How can I get rid of tooth infections at home? Three of my upper left molar teeth have cavities, but I cannot afford a dentist and do not have dental insurance. The left side of my face has been swollen for over a month. I’ve called ten dental offices within ten miles of my house, but none will accept a payment plan for filling cavities. I have a steady cleaning job, but my credit isn’t good, so I do not qualify for a healthcare credit card Also, I will have to pay for transportation to and from the dental office, so I’m limited in how far I can travel for dental work. How can I care for the infections at home? – Thanks. Lei
Lei,
Unfortunately, you can’t find a dentist to accept payment plans. However, you need prompt care when a tooth infection causes facial swelling to prevent the infection from compromising your overall health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, a severe untreated tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body and have serious effects. In rare cases, the infection can cause death. Five to ten people in the U.S. die from dental infections yearly. While antibiotics work for various infections, a dentist must remove infected tooth pulp to prevent it from spreading. Taking antibiotics without dental treatment can result in an antibiotic-resistant infection.
We recommend looking for a dental clinic or health clinic that provides dentistry services. In larger cities, dental schools offer free or discounted care for minor dental problems like fillings or extractions, but they may not offer root canal treatment.
Monroe, Louisiana, dentist Dr. David Finley sponsors this post.
