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Suggest Remedy For Difficulty In Swallowing And Swelling Below The Tongue
Question: I have swelling under chin and jaw left side with much difficulty swallowing and swelling below my tongue. I had a tooth pulled Saturday morning thinking that would relieve the swelling but so far it is worse. I am on clindamycin antibiotic and Vicodin for pain. Breathing is fine but swallowing is very difficult with the swelling on left side, extremely tender and sore was thinking of going to the hospital tomorrow if no improvement. The tooth was slightly abscess but maybe it wasn't the problem??
Brief Answer:
It is likely tooth canal infection extending down into bone and soft tissue
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!
Based on the history you have shared, and recent tooth abcess, it seems like the worsening of the same infection or patially treated infection. All symptoms relate to the same and if there hadn't been for this obvious cause, further workup would have been needed but in your case you have to treat the most apparent cause and infection. If there isn't any response to clindamycin that you are taking, you may need to switch the antibiotic like combination of metronidazole and coamoxiclav or there option will be to get cultures of swab from the affected canal or any focus of infection in mouth and to send it for cultures and sensitivity. Xray of cheek and chin bones or OPG with or without untrasound of the swelling may be needed to know the extent of inflammation or bony erosion. For the symptoms like difficulty in chewing and swallowing, you can use semi solids or soft diets fo a week or two and avoid chewing on the affected side. Meanwhile for pain and swelling either you can keep using the pain meds you are taking or may add on other anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It is likely tooth canal infection extending down into bone and soft tissue
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!
Based on the history you have shared, and recent tooth abcess, it seems like the worsening of the same infection or patially treated infection. All symptoms relate to the same and if there hadn't been for this obvious cause, further workup would have been needed but in your case you have to treat the most apparent cause and infection. If there isn't any response to clindamycin that you are taking, you may need to switch the antibiotic like combination of metronidazole and coamoxiclav or there option will be to get cultures of swab from the affected canal or any focus of infection in mouth and to send it for cultures and sensitivity. Xray of cheek and chin bones or OPG with or without untrasound of the swelling may be needed to know the extent of inflammation or bony erosion. For the symptoms like difficulty in chewing and swallowing, you can use semi solids or soft diets fo a week or two and avoid chewing on the affected side. Meanwhile for pain and swelling either you can keep using the pain meds you are taking or may add on other anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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