Have you ever experienced toothache due to a pocket of pus around your teeth?
That pus pocket is a tooth abscess caused by a bacterial infection that can occur in different areas around the tooth for multiple reasons.
For example, a periapical abscess happens at the bottom of the tooth, while a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums next to the tooth’s root, which can be treated with gum abscess home treatment.
The tooth abscess is also referred to as a dental abscess. An infected tooth can result in a sharp pain that might spread to your ear or neck.
This blog post discusses the best home remedies for tooth abscess in detail.
Signs and Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
You are likely to show the following symptoms if you have a tooth abscess:
- Intense toothache with a pulsating sensation
- Throbbing discomfort in the jaw, ear, or neck (usually on the same side as the toothache)
- Aggravated pain while lying down
- Sensitivity to pressure in the mouth
- Increased reactivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- Swelling of the cheek
- Enlarged or puffy lymph nodes in the neck
- Presence of fever
- Unpleasant breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Tooth Decay – The Most Common Cause of Abscess
A tooth abscess often happens when a tooth has a cavity that is not treated. If the cavity is not handled with care, the bacteria can go inside the soft center of the tooth and cause an abscess.
Gum disease, injuries to the tooth, and past dental treatments can also lead to the formation of abscesses.
Tooth abscess home remedy: 10 DIY remedies
An experienced dentist shall treat a tooth abscess. However, some home remedies for tooth abscesses can relieve the pain due to infection.
Here are ten tooth abscess home remedies:
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the cheapest options for treating abscessed teeth. With its antibacterial properties, baking soda is also an excellent solution to eliminate plaque from the mouth.
Steps to use baking soda remedy:
- Mix half tablespoon of baking soda and water each. Add a small amount of salt.
- Gently swish the blend in your mouth for a maximum of five minutes.
- Spit it out, and repeat the same process until you have used the mixture.
2. Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinse is the most straightforward remedy for temporary relief from tooth abscesses. Using a saltwater rinse can aid in wound healing and enhance your gums’ health.
Steps to use saltwater remedy:
- Mix half a teaspoon of each regular table salt and warm tap water.
- Gently swish saltwater in your mouth for at least two minutes to cleanse it.
- Spit the water out.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is also one of the best solutions to fight against bacterial infection. It can give you fast relief from tooth abscess pain. It can also help minimise plaque and bleeding gums.
It has multiple uses in the house and for treating minor injuries, but its most famous role is preventing infections in cuts and working as an effective mouthwash. This standard first aid item is one of the top solutions for a tooth infection.
To create a mouth rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide, mix equal amounts of peroxide and warm water (a 1:1 ratio) and use it to rinse your mouth.
Steps to use this remedy:
- Mix the same amount of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water together.
- Gargle the mixture and spit it out, careful not to swallow any of it.
4. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil possesses antibacterial and antioxidants. It can help alleviate the swelling and discomfort because of the tooth abscess. You can get Oregano Essential Oil from online or offline health food stores.
Ensure you dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil to prevent further irritation.
Steps to use essential oil remedy:
- Mix a few oregano essential oil drops with one ounce of carrier oil.
- Apply this mixture to a cotton swab.
- Gently place the cotton ball on the affected area for at least three minutes.
- Remove the cotton ball or swab. Keep the mixture on for at least 10 minutes, and wash it off afterwards.
5. Cold Compress
You must have seen your family or friends using colds to reduce swelling. A cold compress can help relieve discomfort and swelling if you have a swollen face due to a tooth infection.
Instead of getting a commercial cold pack, which is difficult to bend, you can make your cold pack by wrapping up some ice in a towel.
Steps to use cold compress remedy at home:
- Place a few ice stones in a dry towel
- Place the cold compress gently on your skin close to the area that needs attention.
- Use compress for 15-minute intervals.
6. Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil has been used for a long time as a natural way to relieve tooth pain due to tooth abscesses. It might help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Mix essential oil with a carrier oil, using about 3 to 5 drops per ounce. It has different strengths, including a robust version called clove essential oil. You can find it in grocery stores.
7. Garlic
Garlic has been used for various beneficial therapeutic uses since ancient times. It is also an effective pain manager as well as a bacteria killer.
A substance called Allicin found in raw garlic has powerful abilities to reduce pain and fight bacteria, which can help relieve or even get rid of tooth infections.
Steps to use garlic remedy:
- Crush a fresh garlic clove to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the affected area by rubbing it.
8. Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek tea is also known for its antibacterial properties and has been used for healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
Steps to use fenugreek tea:
- To prepare fenugreek tea, gently warm one cup of water in a pot and mix in one teaspoon of powdered fenugreek. Mix it well.
- Let the mixture cool down.
- Use a cotton ball to apply a few drops of the mixture to the area that needs help.
- Repeat this process up to three times every day.
9. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil, a vital essential oil, can eradicate parasites, combat bacteria, and reduce inflammation. Ensure you dilute it with a carrier oil before use. Steps to use Thyme Essential Oil:
- Using a cotton ball or swab, you can use diluted thyme oil on the affected area.
- To create mouthwash, mix diluted thyme oil with a small amount of water, using only a few drops.
10. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old method for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. People have used it for a long time to help with mouth problems. Oil pulling is thought to eliminate harmful substances from your teeth and gums.
Some studies show that it might be helpful for issues like gums that bleed, bad breath, and reducing bacteria. However, more research is needed to know whether it works for oral health.
The best oil-pulling options include raw coconut, sesame, and olive oil. It is better to use an oil-pulling remedy on an empty stomach in the morning.
When to See a Dentist?
If you have a tooth abscess, seeing a dentist immediately is essential. The tooth abscess home remedies mentioned above are meant to be used alongside the treatments recommended by your doctor.
However, remember that you may still require urgent antibiotics and dental care for fast relief from tooth abscess pain.
People Also Ask
Can you get rid of a tooth abscess at home?
Tooth abscess home remedies such as saltwater rinse or baking soda can help you get rid of an abscessed tooth naturally.
Can a tooth abscess go away naturally?
Certain natural treatments can assist in managing toothache and prevent the worsening of tooth infections. While antibiotics are the only way to eliminate infection completely, home remedies can alleviate symptoms and relieve pain.
What is the best natural antibiotic for an abscessed tooth?
The best natural antibiotics for an abscessed tooth include clove, garlic and turmeric.