Having an abscessed tooth is one of the worst dental pains ever! Left untreated, it can lead to more pain, facial swelling, and in some cases, it can even become fatal because the infection can go into your bloodstream, and an abscess can also travel to your brain!
You don't want to delay treatment for your abscessed tooth, so seeing a dentist is very important! But there are times that you can't see a dentist due to financial reasons, so I've created this article to help you manage the pain until you're able to see a dentist for treatment.
Also, I'll talk about ways to reduce pain with home remedies, which foods to avoid, and helpful tips for cold and warm weather.
The Pain is Horrible!
Having an abscess can be no fun because it can cause pain and swelling, making you feel miserable! One of the worst dental problems is an abscessed tooth. It's the most painful thing in the world! Even worse than a regular toothache!
I remember having two abscessed teeth in my mouth due to not taking care of my teeth properly, like not flossing daily and not visiting the dentist regularly.
I was always in pain, and the abscessed teeth affected my sinuses. Orajel did not work at all! I've felt like I wanted to die! If only I had been visiting my dentist regularly, I could've prevented this problem and avoided a high dental bill!
Get a Big Discount on Your Dental Bills
If you're avoiding the dentist because you don't have insurance and can't afford it, I highly recommend you get a Dental Plans Discount Card.
Since I'm self-employed, my current dental insurance doesn't cover much, so I combine it with my Dental Plans Discount Card for maximum savings.
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How Do You Get an Abscess in Your Tooth and Gums?
People wonder how a tooth can begin to abscess and form pus. Well, first, if you do not treat your cavity or cracked tooth right away, the infection will reach the nerve.
Then the tooth will produce pus as it tries to fight the infection. The pus is very foul-smelling, has a sour taste, and can make the tooth sore, causing the gums around the tooth to swell.
I remember waking up one morning looking like a chipmunk on the side of my face! Once the pus breaks through the gums, it creates a boil that looks like a pimple.
Sometimes the boil may burst, and the pus will break through the gums, leaving an awful taste in your mouth and causing bad breath. But the good thing about the pus breaking through the gums is that it gives you some relief from the pain.
Now, just because the pus came out of your gums doesn't mean your abscessed tooth is completely gone; it'll keep coming back until you either have a root canal or have the tooth extracted.
Get Help Finding a Dentist
Check out 1-800-Dentist! It's a great company, I've used it a couple of times when I needed to see a dentist. I contacted them, told them my dental needs, where I live, and that I have insurance, so they could find a dentist in my area, and they set me up with a dentist.
What I also like is that 1-800-Dentist followed up with me about my dental visit. I highly recommend this company!
- 1-800-Dentist is the #1 Free service that matches you with a dentist who fits your needs. They also help you set up appointments with a high-quality, screened dentist.
Word of Advice
Hot and cold weather can really affect your abscessed tooth and cause pain. When you're outside, try speaking less, especially when it's cold outside, so the cold or hot air won't hit the affected nerve and cause more tooth pain.
How to Control Abscess Tooth Pain
There are some ways to control the abscess tooth pain for temporary relief:
1. Do warm salt water rinses several times a day.
2. Use a pain reliever like Orajel around the tooth.
3. Get some pain medicines from the store or dentist.
4. Have your dentist prescribe antibiotics to control the abscess for a while until you get a tooth extraction or root canal.
5. Get a sandwich bag and fill it up with ice and lay it on the swollen side of your cheek.
Foods to Avoid When Having an Abscessed Tooth
This list of foods should be avoided to help stop abscess formation. Try not to eat these until the tooth has been treated by a dentist.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- White Flour
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Bread and Whole Grains
- Fruit
- Sweets
- Pasteurized Milk
Abscessed Tooth Can Lead to Periodontal Disease and More Health Problems
Don't keep an abscessed tooth in your mouth too long, or it will eventually die, and you'll lose it. Also, you can develop a gum disease called Periodontal Disease, which can lead to receding gums and tooth loss.
In some cases, having an abscessed tooth can lead to becoming very ill and sometimes lead to death. Now this is very scary, so try to see a dentist right away.
But if you don't have dental insurance, please get yourself a Dental Plans Discount Card.
Did you know that after a few years of skipping dentist appointments due to financial constraints, some people are heading back for more work at higher costs? Consequently, those $100 cavities have turned into $1,000 root canals!
You can Avoid the Infection From Developing
Remember, an abscessed tooth can be easily prevented by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing between your teeth, avoiding a lot of sweets, and going to your dental check-ups every 6 months. If your tooth is cracked, don't leave it that way because 9 times out of 10, you will develop an infection that leads to an abscess.
Can't See a Dentist Because You Can't Afford It?
Here are some ways to see a dentist if you can't afford it.
- Go to your local welfare office and see if you qualify to get your state's Medicaid. If you have a low income and are under the poverty level, you may qualify.
- Visit a dental school. Dental students and their instructors will work on your teeth for a lower price than seeing a dentist.
- Find a dentist who charges you based on your income. Usually, the waiting list is pretty long.
- Find a dentist who offers payment plans. Pay month-to-month until you finish paying your dental bill.
- Purchase a dental plan to get a steep discount on your dental bill.
Remember, an abscessed tooth will not go away on its own; you will need to see a dentist to treat it, so don't delay!
If you're having financial issues, check out these opportunities to make extra money at home free.
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