very badly swollen cheeck

I just foud out last night that i have an abcess (abscess) on a tooth and my cheek has tripled in size over night, the doctor at the ER put me on penecillian and gave me loratab for pain but the swelling keeps getting worse. What can i do at home to control the swelling and could there be other problems from this infection?

thank you for your help

[Gellia]

Hi,
It does take antibiotics about three days to start to work.  There's not too much you can do to reduce swelling that is already there, until the antibiotics start to do their thing.

You may want to try an ice pack on your cheek and some warm salt water rinses.  The ice pack will help from the outside of your mouth and the warm salt water (1/4 tsp to 8oz water)will help draw out any edema in the inside of your mouth.  If you can take an anti inflammatory, like ibuprofen, do that.  Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help, also.

As the antibiotics start to work, the swelling will reduce.  Be sure not to forget a dose and take the pain meds as needed.

Good luck.  It will go away shortly.

Best to you,
Gellia.