Any home remedies for a tooth abscess?

[FritesMenthe]

Poor DS2 (7) has developed an abscess overnight. Dentist has prescribed antibiotics and I am alternating Calpol and Nurofen for pain relief. Poor chap is still in pain though and worried about not sleeping. Is there anything I can do or give him to make him feel better?

[FritesMenthe]

Please?

[alypaly]

dont let him lie flat when he goes to bed as the pain increases when you lie down because the blood pumps more to it. So plenty of pillows to stop the little chap from lying flat.
It helped me a little when i had one.

[FritesMenthe]

Thanks, will try that. He's getting a little hysterical.

Keep them coming please.

[clayre]

can you put a tv/dvd player in his room for night and put his favourite film on to distract him, he may drop off watching it

[alypaly]

will he wash his mouth with salt washes around the tooth to try and help the absess come out. Is it a front or back tooth.poor little mite

[YouKnowNothingoftheCrunch]

I know when I have them I gargle salt water. But I really wouldn't recommend that for a small child, for fear that they swallow too much salt and it does serious damage.

You have my sympathies, hope the antibiotics work soon.

[FritesMenthe]

I had the same thought about swallowing the salt.
DVD is a good idea, will set that up just in case. He is tucked up in my bed with lots of pillows now, with his ipod, lavender-scented teddy and an ice-pop held against his cheek. (DH will have to sleep in the bunkbed tonight!).

[alypaly]

didnt think about him swallowing it. I know mine wouldnt have done...in fact i dont think mine would have even put it in their mouths. Was just a thought though because it is a natural antiseptic.
Hope he gets some sleep

[Goober]

Can you swab some salt water onto it?

[FritesMenthe]

Just went up and he is fast asleep. Have DVD and an array of painkillers lined up by the bed. Hopefully the antibiotics will work their magic overnight.

Many thanks all. Alypaly's tip about the pillows is a good one.

[alypaly]

hope he had an okay night propped up next to you?

[FritesMenthe]

He did, thank you. I woke him at 10pm to dose him up, and he slept until 7am. He's very cheerful although obviously still in pain and his cheek is quite swollen.