How to Care for an Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is an infection at the base of the root that begins as a cavity or is caused by trauma to the tooth. Symptoms include a painful tooth, or gums that are red or bleeding. An abscess can develop into a serious condition if not treated in its early stages. It can spread to the jaw, face or throat, and has the potential to become a fatal infection.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit a dentist as soon as possible to get the infection drained. A root canal allows the infection to drain out through the tooth, which is then covered with a crown. An incision in the gum is another method for draining the abscess.

• 2

  Have the tooth pulled if the other remedies are not effective. The infection will drain through the empty socket.

• 3

  Take antibiotics to fight the abscess infection. Complete the entire course of antibiotics or risk the infection becoming stronger.

• 4

  Relieve pain with ibuprofen or another over-the-counter medication as recommended by your dentist.

• 5

  Rinse your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt. This mixture can take some of the pain from the abscess as well as keeping the mouth clean.