What to do if dental abscess bursts on its own? Dental abscess cases usually require immediate attention so that all the pus can be drained with proper care but what to do in case of it bursting in its own? Dental abscess treatment needs to be carried out with professional care, so make sure to get yourself checked and book your appointment to the dentist without any further delays.
To begin with, we shall discuss what dental abscess is before moving on to further details.
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What is a dental abscess?
A dental abscess can be defined as the collection of pus inside the teeth, gums or the bone (which holds the teeth). This is caused as a result of a bacterial infection. This bacterial infection causes inflammation. It can be caused at different areas of the mouth because of the multiple reasons. A dental abscess, often being painful, requires being checked by a dentist almost immediately. So, it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible as any delay may make it worse. If not dealt in time, they make spread to other parts of the body.
Why the pus?
Your immune system cannot sustain all the pus in for a very long time. When the natural barrier breaks, the pus comes out in your mouth and gives you the bad taste. Rinsing your mouth may help while you make your way to the dentist.
What does the start of a tooth abscess feel like?
- Tooth abscess symptoms start with:
- Sensitivity of tooth
- Severe toothache
- Face becomes swell
- Repellent taste and smell
- In some cases , fever also.
Types of Dental Abscess
- Periodontal: Bacteria infects gums
- Periapical: Bacteria infects pulp inside the teeth
- Gingival: Causes when food particles stuck in gums
Reasons of Abscess Burst
- Lack of Dental Care
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Poor Dental Health
- Excess Smoking
- Poor Diet
Did the abscess burst? Here’s what to do!
Dental abscess treatment is best carried out by the dentist himself but in case of the abscess bursting on its own, here are a few steps that you should be following almost immediately.
- Using salty water to rinse your mouth
The first and immediate step is to use salty water for rinsing your mouth. Take some warm water and add a teaspoon full of salt and keep mixing till all the salt dissolves. For 2 minutes rinse your mouth with this water, spitting out water and repeating till it ends. The reason for this process is that salt kills the bacteria and encourages the process of healing. This reduces the chances of any further infection because the bacteria are killed. This immediate step can stop the problem from getting worse before the dentist can look into it.
- Homemade mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide
Much like salt, and maybe better, hydrogen peroxide is a useful chemical when it comes to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Because it is caused by bacteria, the use of hydrogen peroxide is encouraged for dealing with an abscess. What you have to do is to mix 50% of plain water and 50% of hydrogen peroxide and use it for rinsing your oral cavity. Like salt, hydrogen peroxide will stop the bacteria from spreading because of its antibacterial properties.
- Using an ice bag
As a source of relief, you can put ice cubes in a towel and hold it against the skin of your affected area. Try to repeat the process multiple times in a day for best relief.
Is an abscess a dental emergency?
Yes, dental abscess is definitely a dental emergency and most importantly when it bursts. You should visit a doctor for medication and treatment.
When should you call your dentist?
The abscess is a sensitive issue, so the earlier you can call your dentist, the better is it! Don’t delay your visit too much and while you’re waiting for your call, you can take painkillers to reduce the pain. It’s necessary to get all the pus drained, which can only be done by your dentist, because if not drained properly, the remains of the pus may cause the infection to start time and again. Moreover, you may also need to continue with antibiotics to ensure that the infection doesn’t spread to other parts of your body as that may worsen the problem.
What to do to prevent a dental abscess
While dental abscess is natural and can happen to almost anyone, there are some things that you can do to prevent it from happening and the most important is to keep your gums healthy.
- Make use of an interdental brush of floss to clean under the gum line and between your teeth at least once a day.
- Spend at least two minutes daily to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste
- Try not to rinse off clean your mouth with mouthwash or water after brushing as this removes the protective toothpaste layer. Best will be to spit out any excess toothpaste.
- You should also cut down on your intake of starchy and sugary food specially in between meals and a short while before bed.
- Dentist checkups are also a must. When you visit your dentist, he can guide you regarding how often these checkups are needed with respect to your oral health.
You may also find it helpful: How to drain a gum abscess at home
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you made.