How to Deal With Abscessed Teeth in Children
Suppose your child and their friends are watching a movie, and they eat a piece of popcorn that gets stuck between their teeth and gums. For whatever reason, it remains hidden from her view. In a worst-case scenario, it could become an abscess, which is not a good thing to have. It’s very upsetting to see your child complain about intense pain.
An abscess in a child’s gums can wreak havoc on their well-being and all of the other aches and pains that accompany their development. It usually begins as a bit of hole in the gum and grows outward, like a pimple.
Learn more about the dental abscess by reading more from this blog post and which dental treatment suits this perfectly!
What Are Abscessed Teeth?
Bacterial infection of teeth or gum tissue around them causes abscesses, which can be pretty painful. Pus occurs as the body attempts to fight a bacterial infection. If the pus does not drain properly, it creates a tooth abscess. An abscessed tooth can cause red, puffy gums and throbbing discomfort when your child bites.
There are several places in the body where an abscess can grow, including the mouth and gums. Periapical abscess, which is an abscess that grows at the apex of a tooth’s roots, is the most common type of abscess seen by pediatric dentists.
Your child may have a terrible taste in his or her mouth and a fever, and his or her jaw may expand. Moreover, untreated tooth decay or gum disease may also result in tooth abscesses.
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth in a child
If your child has an abscess, they will likely show one or more of the following symptoms:
- Swollen and tender face
- Swollen, shiny, and reddish gum
- Bad breath
- The pain may worsen when lying down, forcing them to sleep on one side or disrupting their sleep.
- Intense tooth or gum discomfort. It may start suddenly and worsen over time.
- Loose tooth
How Do You Treat an Abscessed Tooth in A Child?
A pediatric dentist should treat an abscessed tooth right away. The infection can spread to other parts of your child’s body if left untreated. A dentist will administer child antibiotics to treat the infection to your child. Here are the possible dental treatments your dentist may perform:
- Your family dentist may drill a hole in your child’s tooth or cut open the abscess in their mouth to let the infection drain and alleviate your child’s discomfort.
- Your child may require a root canal treatment, which attempts to save the tooth by removing the infected pulp and replacing it with healing medicine and a filling.
- A dentist must remove the infected tissue to treat a periapical abscess and keep the infection from spreading.
Moreover, if none of the professional treatments above work, removing the infected tooth is your dentist’s last resort.
Will My Child’s Tooth Abscess Self-Heal?
The answer is no, a tooth abscess will not go away on its own. Dental abscesses should be treated as quickly as possible if you suspect that your child has one to keep the infection under control. It would be best to never treat your child’s dental infection at home.
Moreover, you should still bring your child in for an urgent dental check even if their symptoms appear to be improving. Even if a child’s condition is not improving, one or more of the child’s symptoms may suddenly subside.
If an abscess drains, it might provide immediate comfort to a youngster suffering from excruciating agony (i.e., if the pus leaks out). There is a short-term benefit to this respite, though. As long as the infection is left untreated, it has the potential to spread and cause more acute or broad discomfort in the affected area.
Oral Health Care At Home
Follow-up care is an essential component of your child’s treatment and safety.
- Apply ice or a cold pack to your child’s cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Make sure to give pain medicines only when prescribed by the dentist.
- Administer antibiotics as indicated. Continue to use it even after your youngster feels better. Your youngster must finish the antibiotic treatment.
Furthermore, to prevent abscess in children, make sure to encourage them to practice proper oral hygiene. Floss every day, and set dental visits regularly. Avoid sugary foods and drinks!
Read Next: What Should You Do if Your Child Has Tooth Pain at Night?
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to know more about dental abscess
Tooth abscesses are a common problem in children and can be painful and cause other health problems if not treated. Call the most reputable pediatric dentist to learn more.! We offer comprehensive dental care for children, including treatment for tooth abscesses. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your child get healthy teeth and gums!
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
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How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
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