Tooth flux - what is it, what does it look like, how to treat it and why is it dangerous?

What is tooth flux?

Flux, or, in dentist's language, periostitis, is a very unpleasant pathology, which is characterized by inflammation of the periosteum and soft tissues. The causes of flux on the gums can be different: trauma, gum disease, poor-quality dental treatment - all this can lead to a complication in the form of periostitis. The localization of the disease does not depend on the area of the jaw: flux of the upper and lower teeth occurs equally often.

Flux under a tooth (or above a tooth, if we are talking about the upper jaw) visually resembles an inflamed sac. However, this is far from the only possible manifestation of periostitis. There is also a serous form, when the periosteum becomes inflamed as a result of trauma and damage, as well as one of the most unpleasant types - diffuse, when the infection is localized in different parts of the jaw, which requires extensive surgical intervention with the participation of a maxillofacial surgeon.

How to treat flux in a child?

Quite often, parents ignore the fact that they have baby teeth affected by caries, reassuring themselves that permanent teeth will soon grow in their place. However, an infected gum can cause gumboil to develop. The child’s body does not always react to periostitis with an elevated temperature, and the only symptom may be minor pain, which is not given any importance. The immunity of children is weaker than that of adults, so the disease progresses quickly.

In order to prevent complications, it is necessary to begin treatment at the first sign - clean the canal, close the hole in the tooth with a filling.

Symptoms of gumboil

Flux on the gums in adults occurs much more often than in children (approximately 80-90 percent of all cases). A characteristic feature of the pathology is that it does not go unnoticed. This is one of the most unpleasant diseases, causing severe discomfort. The most striking symptoms are the classic purulent flux.

Symptoms

Severe throbbing pain.
Inflammation and swelling of soft tissues. At the advanced stage, the side of the face on which the flux is diagnosed swells.
Enlarged lymph nodes.
Discomfort and pain when eating and talking.
Flux of the lower tooth (in the molar area) can lead to numbness of the lip and part of the chin.
Weakness, headache, fever.

Let's talk in more detail about the main types of fluxes.

Acute serous periostitis. As we wrote above, the inflammatory process occurs quickly and passes within a few days. It is characterized by severe swelling of the soft tissues. It is localized directly on the area with the diseased tooth, which is the main reason for the development of gumboil. The degree of inflammation depends on the structure of the vessels in the periosteum. The cause of the development of an acute form of serous flux can also be bruises and fractures. In this case, periostitis is called traumatic or post-traumatic. Most often it goes away on its own, but in some cases it can cause severe inflammation and the development of another type of flux - ossifying (fibrous growth).

Acute purulent periostitis. This type of gumboil is characterized by severe pain, which is often pulsating and spreads to the organs of vision and hearing, causing migraines. Pain is managed with medications and cold compresses. You should not heat the swelling site - this can lead to increased pain.

Purulent flux occurs with an increase in temperature to 37.5-38 degrees, the patient develops weakness and general malaise. It should be noted that the course of the disease depends on the location of the inflammation: in the lower jaw the process is more complicated.

The localization of inflammation depends on the location of the lesion:

1
Maxillary incisors - an inflammatory process on the upper lip and can spread to the nose.
2
Maxillary canines and premolars - an inflammatory process in the periosteum.
3
Molars - an inflammatory process in the upper part of the cheeks.
4
Premolars - inflammation is localized in the lower part of the cheeks.

Chronic periostitis. The rarest form, which is usually localized in the periosteum of the lower jaw. In the chronic course of the disease, local inflammation is present, which does not change facial features. Characteristic symptoms are swelling in the mouth, enlargement of the periosteum, and lymph nodes. The development of this type of periostitis is a long process that takes from 4 to 8 months.

How many days does tooth flux last?

Waiting for the flux to disappear on its own is, to say the least, naive. Some patients believe that if the flux bursts and pus comes out of the wound, then further treatment may not be carried out at all. This is a big mistake, since complete removal of pus requires special drainage, as well as complex therapy and subsequent treatment in the dentist’s chair. With timely and correct treatment, the flux disappears on average in 12-14 days; rehabilitation after severe periostitis can take more than a month.

Pharmacy products for flux processing

The pharmacy offers a wide range of solutions that can be used for diseases of the oral cavity. So, suitable for rinsing:

Chlorhexidine. Aqueous composition that does not require additional dilution. It is allowed to use it five to six times a day. But under no circumstances should you swallow!
Miramistin. Chlorhexidine substitute. Shows pronounced antiseptic properties. Accelerates the regeneration of affected tissues. It is often combined with oral antibiotics.
Furacilin. Antimicrobial agent, nitrofuran derivative. Active against a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. You need to take one crushed tablet per glass of water.
Betadine. Antiseptic containing iodine. If a person has a thyroid disease or is allergic to iodine products, this medicine will not suit him. Dissolve a tablespoon of Betadine in a glass of water. The only thing you need to remember is that the medicine can stain the enamel yellowish.
Rotokan. Alcohol composition based on chamomile, calendula, yarrow. You need to take one tablespoon per liter of water. Dentists recommend using the solution at intervals of three hours.
Malavit. A preparation containing silver and copper ions. A very powerful, yet safe antiseptic. Destroys pathogenic microflora. If you use it to remove flux, the swelling will quickly go away. You only need to add ten drops of Malavit to a glass of water. There is no need to swallow it.

It is optimal if the dentist selects the medicine for rinsing. With periostitis, any amateur activity is unacceptable.

Treatment methods

The attending physician should tell you after the examination how to treat gumboil and what measures need to be taken to achieve a successful result. The mechanism is approximately the same, but each clinical case has its own nuances. Today, several techniques are used aimed at eliminating the disease and its manifestations. As a rule, they come together.

Antibiotics for gumboils

Antibiotic treatment is an important stage of rehabilitation. The most effective antibiotics for fighting inflammation and infection are Metronidazole, Lincomycin, Amoxiclav and their analogues. Any tablets and antibiotics for tooth flux should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor!

Physiotherapy

Used as an additional measure to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. Recommended procedures include electrophoresis, laser and ultrasound therapy.

Therapeutic treatment

It is carried out if it is decided to save the tooth. This includes endodontic treatment and filling of root canals, as well as resection of the root apex if necessary. If the cause of the flux is periodontitis, then a series of manipulations are carried out to eliminate the accumulation of bacteria in the periodontal pockets.

Surgical procedures

This includes tooth extraction and periostotomy - the main procedure for treating flux. The doctor makes an incision into the purulent sac, and then installs a drain through which the purulent exudate comes out.

Local therapy and rinsing for tooth flux

For better release of pus, pain relief and reduction of swelling, gels and ointments are used topically: Metrogyl Denta, Levomekol, Cholisal. Many people are interested in how to rinse gumboil on the gums. Miramistin and soda solution are usually used for rinsing. As an alternative, you can use folk remedies: decoctions and tinctures of propolis, chamomile, sage or calendula. A tooth after gumboil is still very vulnerable: to minimize the risk of re-infection, these treatment and preventive procedures are very important.

Types of disease

Flux is classified according to its development into the following types:

Odontogenic. Pathology occurs against the background of advanced diseases of teeth and gums,
Hematogenous. The disease develops when infection penetrates through the circulatory system.
Lymphogenic. The cause of the disease is pathogenic microorganisms in the lymphatic system.
Traumatic. Flux occurs at the site of injury to the periosteum, often after unsuccessful dental procedures during dental treatment.

According to the degree of spread, the following types of disease are distinguished:

An ordinary flux that does not affect the periosteum.
Fibrous flux, characterized by the onset of inflammation in the tissues of the periosteum.
Orthodogenic flux, which develops as a complication - osteomyelitis, which requires tooth extraction.
Albuminous flux, characterized by a chronic course, subfertile temperature and the occurrence of suppuration.

Is a tooth removed during gumboil?

A tooth can be removed due to flux, but in modern dentistry the emphasis is on tooth-preserving manipulations. This also applies to flux. A tooth must be removed when its crown is seriously damaged and cannot be restored with a pin or inlays. If an infection occurs under the crown, then re-prosthetics are often difficult. In some cases, a tooth has to be removed because it is impossible to unfill the canals after a previous unsuccessful treatment, but this happens extremely rarely. In any case, the doctor makes the decision to remove a tooth based on the clinical picture.

Folk recipes

Herbs and plant extracts have a beneficial effect on oral tissues. They can be used to relieve inflammation. When dealing with flux, you should arm yourself with:

Oak bark. An infusion is prepared from it: pour two spoons into 200 ml of boiling water and wait for one hour. After filtering, the composition is ready for use. All products based on oak bark stain teeth. This is their significant drawback.
Sage. You should mix a teaspoon of aromatic dry raw materials with a glass of hot boiling water. After half an hour, filter. During the procedure, the medicine should be slightly warm.
Chamomile. Very popular for various dental diagnoses. Excellently suppresses inflammatory processes. Antiseptic. It can be combined with string and yarrow. The preparation recipe is standard: a tablespoon of vegetable mixture per glass of boiling water.
Propolis. Suitable for making tinctures with alcohol. It must be infused strictly at room temperature. Dilute a teaspoon in a cup of water and rinse the flux in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Why is tooth flux dangerous?

An inflammatory process of this type tends to develop and, as it spreads, affects deeper layers of tissue. If left untreated, flux often develops into phlegmon - a serious purulent inflammation that has no definite boundaries. The most severe forms of flux provoke the development of sepsis, which can lead to infection of the entire body and even death. It is important not only to know how to cure gumboil and visit the dentist on time, but also to follow a number of preventive measures so that the likelihood of complications developing is minimal.

Regular and high-quality hygiene.
Treatment of caries at the initial stage. Flux, dental cysts and other complications often arise due to untreated pulpitis and periodontitis.
Preventative visits to the clinic to assess the condition of the oral cavity and carry out professional cleaning.

Ointments and gels

Local use of ointments for periostitis contributes to the rapid extinction of inflammatory processes, faster healing of damaged tissues, and effective elimination of pain.

Vishnevsky ointment

With flux, Vishnevsky ointment can stop the development of the purulent process, quickly eliminate tissue swelling and relieve toothache. The xeroform included in the drug has an antibacterial effect, birch tar increases blood flow at the site of injury, and castor oil promotes deeper penetration of medicinal components.

Vishnevsky ointment is used in the initial stages of the disease or after opening the abscess. The drug is applied to a sterile small gauze pad and applied to the skin of the cheek in the area of inflammation for several hours.

You cannot use Vishnevsky ointment if you suspect the presence of a purulent focus at the site of periostitis. This can cause worsening of the condition and the development of complications.

Metrogyl denta

The drug is available in the form of a gel, which contains antibacterial components: metronidazole and chlorhexidine. Therapeutic substances penetrate perfectly into the source of inflammation, quickly relieve pain, eliminate tissue swelling and prevent the development of purulent complications. The gel is generously applied directly to the gum mucosa above the site of periostitis. After using it, you should refrain from drinking or eating for at least 30 minutes. The procedure is repeated three times a day until the inflammatory reactions subside.

Levomekol

The ointment contains ingredients that have a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity and promote rapid tissue regeneration. Levomekol does not lose its properties in the presence of pus, therefore it is preferable in cases where it was not possible to avoid the process of suppuration. The ointment is used three times a day. It is applied to a sterile gauze or cotton swab and applied to the flux for 2-3 hours. If a purulent focus has been opened, the drug can be injected directly into the resulting cavity. It is necessary to treat dental flux with Levomekol until complete recovery.

Baked onion

Thanks to the abundance of essential oils, phytoncides and flavonoids, onions have a pronounced antimicrobial effect, actively eliminate inflammation, and relieve pain. In flux therapy, a good effect is achieved by applying a compress moistened with fresh onion juice to the inflammatory lesion. Every 2-3 hours the application is replaced with a new one.

You can quickly soothe a toothache with baked onions. The whole onion is cut in half and divided into separate plates, which are baked in the oven until translucent. Apply to the gum above the flux area, changing every 20 minutes.

Contraindications to the use of furatsilin for periostitis

You should not use this medication if you have:

Bleeding in the mouth from the gums
Allergic reactions to the active substance and nitrofural derivatives
Increased individual sensitivity to the medication.

If, while using the drug, deterioration occurs in the form of irritation, increased pain, then it is better to stop taking this medication and switch to more gentle means as prescribed by the treating dentist.

Clinical picture

The main symptom for all types of flux is severe toothache at the site of infection, sometimes diffuse (with extensive bone damage). Swelling gradually begins to increase: first it is localized above the site of inflammation, and then along the surrounding tissues, sometimes affecting the neck, temple and eye.

Important! Sometimes flux occurs painlessly or with a mild pain effect, which, as a rule, indicates the development of a chronic form with sluggish inflammation and periodic relapses.

Inflammation is accompanied by the following symptoms:

pulsation at the site of the lesion;
increase in body temperature to subfebrile and febrile levels;
headache;
enlarged lymph nodes on the affected side;
weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite;
pain when swallowing, talking, opening the mouth;
pain when pressing on the gum;
redness of the oral mucosa at the site of the lesion.