Flux (or periostitis) is an inflammatory process that occurs on the gum. This disease has an infectious origin. The development of flux occurs when food residues enter the internal tissue of the tooth or gum pocket, which causes decay. As a result, a large amount of pus collects inside the gums. Such a purulent bag very quickly increases in size, causing swelling of the gums and cheeks.
A person with flux constantly experiences severe throbbing pain. If you do not see a doctor in time, the infectious process can cause dangerous complications.
Reasons for the appearance
The occurrence of flux can provoke various factors. The most common causes of the disease are as follows:
- Irregular or improper oral care;
- Long process of teething;
- Caries in advanced form;
- Dental diseases;
- Trauma to the gum or tooth;
- Various infections.
There are 4 forms of flux, which depend on the cause that provoked the development of the disease:
- Inflammatory. Occurs mainly with advanced dental diseases. It can also appear as a complication after dental therapy.
- Specific. Inflammation is caused by systemic pathologies of the human body.
- Traumatic. It manifests itself when the teeth or gums are damaged due to mechanical impact.
- Toxic. They cause various infectious diseases (for example, tonsillitis).
Regardless of the cause, periostitis can be determined by painful sensations and inflammation of the gums and teeth.
Symptoms of the disease
Often people go to the doctor with periostitis already at the last stage, when surgical intervention is required. But it is possible to prevent the formation of pus, and prevent the development of the disease. But for this, you should visit the dentist in a timely manner if symptoms of the disease occur:
- Throbbing pain that goes to the temple or ear;
- Redness that occurs near the affected tooth;
- Aggravated pain in the process of eating;
- Increased body temperature;
- Severe swelling of the cheek;
- Weakness in the body.
Periostitis is characterized by a very rapid development. Puffiness and swelling increase rapidly, and the pain becomes more and more severe. In addition, the flux progresses faster if the patient has bad habits.
Most often, the disease is diagnosed in adulthood in people with multiple dental problems. In this case, after the removal of the flux, treatment of caries and other dental diseases is required. Otherwise, there is a risk of re-emergence of the flux.
How is the treatment
When a flux is detected, the doctor opens the abscess on the gum to release the pus. The newly formed wound is treated with antiseptic agents. In order for the pus to completely come out, and the wound does not heal, sometimes they resort to the use of drainage. All of the above surgical manipulations occur under infiltration anesthesia.
Upon completion of the surgical procedures, the patient is prescribed medication and physiotherapy. Thanks to these procedures, the remnants of the infection are completely killed, inflammatory processes stop and swelling is removed. Antibiotics are also mandatory. And to strengthen the immune system, the patient is recommended to take vitamins.
After surgery, a visit to electrophoresis and UHF therapy is also prescribed. These procedures will relieve pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues.
In the process of postoperative therapy, certain recommendations from physicians should be followed:
- Do not take aspirin or other medicines containing this substance until the wounds are completely healed.
- Do not use any warm compresses. They will only stimulate the growth of bacteria.
- The use of antibiotics and other medicines (including folk) should be agreed with the attending physician.
Postoperative therapy should be carried out in full, treatment cannot be interrupted. You can finish the procedures only after the wound is completely healed, and all the symptoms of the disease disappear.
