What is Acute Necrotising Gingivitis?

Acute Necrotising Gingivitis (ANUG) is a severe gum infection that requires immediate attention. Left untreated, it can cause damage to your gums, teeth, and other tissues in the mouth. Here’s everything you need to know about ANUG, including how to recognize it and when to seek emergency dental care.

What is ANUG?

• ANUG, also known as Trench Mouth, is a painful infection of the gums caused by bacteria. It’s often associated with poor oral hygiene, stress, smoking, or a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of ANUG

• Severe gum pain and swelling

• Bad breath and a metallic taste

• Ulcers between the teeth

• Bleeding gums

• Fever and general malaise

Emergency Treatment for ANUG

• Immediate dental care is essential to prevent further damage to the gums and tissues.

• Antibiotics like Metronidazole or Amoxicillin may be prescribed to control the infection.

• Improved oral hygiene is crucial for recovery. Your dentist may recommend antibacterial mouthwash and a professional cleaning to remove plaque and build up.

Preventing Future Occurrences

• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily, is essential to prevent ANUG from recurring.

• Quit smoking, as this is a significant risk factor for the condition.

Conclusion

If you experience any of the symptoms of Acute Necrotising Gingivitis, seek immediate dental care. Use our free online consultation serviceto determine if antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and take steps to improve your oral hygiene.

How to Manage Wisdom Tooth Pain

Wisdom tooth pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and disrupt your daily life. These teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and because they often don't have enough room to grow properly, they can cause significant pain. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom tooth pain, how to manage it, and when to seek emergency dental care.

Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: If a wisdom tooth gets stuck beneath the gum or grows at an angle, it’s called an impaction. This can cause swelling, tenderness, and sometimes infection.

• Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: When a tooth partially breaks through the gums, bacteria can enter the area, leading to Pericoronitis, causing pain and swelling.

• Crowded Teeth: If there isn’t enough room for the wisdom tooth to emerge, it can push against other teeth, causing discomfort.

How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain at Home

• Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and remove bacteria. This is a simple and effective way to manage wisdom tooth pain.

• Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Medications such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack to your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

• If the pain lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by swelling, difficulty swallowing, or fever, you may need to see a dentist for an examination and possible treatment.

• Antibiotics for Infections: If an infection is present, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as Metronidazole to clear the infection. If you have a severe episode or multiple episodes of Pericoronitis then the wisdom tooth may require removal.

Conclusion

While wisdom tooth pain can be managed at home initially, it’s important to seek professional help if the pain persists or worsens. If you think your wisdom tooth may be infected, using our free online consultation service can help you determine if antibiotics are necessary.

Can Antibiotics Cure Tooth Infections?

Tooth infections can cause severe pain, swelling, and even lead to other health problems if not treated quickly. Many people wonder whether antibiotics alone can cure a tooth infection, or if additional treatment is required. Here’s what you need to know about antibiotics and their role in managing tooth infections.

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

• Dental abscesses are common tooth infections caused by bacteria entering the tooth through decay, gum disease, or trauma. This can lead to a buildup of pus, causing swelling, pain, and sometimes a fever.

Do You Always Need Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection?

• Not all infections need antibiotics. In some cases, a simple dental procedure such as draining the abscess or performing a root canal may be enough to treat the infection.

• Antibiotics like Amoxicillin are used to control the spread of bacteria when the infection is more severe, or if you’re unable to see a dentist right away.

How Do Antibiotics Work for Tooth Infections?

• Antibiotics help by killing bacteria that cause the infection. Common antibiotics prescribed for tooth infections include Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, or Clindamycin, depending on your medical history and allergies.

• It’s important to note that antibiotics don’t treat the underlying cause of the infection. After the infection is under control, a dental procedure may be required to remove the source of the problem.

When to Seek Dental Care

• If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling in the face, difficulty swallowing, or fever, you may need antibiotics in addition to dental care. Our freeonline consultation servicecan help you determine if antibiotics are necessary for your tooth infection.

Conclusion

While antibiotics can help treat the bacterial infection, they are only part of the solution. You will still need to visit a dentist to receive definitive treatment.

When Should You Visit the Dentist for Toothache?

A toothache can be more than just a minor inconvenience. Sometimes, it signals a serious underlying problem that needs immediate attention. Here’s how to tell whether your toothache requires emergency dental care.

Signs You Need Emergency Care

• Severe, persistent pain: If your toothache doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief, it may be a sign of a serious issue.

• Swelling or pus: This could indicate an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.

• Fever or feeling unwell: These symptoms suggest the infection is spreading and requires immediate attention.

Treatment for Toothache

• For minor toothache, you can try rinsing with warm salt water, applying a cold compress, or taking over-the-counter pain medication.

• For more severe cases, such as an abscess, a dentist may need to prescribe antibiotics.

Conclusion