Tooth abscess in children, causes and treatment methods
Children face various diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums. These diseases have different causes and to prevent and resolve them, you should seek help from a child’s dentist in Canada. Children’s tooth abscess is one of the common problems that happen to children at a young age. Stay with us to introduce this disease, children’s gingivitis, children’s gum infection and methods of treating children’s tooth abscess.
What is a tooth abscess?
A dental abscess is an infectious and pus-filled mass that develops in the tooth, gum, or tooth bone. When an infection occurs due to bacteria in the teeth, the body will fight against it, and this will cause the formation of pus masses. Periapical is an abscess that forms at the end of the tooth. Gum abscess is also called periodontal.
The cause of diseases, gum problems and tooth abscesses in children is the presence of bacteria that stick to the teeth and create plaque. The bacteria in the plaque produce acid and lead to various types of gum disease and tooth decay.
What are the most important signs and symptoms of a child’s tooth abscess?
When a child has an abscess, various signs and symptoms appear in his mouth, teeth and on his gums. These symptoms include the following:
- Redness and swelling around the teeth and gums
- Pain and burning sensation in the mouth
- Swelling of the face in the areas where the abscess has formed
- Swelling in the glands in the neck
- Pain under the ear
- High sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure
- Bad Breath
- Discoloration of teeth
- Pain when chewing
Treatment of dental abscess in children
To treat gum boils in children or an abscess, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to treat it. Depending on the level of infection, different treatments are considered. Sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed by the doctor, which will eliminate the infection.
In some cases, the doctor will drain and remove the purulent fluid. It may be necessary for the child to be sedated. If the abscess has grown a lot and involved many parts, the child may need surgery.
The most important point in treating a child’s tooth abscess is that it never heals by itself. For this reason, it is better to treat it as soon as you see it.
When a child’s tooth abscess occurs, a specialist dentist prescribes various drugs to prevent pain, fever and increase the rate of infection. In this situation, the child’s teeth may suffer from caries, for this reason, anti-caries drugs are sometimes prescribed, which must be taken regularly.
Risks of dental abscess and infection in children
As mentioned, abscesses are caused by bacterial infections. These infections damage different parts of the mouth such as gums, teeth and other tissues. If you do not maintain good oral and dental hygiene, have a weak immune system or have diseases such as diabetes, you are more prone to tooth abscess.
If this infection of the child’s gums and the pus created is not treated, it can enter the blood and cause blood poisoning. Also, this infection causes fever, extreme fatigue and pain in the teeth, mouth and jaw area. If the abscess is not treated, it can cause swallowing and breathing problems. The secretions caused by the abscess are swallowed by the child along with food.
Types of dental abscess in children
As mentioned above, tooth abscess occurs in two forms, periodontal and periapical.
1- Periodontal abscess
This type of abscess, which is also called gum abscess, occurs in the gums between two teeth. Bacterial infection that causes damage to the gum and its supporting tissue. If the remaining food between the teeth is not drained, there is a possibility of this type of abscess.
2- Periapical abscess
Another type of abscess is known as a tooth root abscess and occurs when bacteria have penetrated it due to tooth decay.
How do we know if our child has a dental abscess?
Primary diagnosis of children’s abscess and gingivitis is possible at home. First, check the child’s mouth and teeth completely. If you see a red mass in the mouth, gently touch it with your finger. If the mass is spongy and soft, it must be an abscess. Because this volume is a mass of pus and infection.
Touching this mass causes severe pain in the child. If the mass in the mouth has progressed a lot and the abscess has become severe, the color of the mass will also turn yellow. Take your child to the dentist as soon as you see the symptoms of tooth abscess in children.
How to prevent gum abscess in children
The first and most important way to prevent gum infection in children is to observe oral and dental hygiene. Teach the child to use a toothbrush and floss daily. In addition, he must be taken to the dentist periodically to check the condition of his teeth and gums.
A healthy diet can largely prevent dental infections in children. As much as possible, keep him away from sweets, sugary foods and drinks, and snacks.
