Tooth Abscess | Queens, Brooklyn, New York

When to seek emergency medical attention

Dental abscess is nothing but a cavity of pus formed by the child’s body to prevent bacterial infection. When pus collects and cannot drain, it leads to an abscess. Causes of dental abscesses are untreated cavities, gum diseases, or damage to the child’s tooth. Treatment of abscess will consist of draining pus and infected tissue either by root canal therapy or extraction, followed by a course of antibiotics.

Dental abscess is a dental emergency. If left untreated, abscess can spread all over your child's body and make him critically ill. Go for immediate emergency treatment if your child develops fever, pus-draining from the mouth, or swollen warm area around the abscess. Other indications of a dental abscess will include a foul smell in your child's mouth, swollen lymph nodes, and severe-throbbing pains.

Even if the symptoms show improvement, or some pus drains, then dental care is required. If not drained and treated with antibiotics, the disease will not be cured. Do not hesitate to call 911 or take your child to the emergency room if he or she is having breathing or swallowing difficulties.

How to manage a dental abscess

There are ways you could take to make your child more comfortable while waiting to see the dentist. Have them rinse their mouth with warm salt water; combine a teaspoon of table salt with one cup of water. They can take an over-the-counter prescription pain medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling.

Better call 911 when in doubt

It is often best to err on the side of precaution when dealing with a case in which a child's health or life may be endangered, calling 911 instead of taking the time to think about it. During a pediatric emergency, immediate action is critical to getting medical help in the quickest way possible. Waiting too long may put the child's health at risk and, in some cases, demand more drastic means to save the child's life.