Home Remedies For A Tooth Infection

Untreated cavities, dental procedures, or injuries to the tooth can lead to the development of a tooth abscess, characterised by inflammation and severe pain at the root of the tooth.

Tooth infections are a frequent source of tooth pain, and if left untreated, the bacteria can extend beyond the tooth to infect the gums, bone, and potentially even the eyes. Seeking professional help from a dentist or doctor ensures an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

While it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before attempting home remedies for tooth infections, these remedies can help manage pain and prevent the disease from worsening until you can see a doctor or dentist. Your healthcare provider may also suggest home treatments to alleviate pain while treating the infection, but it is always best to seek professional advice.

Home Remedies For A Tooth Infection

You can treat a tooth infection naturally at home with these ten simple, natural remedies.

Baking Soda

Adding baking soda to your oral care routine can offer numerous benefits. Not only does it possess antibacterial properties that help reduce bacteria in the mouth, but it also serves as a natural pain reliever for gum discomfort. Furthermore, this versatile ingredient can be used as a home remedy for effectively treating teeth infections.

Try a homemade baking soda paste or rinse for gum abscess relief. Mix baking soda with water and apply a paste to the affected area. The paste can be especially effective if the abscess is on your tooth's or gums' side. Alternatively, for abscesses inside or on top of your tooth, create a baking soda rinse by combining half a tablespoon of baking soda, half a cup of water, and a dash of table salt. Gargle and repeat until the solution is finished.

Saltwater Rinse

Salt, a common household ingredient, has natural antiseptic properties, making it a convenient remedy for tooth infections. By dissolving a teaspoon or more of table salt in a glass of warm water, you can create a saltwater rinse that effectively aids in treating dental ailments.

In addition to its antibacterial properties, warm salt water can effectively cleanse the mouth, eliminate debris, promote the drainage of pus, and facilitate the healing process of oral wounds. To prepare a salt water rinse for a tooth infection, combine half a teaspoon of salt with half a cup of warm water. Gargle the solution for two to three minutes, then spit it out and repeat as necessary.

Garlic

There is an antibiotic and antifungal compound in garlic called allicin. Additionally, it stimulates the immune system

 and reduces inflammation.

To benefit from garlic's antibacterial properties, make a paste by crushing a fresh clove and applying it directly to the infected area, such as the root of the tooth, several times daily. This natural remedy has been found to combat bacteria effectively and may relieve tooth pain caused by infection.

Another option for relieving sharp pain and inhibiting bacterial growth is to apply a clove of garlic directly to the affected tooth and hold it there for a few minutes. This natural remedy can provide temporary relief and promote oral health.

Alcohol

While it is generally advised to avoid excessive alcohol consumption when dealing with an infection due to its immune-suppressing effects, applying alcoholic beverages like whiskey, scotch, or vodka directly to a tooth infection can provide temporary pain relief due to their anaesthetic properties.

While applying a cotton ball soaked in hard alcohol may provide temporary relief for a painful area, it is essential to note that alcohol alone is not sufficient to reduce an infection effectively. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid using alcohol to treat tooth infections in children.

Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek, a Mediterranean herb known for its antibacterial properties, is commonly used as a natural remedy. One option is to brew fenugreek tea using store-bought tea bags, or you can create a robust solution by mixing ground fenugreek with hot water. Applying a soaked cotton ball to the affected tooth can provide additional relief.

Cold Compress

Instead of using traditional ice packs that are bulky and inflexible, you can easily create a homemade cold compress by wrapping ice in a clean washcloth or towel. This smaller ice pack can then be applied to the affected area, relieving tooth pain and reducing swelling.

Feel free to utilise various options to alleviate the pain caused by a tooth infection, such as a bag of frozen vegetables, ice water, or even a piece of fruit. You can even try massaging an ice cube directly on the sore gum for immediate relief. Incorporate this remedy into your daily routine as necessary.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be a potent disinfectant, particularly for oral hygiene. For treating bacterial infections in the mouth or gums, mix three percent hydrogen peroxide with water and swish it around in the mouth for approximately one minute. It is essential to avoid swallowing the mixture, and it should be rinsed multiple times daily.

It is essential to exercise caution when using hydrogen peroxide in your mouth, especially regarding food-grade or 35% concentration hydrogen peroxide.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, a technique that involves swishing oil in the mouth, is believed to have antibacterial properties that can help remove bacteria from the infected tooth. To practice oil pulling, swish a small amount of coconut, oregano, or olive oil in your mouth, mimicking the action of mouthwash. Trying oil-pulling in the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach is recommended.

Although scientific evidence supporting oil pulling is limited, a 2017 study found that it may have potential benefits for mouth ailments like bleeding gums, gum disease, and bad breath. Additionally, the study suggests that oil pulling could help reduce bacteria in the mouth.

Essential Oils

In addition to their everyday use for relieving pain and aches, essential oils can also be utilised for their medicinal properties. For example, certain essential oils possess antibacterial properties that effectively treat tooth infections.

Oregano: Researchers have discovered that the oil derived from this particular herb possesses powerful antibacterial properties.

Clove Oil: Besides its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil derived from this cooking spice can also serve as a natural analgesic. If clove essential oil is not readily available, dried cloves from your pantry can be used as an alternative to alleviate tooth pain temporarily. To do so, position a clove between the affected tooth and your cheek for a few minutes.

Thyme Oil: This common cooking herb is also antibacterial.

Frankincense oil: Besides its effectiveness in treating rheumatism, bronchitis, and various other conditions, it has also demonstrated its efficacy in relieving toothaches.

The oil helps reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. It also helps to kill any bacteria causing the infection, and it helps to coat the tooth with a protective layer to reduce further damage.

To prevent liver damage, it is important to exercise caution and avoid ingesting essential oils, particularly in excessive quantities, when using them orally.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel, derived from the leaves of the aloe succulent plant, possesses healing properties that can aid in the recovery of burns and cuts. It can also alleviate toothache discomfort caused by a tooth infection by reducing inflammation and providing antibacterial benefits. Pure aloe vera gel can be easily found at most grocery stores and applied to the affected area using a clean finger or cotton swab, in case you do not have access to an aloe plant.

Besides these natural home remedies, you can also try other traditional remedies for treating pain, inflammations, and infections, such as:

• The tannins
  
  
• Fresh thyme
  
  
• Extract of vanilla
  
  
• ​Black pepper
  
  
• Herbal teas such as peppermint tea

Causes Of Tooth Infection

Various factors can cause tooth infections. One example is a periapical tooth abscess, which occurs when bacteria infiltrate the dental pulp, the area inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Another type is the periodontal abscess, where bacteria accumulate in the periodontal pockets, forming pus in the gum tissues.

Various factors can lead to a tooth infection. One example is a periapical tooth abscess, which occurs when bacteria penetrate the dental pulp, the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth. Another type is a periodontal abscess, which develops when bacteria accumulate in the periodontal pockets and cause the formation of a pus-filled pocket in the gum tissues.

It is imperative to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid dental abscesses, which are often a result of dental trauma, tooth decay, or unsuccessful root canal treatments. The importance of regular dental care and proper oral hygiene practices is essential to reducing the risk of bacterial acid production and subsequent tooth damage.

The following factors can cause infections of the teeth:

• Insufficient oral hygiene practices, like brushing infrequently and neglecting flossing
  
  
• Prior dental procedures or injuries that create openings for bacteria infiltration
  
  
• High consumption of sugary foods or beverages fosters the formation of plaques, leading to tooth decay and abscess
  
  
• Gum disease, which is also referred to as periodontal disease
  
  

When To See A Medical Provider

Although home remedies can temporarily relieve tooth infection pain, it is essential to understand that they are not a substitute for professional treatment. Only dentists have the expertise to diagnose and provide the necessary treatment for a dental infection.

If you suspect a dental abscess, seeking immediate medical or dental attention is essential to address the infection and prevent further complications. While a visit to the emergency room may not always be necessary, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.

After discussing your symptoms, your doctor will evaluate whether you have any signs of a tooth abscess before recommending appropriate medications. In addition to addressing the infection, your healthcare provider can also offer solutions for managing any discomfort you may be experiencing, ensuring an effective treatment for your condition.

Antibiotics only help with bacterial infections; antibiotics won't be effective if a virus causes your infection. Additionally, if your tooth infection is severe, you may need a root canal procedure or other dental treatment that will need to be done at your medical provider's office.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics and supportive care such as rest and fluids. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms.

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