A phlegmon or dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms next to a tooth due to a bacterial infection, which begins in a specific tooth, reaches its pulp, and finally gets its root. Once this occurs, inflammation of the soft tissue of the affected area takes place, and, in addition, very annoying symptoms such as shooting pains, tooth sensitivity, and general discomfort, among others, are experienced. In addition to taking extreme oral hygiene measures, it is essential to start the treatment recommended by a professional dentist as soon as possible. This is the only way the problem can be solved entirely and does not compromise the health of other parts of the oral cavity.
To the indications provided by the dentist, it is possible to add some natural treatments that help reduce inflammation and lessen discomfort while the infection lasts. Pay attention to this article by FastlyHealand discover the home remedies to treat phlegmon that you can go to.
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Causes of a phlegmon
A phlegmon or dental abscess causes a particular set of symptoms, among which a sharp and intense pain can be observed that can begin during chewing suddenly and that later may spread until the ear, the jaw or the neck, facial or cheek swelling, bad taste in the mouth and bad breath, tooth sensitivity, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, general malaise and fever.
All of them indicate the existence of a bacterial infection in the root of a tooth, that is, in its innermost part, that can be caused by factors such as those detailed below:
- Presence of cavities that have not been treated as required.
- Periodontal diseases.
- Pulpitis is inflammation of the part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
- Trauma that could have caused the fracture of a tooth.
Before the appearance of a phlegmon, you must consult with your dentist as quickly as possible since the infection must be treated with antibiotic medication, and, later, you will have to undergo the appropriate dental treatment for your case. Otherwise, the problem will not disappear permanently, and you may suffer it repeatedly.
Cold application to reduce inflammation of the phlegmon
One of the first remedies that can be used when a phlegmon appears is the application of cold on the part of the face that has been inflamed. Extreme cold is excellent for reducing swelling immediately and preventing it from spreading to other areas. In addition, it will help relieve discomfort and relax the area.
To reduce facial inflammation, in this case, you must wrap an ice pack with a cloth and place it on the affected area. If you prefer, you can also opt for the application of cold compresses; what is essential is that you avoid putting the ice directly on the skin, as you risk causing burns or irritations. You can see more details by consulting the article Using ice to reduce inflammation.
Salt or baking soda mouth rinses
Both salt and sodium bicarbonate has potent antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so they are two products that can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and reduce the presence of bacteria in the oral cavity, thus preventing existing infection. Aggravates or causes other dental damage.
You should prepare a mixture of warm water with one tablespoon of salt or baking soda and make mouthwashes once it has warmed up. Keep the medicine in your mouth for several seconds and repeat the treatment about three or four times a day to be effective. In addition to all of the above, these rinses will also promote the drainage of pus so that you can see significant improvements.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing teas
There are medicinal plants that act as excellent antiseptics, anti-inflammatories, and natural painkillers that give good results in treating oral conditions and when there is an infection in the body. Among those that you can use as home remedies for phlegmon, the following stand out:
- Chamomile: reduces inflammation caused by a dental abscess, relieves dental pain, and promotes cleaning and purification of the infection thanks to its purifying effects. Drink a chamomile infusion with a few drops of lemon juice in the morning as soon as you get up and another at night before bed.
- Salvia: reduces inflammation and is antiseptic, so it helps the phlegmon disappear more quickly. Drink 1 or 2 cups a day of sage infusion while you feel discomfort.
- Echinacea is considered an excellent natural antibiotic that strengthens the immune system, perfect for dealing with infections present in the body. You can take one or two infusions a day of this plant to increase your defenses until the infection subsides.
Clove oil
Besides being a culinary seasoning much appreciated, the clove can also be used for medicinal purposes, especially for inflammatory conditions and dental problems. Thanks to its eugenol content, it is a great pain reliever. This, together with its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, makes it very useful for relieving toothaches and gum discomfort and preventing infections in the mouth.
If you are going to use it as a natural remedy for phlegmon, we recommend that you use clove oil; You will have to moisten a cotton swab with this oil and place it directly on the area with pain. You also can prepare an infusion of cloves and take it once or twice a day.
Apple vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is already part of many natural recipes to combat and treat conditions of different types that affect health and that, in small doses, have very positive effects on the body. It has been indicated that it is an excellent alternative to reducing dental pain. It is very effective in the case of phlegmon, as it is also an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant. In addition, its acidic components help to solve the situation of bad breath and bad taste in the mouth that can accompany the abscess.
They can be used in two different ways; The first is to pour a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton swab and then place it on the affected area, allowing it to act for a few minutes. The second is to dilute one small tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and use the mixture as a mouthwash.
This article is merely informative; at FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies to treat phlegmon, we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.