A tooth abscess can occur due to infections inside the tooth. When a tooth is broken or chipped, bacteria can easily enter it, leading to an infection. Pus accumulates inside an infected tooth due to which it becomes inflamed.
One needs to treat this inflamed tooth in time to avoid the spread of the infection to the gums and bone of the mouth. Therefore, it is vital to consult a dentist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Apart from the prescribed medications, there are a few natural remedies that can help treat a tooth abscess at home. Some of these are as follows:
- Rinse your mouth with salt water
This easy and affordable home remedy offers temporary relief from the pain of a tooth abscess. Additionally, it also promotes healthy gums.
All you need to do is mix half a teaspoon of table salt with half a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the salt water and spit it out. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day. - Baking soda
Baking soda is an excellent ingredient that helps in treating a variety of medical conditions, owing to its antibacterial properties. It is also beneficial in removing plaque from the mouth.
Add half a tablespoon of baking soda to half a cup of water and a pinch of salt. Swish the mixture in your mouth for some time and then spit it out. You can use this remedy twice a day. - Oregano oil
Oregano oil is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It reduces the pain and inflammation associated with an abscessed tooth.
To prepare this home remedy to treat abscess tooth, put a few drops of oregano oil on a cotton swab. Apply the swab to the infected area for up to five minutes. Finally, remove the swab and wait for ten minutes before rinsing your mouth.
Oregano oil is readily available at several health food stores and pharmacies. - Cold compress
A cold compress is quite effective in reducing pain and swelling. For using a cold compress to alleviate the pain caused by an abscessed tooth, place some ice cubes in a towel and hold this ice pack against the skin, close to the affected area. Apply the compress for 15 minutes, and then give your skin a break. Follow the procedure several times a day to get quick relief. - Ginger and red pepper
Ginger and red peppers are natural analgesics that help in relieving pain. Red pepper contains capsaicin which prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. Similarly, ginger contains shogaol and gingerol which reduce pain and inflammation. A mixture of both these ingredients can be especially helpful in treating an abscessed tooth. Mix equal quantities of these ingredients with water to form a consistent paste and apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab. Finally, rinse it after 10 minutes. - Garlic
Garlic is another effective home remedy for a tooth abscess. It has several therapeutic uses, owing to its bacteria and pain killing properties. You can easily make some garlic paste at home by crushing fresh garlic. Apply this freshly ground paste on the affected area for instant relief. - Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is known for combating bacterial infections. Also, one can use it to treat bleeding gums and remove plaque. Mix equal portions of hydrogen peroxide with water and use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly. Then, spit this water out. Make sure that you do not swallow this solution as it is harmful. - Coriander
A lot of people use coriander leaves to get rid of bad breath. However, a lesser-known fact is that coriander has anti-inflammatory properties too. Thus, one can use it to fight germs that cause dental ailments.
Boil 10 grams of coriander seeds in four liters of water till water reduces to around one liter. After the mixture cools down, use it to rinse your mouth thoroughly. This mixture will help in relieving toothache instantly. - Clove oil
This home remedy is quite popularly known to provide relief from an abscessed tooth. Clove oil contains a powerful ingredient, known as eugenol, which has a numbing effect. It is also known for its antibacterial properties, and it helps in alleviating pain. To prepare this remedy, add one drop of clove oil to a cotton swab and place it on the affected tooth for some time. Make sure that you don’t apply it to the gums as it can cause chemical burns and irritation.
When to see a doctor?
An abscessed tooth can cause infection in other parts of the mouth if it is left untreated. Therefore, it is vital to get medical aid to treat the infection in time.
Along with the doctor’s recommendations, you can also try out the home remedies mentioned above to treat an abscessed tooth and get relief from its symptoms.
