The case of the teeth with red area on the lower gum that is consistent with a dental abscess or localized gum infection. The medications shown are:

• Cefalexin 500 mg — antibiotic
• Mefenamic Acid 500 mg — pain and inflammation relief

These are commonly prescribed for dental infections and swelling.

What Usually Causes a Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is commonly caused by:

• Deep tooth infection
• Gum infection
• Cracked tooth
• Food trapped in the gums
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection around tooth roots

The swelling happens because pus and bacteria collect inside the gum tissue.

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Common Treatment for Dental Abscess

1. Antibiotics

Your dentist already prescribed Cefalexin to help control the bacterial infection.

Important:

• Finish the full antibiotic course
• Do not stop early even if swelling improves
• Take it exactly as prescribed

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2. Pain and Swelling Control

Mefenamic Acid helps reduce:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Throbbing sensation

Take it with food because it may irritate the stomach.

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3. Drainage of the Abscess

Sometimes antibiotics alone are not enough.

If pus remains trapped, the dentist may need to:

• Drain the abscess
• Clean the infected area
• Open the gum slightly
• Treat the infected tooth

This is often what gives the fastest relief.

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4. Root Canal or Tooth Extraction

Depending on the cause, definitive treatment may include:

Root Canal Treatment

If the tooth can still be saved.

Tooth Extraction

If the tooth is severely infected or damaged.

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What You Should Do at Home

Helpful Measures

Warm Saltwater Rinse

3–5 times daily.

Mix:

• 1 glass warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

This helps reduce bacteria and swelling.

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Hydrate Well

Drink plenty of water.

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Soft Foods

Avoid:

• Hard foods
• Crunchy foods
• Very hot foods

Eat:

• Soup
• Lugaw
• Soft rice
• Eggs
• Yogurt

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Sleep With Head Elevated

Helps reduce throbbing and swelling.

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Important Warning Signs

Go back to the dentist ASAP or seek urgent care if you develop:

• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling spreading to the face or neck
• Severe worsening pain
• Pus draining with foul taste
• Mouth opening difficulty

Dental abscesses can sometimes spread deeper into facial tissues if untreated.

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Based on Your Photo

The swelling appears localized in the lower gum area. That is somewhat reassuring, but it still needs close monitoring.

The good signs to watch for over the next 24–72 hours:

• Swelling slowly decreases
• Pain becomes manageable
• No fever develops
• No facial swelling appears

If swelling increases despite antibiotics, your dentist may need to drain the abscess or reassess the tooth.

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Typical Recovery Timeline

First 24–48 Hours

• Pain medicine starts helping
• Antibiotics begin working

3–5 Days

• Swelling should noticeably reduce

7–10 Days

• Infection usually improves significantly if properly treated

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Very Important

Antibiotics alone do not permanently fix many dental abscesses.

The underlying cause usually still needs treatment:

• Root canal
• Deep cleaning
• Gum treatment
• Extraction

Otherwise the infection can return later.

Continue following your dentist’s instructions closely.