A dental abscess is known to be painful and dangerous, especially if it bursts on its own. From the foul taste in your mouth to the weird, slimy feeling of the pus, the experience is utterly disgusting. But rather than running around in a panic or searching for home remedies, it is better to visit an emergency dentist instead, as only a dentist can ensure the abscess is properly drained and cleaned. However, if you are unable to visit the dentist in time, there are a few steps you can take when a dental abscess bursts on its own.
What is a Dental Abscess?
An abscess is basically a bacterial infection that affects your gums. When bacteria invade your mouth, they tend to sneak inside any nook and cranny they can find. Thus, when you fail to clean or brush the bacteria away, they attack the gums, eating away at their outer layer.
However, to keep the bacteria from causing further damage, your body sends all its white blood cells to fight the infection. But, when the white blood cells die, the body entraps them in a tiny pocket, leading to pus formation. Gradually, the pus gets absorbed by your gums, slowly turning into an abscess.
Common Causes of a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a direct product of bacterial infection. The moment the harmful bacteria in your mouth start attacking the gums, it can give way to an abscess. Plus, it can worsen if proper care is not taken. Mentioned below are a couple of reasons why a dental abscess takes form.
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental trauma or injury
- Eating foods with a lot of sugar and starch
- Weak immune system
- Impacted wisdom tooth
What To Do if a Dental Abscess Bursts on its Own
If you had the misfortune of experiencing a burst dental abscess, you probably know how terrifying and disgusting it feels. Nevertheless, to avoid spreading the abscess bacteria, here are some steps you can take:
Visit an Emergency Dentist
The very first thing that you should do is visit an emergency dentist. The dentist will carefully clean the pus and rinse your mouth, making sure the bacteria doesn’t sneak anywhere else.
Drain the Abscess Completely
If you cannot get treated by a dentist in time, do not worry. You can try to drain the abscess yourself. However, to do this, wash your hands carefully and gently press on the abscessed area with your finger, moving it in circles.
Rinse Your mouth with a Saltwater Rinse.
Once all the remaining pus has come out, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution. All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of salt in a lukewarm cup of water and swish it in your mouth.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
After the saltwater rinses, move on to an antibacterial and alcohol-free mouthwash. Let it run inside your mouth before gargling with it. This will kill any leftover bacteria that there may be.
Apply an Ice Compress Over The Affected Area
When you’re done with the cleaning and disinfecting procedure, apply an ice pack over the affected area. This will help soothe the inflammation and prevent swelling.
Seek Immediate Dental Help!
In case of a dental abscess that bursts on its own, visit a dentist immediately. Find the nearest dental clinic to you and ask if they deal with emergency services. If they do not, hurry over to Rock Creek Oral Surgery, as leaving the abscess untreated can put your entire mouth at risk for a dental abscess outbreak.
For more information, contact us at (832) 930-7801 or visit us at 14119 Grant Road, Suite 140, Cypress, TX 77429, near Jeremiah’s Italian Ice.