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Head Lice – Help!!!

Every parent’s heart sinks when they receive the dreaded note from school warning about head lice. Don’t worry – Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy in Donabate is here to to give us advice and tips. The first thing to do is to check the child’s head. You will need some tea tree conditioner, a... Read more >

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Are You SunSmart?

We ask Jane Brennan from Brennan’s Life Pharmacy Donabate how to make the most of great sunny summer days whilst protecting our skin from harmful rays. Jane says “The Irish Cancer Society SunSmart program has great guidelines to keep us safe. See below for some useful tips and advice” Ways to protect your skin: Shade... Read more >

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Pollen Highs & Watery Eyes

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Life Pharmacy Ireland – Live Better

Bringing you the best health advice for your family

NHS Choices - Diagnosing a dental abscess

(16/05/2014)

If you think you may have a dental abscess, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Find a dentist in your local area.

Your dentist will carry out some tests to determine whether your symptoms are being caused by a dental abscess. They may:

  • tap on the affected tooth or area of gum – if infection is present, your tooth or gum will be sensitive to any pressure
  • examine your gums – an infection will usually cause an area of your gums to become red and swollen
  • take an X-ray of the affected area to help assess the spread of infection

In some cases, your dentist may be able to confirm a diagnosis by simply asking about your symptoms.

Your dentist will then discuss the most appropriate treatment.

Referral

Depending on how severe your abscess is, you may be referred for treatment in hospital.

This may happen if you:

  • are feeling unwell with a high temperature, a rapid pulse rate or low blood pressure (hypotension) and rapid breathing
  • are in severe pain, despite taking painkillers
  • have a spreading facial infection
  • have a weakened immune system (this could happen if you are having treatment, such as chemotherapy)

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