When your tooth becomes infected, you may experience a severe toothache with swelling. These abscesses can be extremely painful and may even lead to enlargement of lymph glands near your infected tooth. You may even develop a swollen face. You usually need professional evaluation to resolve the issue to prevent further complications. 

How to Deal with Swollen Face Due to a Tooth Infection

You are likely to have a swollen face because of tooth abscess. Understand that the tooth abscess is actually an infection of the face, mouth, throat, or jaw and usually begins as a tooth infection. A swollen face from tooth infection requires a dentist's attention.

1. Treat Tooth Abscess

You will have to talk to your dentist to decide how to treat your tooth abscess. He or she will follow a procedure to clear the infection.

• Your dentist will begin the procedure by making a small incision into the abscess. This helps drain out the pus. The dentist may also use a saline solution to wash the area.
• Your dentist may then decide to perform a root canal. This helps get rid of the infection and save your tooth. The procedure involves drilling down into the tooth to remove affected pulp and drain the abscess. The dentist proceeds by filling and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals. A molar tooth is usually covered with a crown to help maintain its strength.
• In rare cases, your dentist may sometimes recommend the removal of your affected tooth. He or she will drain the abscess and extract the affected tooth.

Whatever the procedure your doctor selects, you are going to get some prescription medications as well. You need to take these antibiotics, especially when the infection has also affected your jaw or nearby teeth. People with a weak immune system also need to take antibiotics.

2. Deal with Swollen Face

Along with taking care of the infection, it is also important to do something to deal with your swollen face from tooth infection. Here is what you can do in this regard:

• Make a saline solution by dissolving half teaspoon of salt into 8 oz of lukewarm water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth at least once every hour.
• Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as directed by your dentist, which helps get rid of any trapped food particles that usually contribute to swelling and toothache.
• Take a cold compress and apply it on the affected side of your face to reduce discomfort. Never apply ice directly to your face or it may lead to tissue damage. Use a commercial ice pack for this and apply it for 20 minutes at a time.
• Take OTC medications, such as naproxen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling. Ask your doctor to give you a prescription-strength medicine in case OTC pain relievers do not work.

Home Remedies for Tooth Infection

It is important to see your dentist when you have an abscessed tooth, but you can try home remedies to relieve pain and swollen face from tooth infection.

1. Garlic

With its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, garlic can work great as a pain reliever. It helps eliminate infection and relieve your pain.

How to use:

Take a fresh garlic clove and put it in your mouth right where the infection is. Try to crush it with your teeth and chew until you find some pain relief. Spit it out after some time and use warm water to rinse your mouth. Adding a few drops of clove oil to the water can help eliminate the residual odor.

2. Oil Pulling

You can use this technique to deal with your painful gums and infected tooth. It helps clear bacterial infection to reduce pain. Moreover, it draws toxins from your mouth to improve your oral health.

How to use:

Take a tablespoon of coconut oil (extra-virgin oil) and swish it inside your mouth for 15 minutes. Ensure that you do not swallow it. Spit it out after 15 minutes and use warm water to rinse your mouth thoroughly. Do it twice a day for a month to get desired results. Avoid using this remedy on an empty stomach.

3. Clove

Thanks to its analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, clove works amazingly well to reduce inflammation, toothache, and soreness in the gums.

How to use:

Take a cotton ball and dip it in clove oil. Place it on your affected gum for a few minutes to relieve pain.

4. Black Tea Bag

The presence of tannins makes black tea effective against inflammation and toothache, thus relieving symptoms of swollen face from tooth infection. It also contains antioxidants that keep the infection from spreading.

How to use:

Take a black tea bag and soak it in warm water for a few minutes. Take it out of the water and then wring it out thoroughly. Now, place it on your affected tooth for a few hours, and you can also leave it there overnight for better results. Use a saline solution to rinse your mouth afterwards. Do it at least once a day for a couple of weeks.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Known for its antibacterial and disinfectant properties, hydrogen peroxide really helps to eliminate bacterial infection to reduce pain and inflammation. 

How to use:

Take a couple of teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and mix it with a tablespoon of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution for a few minutes. Be sure to spit it out completely. Do it thrice a day for a week to get desired results.