Are you suffering from the agony of abscess tooth?
An abscessed tooth can be an excruciatingly painful condition caused by a bacterial infection that leads to the formation of a pus-filled pocket at the root of the tooth.
While it’s crucial to consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment, there are several home remedies that can provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with an abscessed tooth.
These remedies can be used as temporary measures until professional dental care can be obtained.
What is Abscess Tooth and It’s Cause
A tooth abscess is a painful collection of infected pus caused by a bacterial infection that enters through either a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth.
It leads to an opening in the tooth enamel, which gives bacteria a chance to infect the center of your tooth. Thereafter, the infection spreads to the root causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Causes behind Abscess Tooth
- Poor dental hygiene
- Irregular dental checkups
- High sugar or sticky food intake
- Dental infections
- Gum diseases, gingivitis
- Weak immune system
Symptoms Of Abscessed Tooth
- Sharp toothache
- Fever
- Swollen neck glands
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Foul smelling breath
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Redness or swelling of the gums
- Swollen jaw
- General discomfort
If abscess tooth is not treated timely, it can lead to serious tooth decay, even life-threatening complications. One must consult a dentist as early as possible so that the abscess can be drained.
Either a root canal will be performed or the tooth will be pulled altogether to prevent infection and spreading.
20 Natural Home Remedies for Abscess Tooth
1. Garlic
Garlic has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable home remedy for abscess tooth. Crush a garlic clove to release its juices, then apply the crushed garlic directly to the affected tooth.
Alternatively, you can mix crushed garlic with a little salt and apply the paste to the affected area for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Directions:
- Put a fresh garlic clove in your mouth and crush it with your teeth. Chew it until the pain subsides. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water. To reduce the residual odor, you can add a few drops of clove oil to the warm water.
- Another option is to mix half teaspoon of garlic powder with a pinch of table salt and apply it directly on the affected tooth. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
- You can also rub garlic oil on the affected tooth.
2. Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for dental issues, thanks to its analgesic and antibacterial properties that help alleviate toothache, inflammation and soreness in the gums.
Apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected tooth using a cotton ball or swab. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
Be cautious not to use excessive clove oil, as it can be potent and may cause irritation.
Directions:
- Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and hold it on the painful area for a few minutes.
- Another option is to place a whole clove between your infected tooth and your cheek.
- Chew it from time to time to release its juice. Allow the juice to remain in your mouth for at least 30 minutes.
- Then rinse your mouth with warm water.
3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a practice used in ancient times to maintain oral health and promote detoxification of the teeth and mouth. Lipids in the oil will pull out bacteria and prevent it from sticking to the oral cavity walls which relieves pain and infection.
Directions:
- Rinse your mouth with a tablespoon of organic coconut oil for about 2-3 minutes without swallowing.
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times daily or as needed.
4. Oregano Oil
This helpful oil is a powerful immune booster, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant.
It can help you to kill the infection fast and boost your immune system. It is known to be very effective in curing most of the tooth ailments.
Directions:
- Soak a cotton ball in a tablespoon of oregano oil and place it over your infected tooth.
- Repeat daily to reduce pain and cure your abscessed tooth.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda improves pH level in your mouth and helps neutralize saliva to prevent further remineralization of your tooth. It also works as mechanical cleanser of gums and teeth.
Directions:
- Take 1/2 teaspoon of salt and baking soda and mix well.
- Dip cotton ball in it and place it directly over your infected tooth.
- Leave it for a few hours until the pain subsides. Repeat as needed.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has antiseptic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, so it really helps clear the infections and promote overall oral health.
Directions:
- Make a paste by adding some water to a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Apply it on your infected tooth using a cotton ball.
- Leave it for about half an hour and rinse off with warm water.
7. Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies for Abscess tooth. Saltwater has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash several times a day. Swish the solution around the affected area for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Directions:
- You can use Epson salt, unrefined sea salt, or ordinary salt for this purpose.
- Just mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and let it dissolves completely.
- Gargle with this water and see the difference.
8. Potato
Raw potato also helps to eliminate the infection slowly.
Directions:
- Place a piece of raw potato between the infected area and cheek before going to sleep.
- Leave overnight and rinse with water the next morning.
- Repeat regularly as needed.
9. Papaya
Papaya contains anti-oxidants that help to eliminate the bacteria and speedup the healing process.
Directions:
- Apply fresh papaya slices to the affected area and gum tissues.
- Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Repeat regularly as needed.
10. Cold Compress
Cold compress not only helps you to fade away a hickey, but also help in alleviating pain by reducing swelling. To alleviate swelling and numb the pain associated with an abscessed tooth, applying a cold compress to the affected side of the face can be beneficial.
Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth and apply it to the external cheek area for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can be repeated as needed to provide relief.
Directions:
- You can apply an ice pack inside your cheek directly over the infected tooth or use a cold water bottle for this purpose.
- Repeat whenever you experience the pain.
11. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has antiseptic agents that destroy bacteria and anti-inflammatory properties which relieve painful swelling.
Directions:
- Gently massage peppermint oil to the infected area using your fingers or a cotton ball.
- Repeat regularly as needed.
- Alternately apply crushed peppermint leaves to the infected area.
12. Herbal Tea bag
Tea contains tannin, an astringent which clears infection by absorbing toxins and pus. It also relieves swelling, pain, and inflammation. Herbal tea contain tannins, which possess natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Steep a black tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, allow it to cool slightly, and then place the warm tea bag against the affected tooth for 15-20 minutes.
This can help reduce pain and swelling.
Directions:
- Apply a used tea bag to the top of the infected tooth before going to sleep.
- Leave overnight and rinse with salt water or another disinfectant the next morning.
- Repeat regularly as needed.
13. Nutmeg Oil
Nutmeg oil, a less popular solution for toothaches, may also prove useful for toothache caused by abscessed tooth.
Directions:
- Apply a drop of nutmeg oil on a cotton swab and apply it to your infected gum or tooth.
- Repeat the process several times a day.
14. Apple cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar disinfects and reduces swelling. Do you know the health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar? No?
Then read them in my previous article.
Directions:
- Rinse your mouth with a tablespoon of raw, organic apple cider vinegar without swallowing.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times daily or as needed.
- Alternately drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water twice daily.
15. Calendula
Calendula leaves help control pain and inflammation.
Directions:
- Use a cotton swab to apply crushed calendula leaves to the affected area.
- Repeat regularly as needed.
- Alternately use oral gels or toothpastes containing calendula.
15. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and can be used as a mouthwash to help control bacterial growth in the oral cavity.
Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water and use it as a mouth rinse. Be sure not to swallow the mixture. This can be done a few times a day to aid in reducing infection.
Directions:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide and a tablespoon of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution without swallowing.
- Repeat regularly as needed.
- Alternately use a cotton ball to apply the solution to the affected area.
16. Plantain
Raw plantain relieves pain, swelling, and infection.
Directions:
- Apply fresh crushed plantain leaves to the affected area.
- Leave for 20 minutes or until the pain is gone and rinse with water.
- Repeat 2 – 3 times daily or as needed.
17. Chamomile
You might have heard about Chamomile Tea, but it is also one of the common herbal remedy for tooth abscesses.
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can heal injured tissues effectively. You can either drink chamomile tea or use the herb as poultice to reduce swelling and resultant pain due to abscess.
Directions:
- Have 3 to 4 cups of chamomile tea every day
- If you see swelling on your face due to tooth infection, make a poultice of chamomile and apply it topically over affected area many times a day.
- You can also wet the chamomile tea bag in some warm water and hold it against your infected tooth for some time.
18. Echinacea
Echinacea is considered to be a natural antibiotic that can combat infections very effectively. Not only this, it also helps relieve pain and inflammation caused by infection.
You can easily find Echinacea available in the form of tinctures and capsules or you may make some tea with Echinacea and use as a tooth infection remedy.
Directions:
- Pour warm water over the herb or tea bag.
- Let it steep for some time.
- Now strain the tea or just remove the tea bag.
- Rinse your mouth well with this herbal tea swishing it around your mouth.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day.
19. Self Treatment
There are some self treatment methods which help you to eliminate the problem of abscess tooth.
Directions:
- Observe the abscess which develops near the decaying tooth carefully.
- Keep ready items such as a sharp pin or needle, antiseptic mouthwash, cotton balls, tooth brush and tooth paste
- Boil the needle or pin in water for about 10 minutes to sterilize it and allow it to cool
- Brush your teeth, gums and tongue to clean it thoroughly
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse your mouth. Keep the solution in mouth for at least 30 seconds.
- Wet the cotton balls using the antiseptic mouth wash
- Using the sterilized needle pierce the abscess carefully
- Push out the pus using your finger. Remove as much pus as possible
- Clean the pus using the cotton balls dipped in mouthwash
- Dab some mouthwash on the sore area
- Repeat pressing and removing the pus every 3-4 hours
- If the pus do not drain completely repeat the cleaning process next day. Care should be taken not to insert the needle in the same point on the gum.
- When the pus get completely drained, take necessary antibiotic prescribed by your doctor to prevent any further infection.
Some Tips to Avoid Abscess Tooth
- Use fluoridated drinking water and fluoride toothpaste to gently brush teeth twice daily, followed by antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash.
- Regularly use dental floss or interdental cleaner.
- Replace your toothbrush for every 3 – 4 months or when tooth bristles become frayed.
- Visit dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Consume healthy food and limit sugary items.
- Avoid caffeine as it elevates blood sugar levels and effects glucose metabolism, endocrine glands, and the liver.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products to keep your teeth healthy and clean.
- Eat healthy. Tomatoes, onions, fenugreek, wheat grass juice, cashews, omega – 3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables boost the immune system and prevent abscesses.
Conclusion
While these home remedies can offer temporary relief from the pain and swelling associated with an abscessed tooth, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
Home remedies are not a substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment by a dentist. Dental abscesses can lead to serious complications if left untreated, so it’s essential to address the underlying issue through professional dental intervention.
If you suspect you have an abscess tooth, consult with a dentist promptly to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Hope that you get a fast relieve from the agony of abscess tooth with these home remedies for abscess tooth!!!!!!
