Tooth Abscess Treatment – Infection Symptoms And Home Remedies
Home Treatment For Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a rather severe problem, and it is very important to treat it swiftly and effectively. The abscess usually begins with an infection of the root of a tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. If the infection is not treated in time, it forms an abscess, which is a cavity that is filled with pus. This is often accompanied by fever and swelling of the affected area. It will probably also be difficult and painful to chew food, or even to speak. Some abscesses may only affect gum tissue, while others may be more severe and affect dental pulp too. A still more dangerous situation may also develop, wherein the surrounding tissues and bones also get affected. In severe cases, the infection may spread to the tissues of the head and neck, and to the blood, which could even cause death.
It is therefore usually advisable to consult a dentist for proper treatment of a tooth abscess. The only viable home remedy for a tooth abscess is application of clove oil to the affected area. However, this should not be used for more than two or three days. This is not only because clove oil is toxic in large quantities, but also because if there is no improvement within this time, prompt medical treatment is essential.
Your dentist will usually drain the tooth abscess by puncturing it and suctioning the pus. Do not try to do this yourself, as the use of proper technique and sterile, specialized equipment are essential. (In case the tooth abscess happens to get punctured and drained on its own, you should rinse your mouth thoroughly with a warm salt water solution, and then visit your dentist.) After this, your dentist will usually prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria that are causing the infection. Without this, the infection will continue, and the abscess may form again. It is therefore important to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and complete the entire course, whether or not the symptoms subside. For pain relief, your dentist will probably advise you to take over the counter painkillers, but if you prefer, you can simply continue to use the warm salt water gargle alone. Your dentist will decide whether or not it is necessary to remove the affected tooth or perform a root canal. If you do have to undergo a root canal, be sure to return periodically to ensure that the lesion is healing properly.
