A tooth abscess is a painful infection that can damage your teeth and gums if left untreated. While you should always see a dentist for proper treatment, there are some home remedies that can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
What Causes Tooth Abscess?
Tooth abscesses are usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria can enter your tooth through a crack or cavity, or if you have gum disease. Once the bacteria are inside your tooth, they begin to multiply and cause an infection.
What are the Symptoms of Tooth Abscess?
The most common symptom of a tooth abscess is a throbbing pain that gets worse over time. You may also experience sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling in your face or cheek, bad breath, and a foul taste in your mouth.
How is Tooth Abscess Treated?
Tooth abscesses are usually treated by a dentist. They will drain the infection and may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. In some cases, they may also need to perform a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and save your tooth.
However, there are some home remedies that can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
Home Remedies:
1. Rinse with Salt Water
Salt water can help reduce inflammation and pain temporarily.
- To use this remedy,
- mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water
- Swish the salt solution in your mouth for several minutes.
- Do this several times a day until the pain subsides.
This remedy is not scientifically proven.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help numb the pain. To use this remedy,
- Wrap some ice in a cloth
- Apply it to the affected area once every 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Use this method until the pain subsides
This remedy is not scientifically proven.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help neutralize the acids in your mouth and reduce pain and inflammation. To use this remedy,
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and some salt in a glass of water
- Swish it in your mouth with it and spit it out.
- Repeat this process twice a day. [3]
4. Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek tea has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help fight the infection and reduce pain.
To use this remedy,
- Soak 1 teabag of fenugreek in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes.
- Apply the wet tea bag on the affected area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day. [4]
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial pain relieving properties that can help treat a tooth abscess.
To use this remedy,
- Put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball
- Apply it to the affected area.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes
- Then rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day. [5]
6. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help fight the infection.
- To use this remedy,
- Crush 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Apply it to the affected area very gently.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
- Repeat this 3 times a day.
This method needs more evidence to prove its efficacy.
7. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help fight the infection.
- To use this remedy,
- Mix 1 drop of oregano oil in 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil
- Dip a cotton ball in the oil.
- Now place the cotton ball on the affected area for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse after 10 minutes and repeat this process 3 times a day.
This method needs more evidence to prove its efficacy.
8. Alcohol
Alcohol has antiseptic properties that can help fight the infection.
- To use this remedy,
- Soak a cotton ball in alcohol and place it on the affected area for a few minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water after 10 minutes
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
This method needs more evidence to prove its efficacy.
9. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that can help treat a tooth abscess.
- To use this remedy,
- Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil
- Swish it in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.
- Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help fight the infection. To use this remedy,
- Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water
- Swish the mixture in your mouth
- Spit out the solution after 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- You can repeat this process once everyday.
Caution: Hydrogen peroxide can be harmful if swallowed. Do not use this remedy if you have open wounds in your mouth.
This remedy is not proven scientifically.
When to See a Dentist:
If home remedies don’t relieve your symptoms, or if you have a fever, see your dentist as soon as possible. They can drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. In some cases, they may also need to perform a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and save your tooth.
Prevention:
You can help prevent tooth abscesses by practicing good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you have a cavity, be sure to get it filled as soon as possible. And if you have an injury to your tooth, be sure to see your dentist right away.
Caution:
Be extra careful when dealing with essential oils. Do not swallow them and avoid contact with your eyes. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using any home remedies. Do note that every remedy shown here may not be suitable for every individual. If any home remedy doesn’t show improvement within a few days, discontinue it and consult your dentist or doctor.
These are some of the best remedies that you can use to treat a tooth abscess at home. If your symptoms don’t improve with home treatment or if they get worse, see your dentist or doctor as soon as possible. They can prescribe antibiotics and drain the infection. In some cases, they may also need to perform a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue and save your tooth.
Hope you found this post helpful. Do let us know in the comments below if you have any other remedy to add to this list. Stay Healthy and Happy!
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30409952/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173369/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074903/
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