Have you ever felt swelling in your teeth and gums? Swollen teeth can be painful and potentially serious, as they are often caused by a bacterial infection. In this article, we will look at the causes of swollen teeth, what to do if they occur, and how to relieve your discomfort, so you can prevent the development of bacterial diseases by studying five ways to reduce tooth swelling.
It is worth noting that if you notice symptoms of a swollen tooth, you should contact your dentist immediately. If you are unable to visit dental clinics and your tooth is accompanied by fever and facial swelling, go to the emergency room.
Possible Causes of Swollen Teeth and Gums
Whether a swollen tooth is mild or severe, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
Tooth abscess:
A tooth abscess, which is caused by a bacterial infection, can develop at the root of the tooth (periapical) or next to the root of the tooth (periodontal). Abscesses are a source of pus and are usually caused by a cavity, injury, or fracture of the tooth, as cracks in the tooth create pathways for bacteria to enter and infect the tooth. Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
Pain that you may feel in your neck, ear, or jawbone.
Swollen lymph nodes near the jaw or neck.
High or low-grade fever
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures in food, drinks, and more.
Swelling in the face and the area of the affected tooth
Sensitivity to chewing food
If you are wondering how to treat your tooth abscess or even how to get rid of swelling in your face caused by a tooth infection, you should seek proper medical treatment. Even if the abscess drains on its own, you should see a dentist to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to your mouth.
To reduce the swelling of your tooth and treat it, you need to remove the infection, which means draining the abscess. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and reduce the swelling of your tooth. In some cases, they may need to remove the tooth or infected tissue through a root canal.
Impacted wisdom teeth:
The growth of wisdom teeth is a natural process at a young age. But sometimes, this change in your mouth can cause your teeth to swell. Wisdom teeth can become swollen if they become impacted, and when they become stuck under the gum and fail to fully grow out, you get a wisdom tooth abscess. If your wisdom tooth breaks, it can create spaces where bacteria can infect your gums, leading to swelling and pain.
You may be wondering how to treat swollen gums near your wisdom teeth, and the answer is usually wisdom tooth extraction. After wisdom teeth extraction, you may experience swelling in your gums and teeth again as your mouth heals. To relieve some of the discomfort and fight any bacteria, be sure to rinse your mouth with warm salt water every few hours. Ice packs next to your mouth can also help reduce pain. If you feel your swelling is serious and needs medical attention, contact your dental clinic immediately.
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is a type of gum disease. It is a common cause of swollen, red, and irritated gums that may bleed after brushing. Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated at home by taking excellent oral care, limiting snacks and drinks between meals, and quitting smoking. However, if you experience symptoms of a gum infection, you should contact your dentist for a full examination and treatment.
Vitamin C deficiency:
Did you know that scurvy is just another term for a vitamin C deficiency that can cause swollen gums and teeth? If you think you may have a vitamin C deficiency or have been tested and are sure that you do, reach for fruits like oranges and grapefruit. Take vitamin C pills and consult your dental professional, as they will determine how much vitamin C you should add to your diet.
Medications and other causes:
Some medications can also have side effects like swollen teeth. If you find that your toothpaste or mouthwash is irritating your teeth and gums, stop using it until you see your doctor.
Treating and relieving swollen teeth
If you have a swollen tooth and are looking to reduce your swelling, the first step is to visit a reputable and professional dental clinic. They can determine the cause of your swollen gums and teeth and recommend the best treatment. But you can also reduce your swollen teeth at home by using home remedies such as gargling with warm salt water, which helps wash away bacteria, or you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and tooth pain.
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which is why it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental cleaner as part of professional and excellent oral care to prevent swollen teeth.
What can we do to reduce tooth swelling?
The following methods are recommended to reduce tooth swelling and pain:
The first practical solution is to visit a dentist, who will determine the root cause through examinations and consider the appropriate treatment solution for the patient.
Taking some medications, such as acetaminophen, naproxen, etc, is effective in reducing pain.
Consuming some foods, such as cloves, et c. is appropriate.
Use mouthwashes, rinsing the mouth with salt water.
Use an ice compress on the swollen area.
Foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, etc. They are useful for strengthening the immune system.
Sometimes infections develop at the site, and you need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics must be prescribed by a dentist in Kingston.