20/01/2024
●Dental abscess
Dental abscesses usually happen when pus builds up beneath your teeth or gums when you have an infection in your mouth.
●You may get a dental abscess if:
you have a tooth that has not grown out of your gums properly (an impacted tooth)
you have tooth decay or gum disease
you have injured your teeth, gums or mouth
you're having radiotherapy or chemotherapy
●Signs of a dental abscess include:
Intense toothache or pain in your gums
Redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw
Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area
A bad taste in your mouth
Difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food
A swollen face or jaw
A high temperature
●How to prevent dental abscesses
There are some things you can do to help prevent dental abscesses.
●Dos
brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day - spit after brushing, do not rinse
clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes
replace your toothbrush every 1 to 3 months
take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
eat soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and yoghurt
avoid having sugary, or very hot or cold, foods and drinks
have regular dental check-ups so problems can be spotted early
●Dont's
do not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth
do not smoke
●TREATMENT
Treatment for a dental abscess
Dental abscesses are usually treated by a dentist. The dentist will drain away the pus.
If a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, you may need root canal treatment, or the tooth may be removed. You'll be given a local anaesthetic, so you do not feel any pain.
You may be offered painkillers to take for a few days after treatment and may also be given antibiotics
