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Can I Treat an Abscessed Tooth at Home?

When serious infection is involved, taking the time and appropriate measures to treat an abscessed tooth properly is essential. After all, there’s very little that can compare with the throbbing pain of toothache.

In today’s blog, we will delve into what an abscessed tooth is and how you can treat it at home while you wait to see an oral surgeon.

What is an Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus in the tooth caused by a bacterial infection. When a tooth is chipped, broken or decaying, bacteria can easily get inside. Sometimes the bacteria can enter through an old cavity or failed root canal. Once the bacteria reaches the center of the tooth, it causes infection and pus accumulates and swells. This then creates a toothache, and will spread over time. If not treated by a dental professional in a timely manner, the infection can spread to the gums and the jawbone and can cause serious trouble.

Symptoms

An abscessed tooth is no joke. If not professionally treated, the infection can spread and can even become life threatening. In some cases, an abscess may rupture on its own and bring a relief of pain, but the root cause will remain if not treated by a professional and the abscess could return anytime. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a dental professional right away.

  • A severe a persistent throbbing toothache
  • Sensitivity to touch, biting, chewing, and to hot and cold temperatures
  • Fever
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling and tenderness around the mouth and jaw
  • Trouble swallowing and even breathing

Some of these symptoms can be very concerning. If you are experiencing a fever and swelling around the face and neck and cannot reach your dentist or oral surgeon, go to an emergency room immediately. Infection from a dental abscess can spread quickly and should not be treated lightly.

Home Remedies

Although it is never safe to treat an abscessed tooth at home, there are things you can do to ease the pain and help the swelling while you wait to see your dentist or oral surgeon.

  • Saltwater rinse:
  • rinsing with saltwater can help relieve pain and encourage healthy gums

  • Cold compress:
  • for any pain or injury, a cold compress can reduce swelling and temporarily relieve pain. The same is true for a toothache. Apply the cold compress directly to the jaw where the pain is most acute.

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here to Help

Searching for ways to treat an abscessed tooth? Look no further than Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah. Nobody should have to suffer with the pain of an abscessed tooth, and our board-certified oral surgeons can provide the relief you’ve been searching for. We specialize in tooth extraction, dental implant insertion, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, and more. We have offices in South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights and Tooele, Utah. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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