Oral abscess
A dental abscess is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition in which a pocket of pus in the tooth has led to an infection. A tooth abscess may cause fever, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, a persistent toothache, tender lymph nodes in your neck, swelling in the face, and a pimple-like bump on your gums near the infected tooth.
This condition is an emergency as the infection can spread into your jaw, surrounding tissue, and to other areas of the body. Before you can see the dentist, rinse your mouth with mild saltwater several times to reduce the pain and draw the pus to the surface.
If you experience any of the above call High Street Dental immediately
Although painful, most ulcers will heal within 7-10 days. Non-healing ulcers/oral lesions present for more than 3 weeks should be assessed by a dentist or doctor. These measures can help with discomfort:
A examination from your dentist will be able to diagnose the reason for the oral abscess and devise a treatment plan for you.
We always advise regular check-ups so we can see early diagnosis of dental problems which may occur and cause you pain.
These measures can help with discomfort:
- Warm salty mouthwash
- Excellent cleaning – even if it is painful to brush, the mouth must be kept clean to encourage healing and prevent more ulcers forming.
- Soft diet – soft food may reduce trauma from biting. Warm salty mouthwash Painkillers – ibuprofen or paracetamol -follow packet instructions.
- Rubbing Dentures – Denture adhesives like fixodent may help secure a loose denture. Any sharp edges can be removed using an emery board. Remove dentures when possible if causing trauma.
- Difflam (Benzydamine) – spray or mouthwash as needed. Corsodyl mouthwash – avoid use for >2 weeks as may cause staining.