Get Rid of a Tooth Abscess – A tooth abscess is a painful infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. It can be caused by a lot of factors, including gum disease, tooth decay, and injury. While it’s always best to see a dentist for treatment, there are some things you can do at home to help alleviate the pain and discomfort of a tooth abscess.
In this article, we will discuss some effective home remedies for getting rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist. These remedies include using over-the-counter pain medication, rinsing your mouth with salt water, and using baking soda.
With the right care and attention, you can successfully treat your tooth abscess and avoid a trip to the dentist.
1. Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an easy option for temporary relief. It can also promote healthy gums and wound healing.
Usage:
- 1/2 cup of warm tap water with Mix 1/2 teaspoon of normal table salt
- Rinse your mouth with the salt water. Try to swish it around inside your mouth for about two minutes.
- Spit the water out.
- Repeat the process three times daily.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda is another great option for treating an abscessed tooth. You may already have some baking soda in your kitchen cabinet. Baking soda is good for removing plaque in the mouth and it also has antibacterial properties.
Usage:
- Mix 1/2 cup of water and a pinch of salt with 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda
- Swish the mixture of the water and baking soda in your mouth for about 5 minutes.
- Spit out, and repeat until you have finished the mixture.
- Repeat the process two times daily.
3. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil that can be bought in a drugstore or health food store. You can also find it online. Oregano oil is an antibacterial and antioxidant. It could help in reducing the pain and swelling of an abscessed tooth.
Usage:
- Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with 1 ounce of a carrier oil
- Apply a few drops of the mixture to a cotton swab or ball.
- Hold the cotton ball on the infected area for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the cotton ball or swab. Leave the mixture on for close to 10 minutes, before rinsing.
- Repeat the process three times daily.
4. Cold Compress
A cold compress will help in reducing the swelling and pain.
Usage:
- Wrap ice cubes inside a dry towel.
- Hold the compress against your skin close to the affected area.
- Use it for 15-minute intervals.
- Repeat multiple times per day.
5. Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek has antibacterial properties and has been used for centuries as a home remedy for wound healing and inflammation reduction. It may be found in your supermarket’s spice aisle or online.
Usage:
- Make a fenugreek tea by heating one cup of water in a saucepan and stirring in one teaspoon of grounded fenugreek.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Apply a small amount of the mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Repeat the process three times daily.
6. Clove Essential Oil
Since ancient times, clove essential oil has been used as a natural toothache remedy. It could be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It’s widely available online and in grocery stores.
Usage:
- Dilute the oil by mixing 3 to 5 drops of essential oil with an ounce of a carrier oil.
- Apply the diluted oil to the affected area by placing a few drops on a cotton swab or ball.
- Prepare a clove oil mouthwash by placing a few drops of clove essential oil into a small glass of water.
- Use three times per day.
7. Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil is another powerful essential oil that has been shown to kill parasites, fight bacteria, and reduce swelling. It’s widely available online and in supermarkets.
Usage:
- Mix a carrier oil with the thyme essential oil to dilute it.
- Apply the diluted oil to the affected area with a cotton ball or swab.
- Prepare a mouthwash by adding a few drops of the oil mixture to a small glass of water.
- Use up to three times daily.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent treatment for bacterial infections. It can also aid in the reduction bleeding gums and plaque.
Usage:
- Mix equal parts 3 percent water with hydrogen peroxide.
- Swish the mixture in your mouth, and spit. Ensure that you don’t swallow the mixture.
- Use multiple times per day.
9. Oil Pulling
Another ancient method of oral hygiene that has been used to treat mouth ailments is oil pulling. Oil pulling is thought to remove toxins from the teeth and gums.
Good oils for oil pulling: raw coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil
Usage:
- Put one tablespoon of your chosen oil into your mouth.
- Vigorously swish the oil around your teeth for about 20 minutes.
- Don’t swallow the oil. Spit the oil out in a garbage can and not your sink, to avoid clogged pipes.
- Use it in the morning with an empty stomach.
10. Garlic
Garlic is another natural remedy with a long history of medicinal uses, including pain relief and bacteria killing.
Usage:
- Make a paste by crushing a fresh clove of garlic.
- Rub the paste on the affected area.
- Repeat multiple times per day.
When to See a Doctor
A tooth abscess is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the face and eyes if left untreated. It’s important to seek medical attention ASAP. Consult with a doctor and a dentist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
While the home remedies listed above can provide temporary relief, they should not be used as a substitute for professional medical and dental care. Antibiotics and dental treatment may be necessary.