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What Causes Tooth Ache With Swollen Gums?

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Question: my son of 5 year woke up this morning with a swollen gum. His face is also swollen as a result of this. He had ealier complained about tooth ache.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Acute gingivitis, exclude tooth abscess, see family dentist Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, The notion of tooth ache before the onset of swollen tender gums is suggestive of a spread of an inflammation, probably of infectious origin. This should most probably be of bacterial origin in this case. The fact that the infection is spreading deserves a careful and rapid evaluation and management. It is important to note that this process could go behind the mouth and face spheres if left uncontrolled. I suggest a quick evaluation by a doctor, preferably an ENT specialist to exclude a tooth abscess, or acute gum infection, otherwise called gingivitis. While waiting, using anti inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen could control the inflammation and reduce pain. Antibiotics like Amoxicilin - Clavulinic acid are suited for the tooth as you await to see your doctor. Kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Please, do feel free asking follow up questions in case you have any special concerns. Kind regards. Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (23 hours later)

Thank you for your quick response. pls what do you mean by evacuation? are you suggesting we get a dentist to pull his teeth? He is going to loose the teeth anyways since they are still milk teeth. we are currently administering Amoxil, paracetamol and flagil. He has just started but the swelling is still there. How can we stop the swelling around his jaw area for now??

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: Patient, watchful, Ibuprofen syrup Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I am afraid I talked of an evaluation by a doctor and not evacuation yet. So no worries there. Paracetamol reduces pain but does not reduce inflammation. Adding an anti inflammatory drug to his treatment like Ibuprofen syrup could help in reducing the swelling. The drugs he is currently taking in my opinion are ok, but adding an anti inflammatory drug could quicken pain reduction and reduction of swelling. That not withstanding, with this treatment, which in my opinion is appropriate, no need to bother much for I am convinced the swelling will reduce in a couple of days. Just be patient and watchful. Kind regards. DR Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (36 hours later)

Good day Doctor, there has been some improvement on his swollen gum although the swelling is still there. Now that he has just finished his dosage for Paracetamol, can he start off with Ibobrufane now since the jaw is still swollen.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Go on Ibuprofen and watch clinical outcome Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I think it is indicated for him at this point in time to go on Ibuprofen, but you still need to remain as watchful as you have been. Kind regards. Dr Bain

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T