An infected baby tooth or dental abscess, occurs when bacteria invade the dental pulp (innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels). Dental abscesses can be quite painful and cause swelling and redness in the affected area. In children, this condition is especially concerning as it can impact the development of permanent teeth.
Description:
- Pain: The child may experience throbbing or persistent pain in the affected tooth or the surrounding area.
- Swelling: There may be noticeable swelling of the cheek or gum around the infected tooth.
- Redness: The gums near the abscess may appear red and inflamed.
- Fever: In some cases, the child may develop a fever as a response to the infection.
- Bad breath or foul taste: An unpleasant taste or bad breath can accompany an infected tooth.
Treatments for infected baby teeth (dental abscess):
- Antibiotics: The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. This treatment is commonly used alongside other interventions.
- Drainage: In some cases, the dental abscess may be drained to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. This is accomplished by creating a small incision in the gum to allow the pus to escape.
- Root Canal Treatment (RCT): For baby teeth that have not yet fallen out but are severely infected, a pediatric dentist may perform a root canal to save the tooth. During this procedure, the infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
- Extraction: If the baby tooth is severely decayed or the infection is extensive, the dentist may opt to extract the tooth. This is typically the last resort, as baby teeth play a crucial role in guiding the proper development of permanent teeth.
- Pain Management: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage the discomfort associated with dental abscesses. However, always follow the dentist’s recommendations for dosage and safety.
- Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
If you suspect your child has an infected baby tooth or a dental abscess, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care promptly. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle such cases and can provide the appropriate treatment to ensure your child’s oral health and well-being. Early intervention is vital to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further complications.
