While there are many causes for a toothache, abscesses are among the worst ways to get one. The pain that’s associated with a tooth abscess can be debilitating, radiating from the tooth to your neck or ear, and leaving it untreated can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition.
What Is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that forms as a result of a bacterial infection. There are two types of tooth abscesses that form in different areas of the mouth: periapical and periodontal. A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal abscess forms in the gums at the side of the root. Both can cause severe pain and further dental issues if left untreated.
Tooth Abscess Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of a tooth abscess is essential for early intervention and treatment. When an abscess develops, it can present several key signs, including:
- Severe, persistent toothache or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Fever and tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
10 Home Remedies for Tooth Abscess
Tooth abscesses are painful, but there are home remedies you can try to help lessen discomfort while you wait to see a dentist. Keep in mind, these remedies may provide temporary relief, but they should not be used as a substitute for professional dental treatment.
1. Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater solution can be an effective natural antibiotic for a tooth abscess. A saltwater rinse irrigates the mouth while also killing some of the bacteria that can cause a tooth infection. Additionally, it can loosen and detach debris and pus in your mouth and around your tooth.
To create a saltwater rinse, combine ½ a teaspoon of regular table salt with a small cup of warm water and stir well. Rinse your mouth for a couple of minutes, swishing the solution thoroughly, and then spit it out. Repeat this process several times a day.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has many household and first-aid uses, but this common household item is one of the best remedies for abscessed-tooth pain. To make a hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse, mix 1 part peroxide with 1 part warm water, then rinse your mouth with it a few times each day to manage pain while you seek professional treatment.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another common home remedy that can help reduce abscessed tooth pain. Rinsing your mouth with 1/4 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 cup of warm water will help reduce plaque buildup, relieve pain, and introduce antibacterial properties that help fight tooth infections. You can also make a paste of 1 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of water and apply that directly to your tooth or gum instead of using the rinse.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint tea is known for its natural soothing properties, making it a great remedy for mouth and tooth pain. Soak a peppermint tea bag in cold water for a few minutes, then place the wet tea bag on the abscessed tooth. The cool peppermint can significantly soothe tooth pain. This remedy does not have any antibacterial properties, so you should still seek professional care for your abscess.
5. Cold Compress
If your face is swollen as a result of your tooth infection, try applying a cold compress to the affected area. Cold compresses are perfect for bringing down swelling and temporarily numbing tooth abscess pain. For best results, we recommend finding a bendable cold pack or wrapping ice in a towel and leaving it on your face for a maximum of a few minutes. Again, this remedy does not help with treating your tooth abscess, so you’ll need to apply a cold compress in conjunction with additional treatment.
6. Garlic
Garlic has been revered for its medicinal properties, including its ability to fight bacterial infections. This makes it a potent remedy for tooth abscesses. Allicin, the main active compound in garlic, has significant antibacterial qualities that can aid in combating the bacteria causing the abscess.
To relieve pain from a tooth abscess, crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply it directly to the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this process daily while waiting to see a dentist.
7. Essential Oils
Essential oils, including tea tree, clove, and thyme, are widely recognized for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil is a potent antibacterial that can help disinfect the area around a tooth abscess. Clove oil, known for its numbing properties, can alleviate tooth pain, while thyme oil targets bacteria that cause infections. To use essential oils for a tooth abscess, dilute a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab. Alternatively, adding a couple of drops to a glass of water can make an effective mouth rinse. Essential oils should not be ingested nor applied undiluted, so use caution when trying this home remedy.
8. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, commonly done with coconut oil, is another home remedy that can be beneficial for oral health due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Oil pulling can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, decrease inflammation, and promote healing of the gum tissue. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, then spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water. Performing this daily can help manage symptoms associated with a tooth abscess while you seek further treatment.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is renowned for its healing and soothing properties. For oral health, aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the infected area to reduce pain and inflammation. It’s also effective in killing bacteria causing abscesses due to its antibacterial properties. For a more soothing experience, refrigerate the aloe vera gel before applying it directly to the sore area or use it as a mouth rinse after diluting it with water.
10. Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek has medicinal properties that can help treat a variety of ailments, including infections, due to its antibacterial properties. To use fenugreek tea for a tooth abscess, steep fenugreek seeds in hot water for several minutes, strain, and allow the tea to cool. You can then use the tea as a mouthwash or apply a soaked cotton ball directly to the affected area. Fenugreek tea can help reduce inflammation and fight the bacteria causing the infection.
Remember, while these natural remedies can provide temporary relief and aid in the healing process, they are not substitutes for professional dental treatment. If you have a tooth abscess or any other severe dental issue, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist to receive the appropriate care.
Abscessed Tooth Warning Signs – When to See a Dentist
You may want to know how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist, but unfortunately, professional dental care for an infection is always necessary. While these home remedies can temporarily soothe pain, they cannot cure infected or abscessed teeth. Learn the red flag warning signs for tooth abscesses, and please seek immediate emergency care if you experience the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, high fever and chills, and severe, unrelenting pain.
It’s crucial to seek professional care to address tooth abscesses. If you’re struggling with an infected tooth in the Westminster, MD area and want help ASAP, All Smiles Care offers emergency dental services. Our friendly team is standing by, so be sure to call and get your appointment scheduled so you can start your journey to a clean and healthy mouth.
How a Dentist Will Treat a Tooth Abscess
When it comes to treating a tooth abscess, professional dental care is paramount. A dentist has several methods to treat an abscess, depending on the severity and location of the infection. Initially, your dentist may take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection. Treatment typically involves eliminating the infection, preserving the tooth, and preventing complications. Common procedures include:
Draining the Abscess: The dentist will make a small incision into the abscess to drain the pus, which alleviates pain and reduces the infection.
Root Canal Treatment: If the abscess is due to an infection in the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
Antibiotics: While not always needed, antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is severe or has spread to other areas. Dentists may prescribe amoxicillin. For penicillin allergy or specific cases, they may use clindamycin or metronidazole.
Tooth Extraction: In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be the best option to remove the source of infection.
Home Remedies for Abscessed Tooth FAQs
Can a tooth abscess go away naturally?
A tooth abscess will not go away on its own. While symptoms may temporarily subside, the infection typically persists until treated by a dental professional. Ignoring an abscess can lead to more severe health complications.
Can you get rid of a tooth abscess without antibiotics?
While antibiotics can help eliminate the infection causing a tooth abscess, they are not a standalone treatment. Draining the abscess and addressing the source of the infection, such as with a root canal or extraction, is necessary. Home remedies may provide temporary relief but cannot replace professional dental treatment.
What is the fastest home remedy for a tooth abscess?
Saltwater rinses are one of the fastest home remedies to help manage the discomfort and bacterial growth associated with a tooth abscess. However, this remedy provides temporary relief and should not be used as a substitute for dental treatment.
What is the best natural antibiotic for an abscessed tooth?
Garlic is often considered a natural antibiotic due to its antimicrobial properties. Applying garlic paste to the affected area or consuming garlic can help fight the infection. Nevertheless, consulting with a dentist for appropriate treatment is crucial.
Can you get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist?
While home remedies for an abscess tooth can help alleviate pain, the underlying cause of the abscess or tooth infection must be treated professionally. Infections can spread to other areas of the mouth and become dangerous, so it’s important to check in with your dentist to prevent the infection from worsening.
