cup of water and swish around your mouth for five minutes.
Crushed Garlic
Garlic is another antibacterial property that controls infection spread and reduces inflammation. When crushing garlic, create it into a paste and rub it gently around the affected area multiple times a day.
Over-The-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medications are always a great alternative to reduce pain in the short term, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Although is important to note that this is short-term pain relief and will still require a trip to the dentist to uncover the underlying problem.
Cold Compress
A cold compress is a proven method to reduce swelling in the face from an abscessed tooth or for other dental injuries. Take an ice pack or a pack of peas and hold the compress on the outside of the affected area on and off for 20 minutes throughout the day.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a recent phenomenon designed to treat mouth ailments such as toxins, reducing bacteria, bad breath and bleeding gums. Oil such as coconut oil and olive oil should be taken in the morning or throughout the day but on an empty stomach. Take a tablespoon of oil, place it into the mouth and swish it through your teeth for 20 minutes.
Make An Emergency Appointment With The Dentist
It is important to note that home remedies can help reduce the pain of a dental abscess and reduce swelling in the face from an abscessed tooth; it is not the answer to resolving it. A dental abscess should be treated as an emergency. Consult our Woden dental centre as soon as you can for affordable treatment.