Searching for home remedies for infected tooth? Tooth infections are a common dental problem that can be extremely painful and inconvenient. Tooth infections, if left untreated, can lead to more severe tooth pain and serious health complications such as bone loss, systemic infections, and even sepsis.
However, professional dental care may not always be readily available, particularly in remote or underserved areas. In such cases, home remedies can help relieve pain and prevent further damage until you can see a dentist. In this article, we will look at some of the most effective home remedies for a tooth infection.
What It Feels Like if You Have a Tooth Abscess
If you have a tooth abscess, you may experience a number of unpleasant symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of a tooth abscess:
- Pain – Tooth abscesses can cause severe and long-lasting pain in your jaw, neck, or ear. The pain can be throbbing, sharp, or constant, and it can be exacerbated when you chew or bite down on the affected tooth.
- Swelling – A tooth abscess can cause significant swelling in the affected area, as well as redness and tenderness. In some cases, the swelling is severe enough that opening your mouth or swallowing becomes difficult.
- Fever and chills can be caused by tooth abscesses, indicating that the infection has spread beyond the tooth and into the surrounding tissues.
- Bad breath or taste in your mouth – Because of the buildup of pus and bacteria in the affected area, an abscess can cause a foul odour or taste in your mouth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures – Tooth abscesses can cause sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, making certain foods and beverages difficult to eat or drink.
It is important to note that not everyone who has a tooth abscess exhibits all of these symptoms, and some people exhibit none at all. If you do experience any of these symptoms, it is critical that you seek professional dental care as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading and causing additional complications. Ignoring a tooth abscess can result in serious health complications such as the formation of a dental cyst, bone loss, or even sepsis, a potentially fatal infection that can spread to other parts of the body.
Rinse with saltwater
A saltwater rinse is a simple and effective treatment for a tooth infection. Natural antibacterial properties in saltwater can help to kill harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out to make a saltwater rinse. Repeat this process several times per day to relieve tooth pain, and inflammation.
Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of tooth infections. Crush a garlic clove to make a paste and apply it directly to the infected tooth to use it as a remedy. You can also chew a garlic clove on the infected tooth to release its natural oils. Garlic may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, which should go away after a few minutes. For best results, repeat this process several times per day.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil is a well-known home remedy for toothaches and infections. It contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic that can aid in the relief of pain and inflammation. Apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it directly on the infected tooth. Alternatively, you can make a mouthwash with a few drops of clove oil in a glass of warm water. For best results, repeat this process several times per day.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of tooth infections. To use tea tree oil as a mouthwash, combine a few drops in a glass of warm water. You can also apply a small amount of tea tree oil directly to the infected tooth. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, must be diluted before use because it is quite potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antiseptic that can aid in the killing of harmful bacteria and the reduction of inflammation. To use hydrogen peroxide as a remedy, make a mouthwash with equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Spit out the solution after 30 seconds of swishing it around in your mouth. Repeat this process several times per day to relieve pain and inflammation.
Turmeric
Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of tooth infections. To use turmeric as a remedy, combine a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm water and gargle with it. You can also make a paste out of turmeric powder and water and apply it directly to the infected tooth. For best results, repeat this process several times per day.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of tooth infections. Apply a small amount of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and place it directly on the infected tooth. You can also use a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of warm water as a mouthwash. Repeat this procedure several times per day for best results.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practise in which you swish oil around in your mouth for a few minutes to remove toxins and bacteria. Coconut oil is a popular oil pulling ingredient due to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes before spitting it out as a remedy. To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, repeat this process once or twice a day.
Vinegar of Apple Cider
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the treatment of tooth infections. To use apple cider vinegar as a remedy, combine a tablespoon in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. However, it is critical to dilute apple cider vinegar before using it because it can be quite acidic and, if used in its concentrated form, can cause enamel erosion. For best results, repeat this process several times per day.
Baking Powder
Baking soda contains natural antibacterial properties that can aid in the killing of harmful bacteria and the reduction of inflammation. To use baking soda as a remedy, dissolve a teaspoon in a glass of warm water and use as a mouthwash. You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the infected tooth. For best results, repeat this process several times per day.
While these home remedies can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with a tooth infection, it is critical to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. If left untreated, tooth infections can lead to serious health complications, and home remedies may only provide temporary relief. A dentist can identify the underlying cause of the infection and provide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, a root canal, or tooth extraction.
In addition to seeking professional dental care, you can prevent tooth infections by practising good oral hygiene, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard if you participate in sports or other high-risk activities.
Closing Thoughts on What to Do if You Have an Abscessed Tooth
To summarize, a tooth infection can be a painful and unpleasant experience. While professional dental care is the best option, there are a number of effective home remedies that can provide temporary relief and reduce inflammation.
Saltwater rinses, garlic, clove oil, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, turmeric, peppermint oil, oil pulling, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda are all natural remedies that have been used for generations to treat tooth infections.
However, keep in mind that these remedies are not a replacement for professional dental care, and seeking timely treatment from a qualified dentist is critical to avoiding further health complications.
Furthermore, preventive measures such as good oral hygiene, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and wearing a mouthguard can help to reduce the risk of developing a tooth infection. You can ensure the health and well-being of your teeth and gums by combining these measures with effective home remedies and professional dental care.
FAQs
Can you heal an infected tooth naturally?
While some home remedies for tooth, can help relieve the symptoms of a tooth infection, they cannot cure the infection. Tooth infections are caused by bacteria that have infiltrated the pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth, and they must be treated by a professional dentist.
A tooth infection, if left untreated, can cause serious health complications such as bone loss, the formation of a dental cyst, and even sepsis, a potentially fatal infection that can spread to other parts of the body.
In some cases, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the bacterial infection itself. Antibiotics alone, however, are insufficient to treat a tooth infection; they must be combined with other dental procedures, such as a root canal, to effectively treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
As a result, while natural remedies can provide temporary relief from tooth infection symptoms, seeking professional dental care is the only way to fully heal an infected tooth and avoid further health complications. If you suspect you have a tooth infection, make an appointment with a qualified dentist as soon as possible to receive the necessary treatment.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a tooth infection?
Seeking professional dental care from a qualified dentist is the quickest way to get rid of a tooth infection. A dentist can diagnose the infection, determine the cause, and create a treatment plan to address the problem. The dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments, depending on the severity of the infection:
Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection has spread beyond the tooth and into the surrounding tissues.
A root canal is a common dental procedure that involves extracting infected pulp from the tooth and sealing it with a filling or crown. This treatment can effectively treat the infection while preventing the tooth from being extracted.
Extraction – To prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or causing further health complications, the infected tooth may need to be extracted in some cases.
If the infection has resulted in a pus-filled abscess, the dentist may need to make an incision to drain the pus and relieve pressure.
In addition to these treatments, the dentist may recommend pain relievers or home remedies to help manage the infection’s symptoms.
If you suspect you have a tooth infection, you should seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Ignoring a tooth infection can result in serious health complications such as tooth loss, bone loss, and even sepsis, a potentially fatal infection that can spread to other parts of the body.
What is a natural tooth infection antibiotic?
While there are no natural antibiotics for tooth infections, some natural remedies have antibacterial properties that can aid in the fight against the bacteria that cause tooth infections. Among these other remedies for tooth infection are:
Garlic has natural antibiotic properties that can aid in the fight against bacteria. Crush a garlic clove and apply it directly to the affected tooth, or make a garlic and salt paste and apply it to the affected area.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can aid in the treatment of tooth infections. Make a paste with a teaspoon of turmeric and a teaspoon of water and apply it to the affected tooth.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that can aid in the fight against bacteria that cause tooth infections. Tea tree oil can be mixed with water and used as a mouthwash, or it can be applied directly to the affected tooth.
Clove oil has natural anaesthetic and antibacterial properties that can help relieve the pain of a tooth infection while also fighting bacteria. You can directly apply a few drops of clove oil to the affected tooth.
While these natural remedies may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a tooth infection, they cannot replace professional dental care. To properly diagnose and treat the infection and avoid further health complications, it is critical to seek treatment from a qualified dentist.
