What to do if a milk tooth is pus? — Smelio Kids recommendations
Has pus formed around your child's baby tooth? Is milk swollen or does the child complain of toothache? It is natural that such signs worry parents. The most important thing is not to ignore the situation and take the child to a pediatric dentist on time.
Abscess of a milk tooth can be a sign of infection. Although baby teeth are temporary, their health is important for a child's nutrition, daily comfort, and the development of permanent teeth.
Smelio Kids explains in this article what causes a baby tooth to pus, what signs to look for and what parents should do in such a situation.
Why does a milk tooth pus?
In children, suppuration of a milk tooth is often associated with an infection in the tissues inside the tooth or in the tissues around it.
The most common reasons are:
- Deep caries. If caries is not treated in time, it can reach the inner part of the tooth and cause infection.
- Inflammation of the tooth nerve. When the pulp inside the tooth is damaged, the infection can spread to the tissues around the root.
- Tooth injury. If a child falls and hits a tooth, the tissues inside the tooth can be damaged and an infection may develop.
- Untreated dental diseases. If the problem in the tooth is neglected for a long time, purulent inflammation may occur.
Pus can appear as a small white dot, blister, or swelling on the gum. Sometimes the pus comes out on its own and the pain is temporarily reduced. However, this does not mean that the infection is completely gone.
How to determine if a milk tooth has suppurated?
Parents can watch for the following signs:
- Redness and swelling of the gums around the tooth.
- The appearance of a white or yellow pus-filled bubble in the milk.
- Pain in the tooth or gum area.
- Bad breath.
- Pain when chewing food or touching the tooth.
- Swelling in the face or jaw area.
- In some cases, fever, weakness or loss of appetite.
Some children may not have severe pain. Therefore, even if the child does not complain of pain, if pus or swelling appears in the gums, a dental examination is necessary.
What should be done first if a baby tooth is pus?
1. Take the child to the dentist as soon as possible
The appearance of pus may indicate the presence of an infection. Therefore, consult a pediatric dentist as soon as possible, preferably on the same day.
The doctor examines the tooth and gums, if necessary, conducts an X-ray examination and determines the source of infection.
2. Do not squeeze the pus and do not puncture the blister
It is impossible to squeeze pus at home, pierce with a needle or try to cut the gum. This can damage tissue and increase the risk of infection.
3. Maintain oral hygiene carefully
Carefully clean the child's teeth with a soft brush. Do not rub the affected area hard.
If the child is old enough to rinse the mouth and spit out the liquid, it can be carefully rinsed with warm water. It does not replace a dental examination.
4. If there is pain, get advice on a suitable pain reliever
A doctor or pharmacist can be consulted to choose a pain reliever suitable for the child's age, weight and health. Follow the medication instructions and do not give the child aspirin.
5. Do not give antibiotics arbitrarily
Antibiotics are not necessary in every case of abscessed tooth. It is often necessary to eliminate the source of infection through dental treatment. Antibiotics are used only as prescribed by a doctor.
In what cases should you consult a doctor immediately?
When a baby tooth becomes infected, the infection can sometimes spread to the surrounding tissues. The following signs are dangerous:
- A rapidly growing swelling of the face or jaw.
- Swelling of the face with fever or worsening of the child's general condition.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Seek immediate medical attention if breathing or swallowing becomes difficult, or if swelling spreads rapidly. In this case, do not wait for an ordinary dentist appointment.
If a milk tooth is pus, should it be extracted?
No. It is not necessary to extract the tooth in every case of abscessed milk tooth. The method of treatment depends on how widespread the infection is, the condition of the tooth and the age of the child.
The dentist can choose one of the following methods:
- Treatment to save the tooth. If it is possible to restore the tooth, an appropriate treatment method will be considered.
- Eliminating the source of infection. If necessary, drainage of pus and treatment of affected tissues may be required.
- Extraction of a milk tooth. If it is impossible to save the tooth or if it is not advisable for the health of the child, extraction may be recommended.
The process of development of permanent teeth takes place under the roots of milk teeth. Therefore, the development of permanent teeth is also taken into account when choosing a treatment method.
What are the consequences of not treating a milk tooth?
Ignoring purulent inflammation can lead to an increase in infection and spread to surrounding tissues.
In addition, prolonged pain can negatively affect a child's sleep, appetite, and daily activities. In some cases, there is a possibility that the infection in the baby tooth will also affect the developing permanent tooth.
Therefore, it is not right to delay the treatment because the milk tooth will fall out anyway.
Is it possible to prevent decay of milk teeth in children?
In most cases, proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help detect dental disease early.
For this:
- Brush your child's teeth twice a day with age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit the frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks.
- If black spots, cavities or pain appear in milk teeth, do not delay the examination.
- Take the child to the dentist regularly.
- When a tooth is injured, even if there is no pain, consult a specialist.
Caring for baby teeth from an early age will help your child develop healthy habits and reduce the risk of future dental problems.
Children's dentist in Fergana — Smelio Kids
Don't waste time if your baby's baby tooth is infected. A timely dental examination will help to determine the cause of the infection and choose the appropriate treatment method.
At Smelio Kids, you can get information about your child's dental health consultation and appointment options to determine the necessary treatment plan.
Your child's healthy smile starts with taking care of baby teeth!
Frequently asked questions
Does pus on a milk tooth go away on its own?
The discharge of pus or reduction of swelling does not mean that the infection is gone. The source of infection may remain, so a dental examination is necessary.
Can a child have a fever if a baby tooth is pus?
Yes. In some cases, the infection is accompanied by fever and general weakness. If fever is accompanied, especially by swelling of the face or deterioration of the condition, the child should be examined immediately.
Is it necessary to give antibiotics when a milk tooth is pus?
No. The need for antibiotics is determined by the doctor depending on the severity and spread of the infection. Antibiotic alone often cannot eliminate the source of infection in the tooth.
If a baby tooth is infected, will it damage the permanent tooth?
Not always. But the infection in the baby tooth can sometimes affect the developing permanent tooth. Therefore, timely treatment is important.
Should the child go to the dentist even if he does not feel pain?
Yes. A pus-filled blister or swelling in the nipple may be a sign of infection, even if it is painless.
Medical note: This article is written for informational purposes. It does not replace a doctor's examination and individual medical advice.
