A tooth abscess in a young child can be a serious medical condition that needs attention

Babies can have a lot of dental problems in their early years because they are not conscious of clean teeth or because parents neglect to remind them. Among these problems, tooth abscess in young children is the most common thing and you need to understand to prevent and take care of baby's teeth in time.

A tooth abscess in a young child is one of the most common oral diseases that needs immediate attention. The disease is caused by bacteria, which can cause pain and can be spread to many other teeth if not treated early. However, this oral problem can be prevented if children know how to take care of their teeth carefully.

What is a tooth abscess?

An abscess is a small, blemish-like bundle of pus that forms in the body's tissues due to an infection. A tooth abscess is an infection of the root or an infection between the teeth and gums. The swelling will make the baby very painful, difficult to chew and swallow and lead to a loss of appetite.

Abscesses around the teeth can spread to other parts of the mouth such as the gums, jaws and many other parts of the body if not treated right away. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can be life-threatening, although this is very rare. Finding and treating tooth abscess in the early stages will help prevent infection from spreading to the gums and other teeth.

Causes of tooth abscess in young children

Knowing the causes of tooth abscess in a young child will help them prevent it more easily. Bacterial infections are the main cause of abscesses. In addition, there are a number of other causes such as:

Tooth decay : This is the main cause of tooth abscess in young children.

Tooth damage due to trauma or fall, resulting in a tooth fracture or chipped. This condition causes the teeth to have gaps, allowing bacteria to accumulate.

Increased pressure on teeth due to the habit of grinding teeth is also one of the causes of abscesses around the teeth in young children.

Signs of a tooth abscess in a young child

You can immediately detect if your baby has abscesses around the teeth because they will cause the baby's mouth to appear red bumps, almost 1 or 2 teeth. In addition, there are some of the following symptoms:

The enamel turns a darker color

Pus discharge

Severe pain while chewing

The mouth smells unpleasant

Swelling of the gums and cheeks

High fever

The area around an abscess is very sensitive to food, which can cause severe pain.

Diagnosis of perioral abscess in a young child

Abscess around the teeth is quite a serious disease, so it should be treated immediately after diagnosis. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take your baby to the dentist immediately. The dentist will diagnose a tooth abscess by:

Tap the teeth to determine sensitivity

X-ray if the abscess is not clear

CT scan if the infection spreads or is suspected to have spread to the face and neck.

Treatment of abscesses around the teeth in young children

Treatment of abscesses around the teeth depends on the baby's condition.

If in the early stages, the dentist can remove the pus with an incision in the abscess and clean it with salt water.

If the tooth is completely damaged, the dentist will prescribe an extraction to avoid spreading.

In some cases, the dentist will take root pulp to treat the abscess and prevent the tooth completely damaged. First, the dentist will drain the pus and remove the pulp, then seal the canal. If it is a molar, your dentist will recommend crowns to keep them healthy.

Also, your dentist may give your child antibiotics if the infection has spread to other parts or the abscesses have become severe.

Measures to help relieve pain caused by abscesses around the teeth

Abscesses around the teeth can be painful and uncomfortable. There are a few ways you can help relieve your child's pain:

Apply ice to the area of ​​the abscess for 12 to 20 minutes or as recommended by your dentist.

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and can fight infections. If your child does not like to chew garlic, you can squeeze the water and apply it on the infected area.

Clove oil, peppermint oil, and oregano have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that help reduce inflammation and eliminate infection. Brushing your teeth with clove oil can be helpful in this case.

Gargling with warm salt water can also help prevent the infection from spreading.

Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth. However, do not let your baby swallow.

Olive oil contains eugenol, which helps in killing bacteria and eliminating infections.

How to take care of your baby's teeth when there is a tooth abscess

Here are some things you should keep in mind to help your baby recover faster:

Take the correct dose and time, avoid interruptions.

Do not skip or change your dentist's appointments as treatment can follow a certain route. Deviation can affect the recovery time.

Prevent tooth abscess in young children

If your child has healthy teeth, feel lucky about it. This can be maintained by raising the child's awareness of oral hygiene.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to help reduce the risk of tooth abscess in young children:

The key to preventing dental problems is careful oral hygiene and care. Make sure children brush their teeth at least twice a day.

Limit foods high in sugar such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks.

Have your child use toothpaste containing fluoride at least once a day. However, before giving it to your baby, consult your dentist.

If your child has a tooth injury such as a broken, chipping, take him to the dentist immediately.

Take your child for regular dental examinations.

For dental diseases that cause a lot of pain such as abscesses around the teeth, prevention is essential. So, do not ignore the above ways to help prevent abscesses.