An abscess is a localized infection that can occur anywhere in the body and often appears as a swelling with pus. When a child develops a gum abscess, they may experience pain in the affected part of the gum tissue due to the pressure of the trapped pus. This pain can extend to the ear, neck, and jaw and worsen when lying down. The abscess can cause redness or swelling in the face, and the gums may look shiny, swollen, and red. Your child may also complain of a bad taste in their mouth, or you may notice that their breath smells bad.
If you think your child has a gum abscess, take them to a dentist right away. A gum abscess doesn't go away on its own, and if it is not treated, an abscess can damage the surrounding teeth and bones. The infection can even spread beyond the gums, which may lead to more serious health problems.
TREATMENT
Gum abscess treatment involves eliminating the cause of the infection and draining the build-up of pus. If an object is trapped between the teeth and gums, the dentist will carefully remove it. The pus can be drained through the gum pocket (the space between the teeth and gums) or an incision in the gum tissue. Usually, this procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, which means that your child will be awake, but the affected areas of their mouth will be numb.
PREVENTION
Regular brushing and flossing can help keep a painful gum abscess away. Children's teeth should be brushed twice a day (morning and night), starting as soon as their first tooth erupts. Parents should help children clean between their teeth with dental floss once a day when their tooth surfaces begin to touch each other.
While young children may be eager to clean their teeth independently, they may not be able to brush by themselves until they're six to eight years old. If your child is old enough to start brushing alone, inspect their teeth afterward to ensure they're not missing any areas.
#dentalhygiene
If you think your child has a gum abscess, take them to a dentist right away. A gum abscess doesn't go away on its own, and if it is not treated, an abscess can damage the surrounding teeth and bones. The infection can even spread beyond the gums, which may lead to more serious health problems.
TREATMENT
Gum abscess treatment involves eliminating the cause of the infection and draining the build-up of pus. If an object is trapped between the teeth and gums, the dentist will carefully remove it. The pus can be drained through the gum pocket (the space between the teeth and gums) or an incision in the gum tissue. Usually, this procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia, which means that your child will be awake, but the affected areas of their mouth will be numb.
PREVENTION
Regular brushing and flossing can help keep a painful gum abscess away. Children's teeth should be brushed twice a day (morning and night), starting as soon as their first tooth erupts. Parents should help children clean between their teeth with dental floss once a day when their tooth surfaces begin to touch each other.
While young children may be eager to clean their teeth independently, they may not be able to brush by themselves until they're six to eight years old. If your child is old enough to start brushing alone, inspect their teeth afterward to ensure they're not missing any areas.
#dentalhygiene
