Tooth abscess can be a source of great discomfort for you because any dental problem is extremely painful. A tooth abscess definitely requires dental treatment. However, there are some home remedies for dental infection such as gargling with salt water. Moreover, applying cold compresses etc. will help reduce the discomfort and pain caused by the infection.
Usually, a tooth abscess can form if there is any kind of infection inside the tooth. When the tooth breaks, cracks or decays, bacteria enter the tooth and cause infection. When the bacteria reach the depths of the tooth, the tooth becomes infected. And pus accumulates inside. This pus can swell and cause severe tooth pain.
Therefore, it is necessary to take proper treatment for tooth abscess. Otherwise, the infection can reach the gums and bones of the mouth. Relief can be obtained by following the doctor’s advice as well as using home remedies.
13 Home Remedies Dental Infection
Dental problems are as uncomfortable as they are painful. Any dental problem, including dental abscess, will poison your daily life. In this problem, as well as following the doctor’s advice, home remedies dental infection methods are very effective. Let’s know about 13 home remedies that will help you get rid of your problem-
Salt Water Rinse
Simple and affordable way is to gargle with salt water. It can provide temporary relief from toothache. It helps in healing mouth sores quickly. And keeps gums healthy.
How to do it:
- Mix half a teaspoon of common salt with half a cup of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with this salt water and swish it around in your mouth for at least 2 minutes. Then drain the water.
- You can do this up to three times a day.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective and affordable way to treat various dental problems. And is easily available as a home remedy for dental infection. It can help reduce the infection of dental abscesses and remove dental plaque. It also has antibacterial properties.
How to do it:
- Mix half a cup of water, half a teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt.
- Swish this mixture in your mouth for five minutes and then rinse it off with water and repeat until the mixture is gone.
- You can do this process up to twice a day.
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme oil is a powerful essential oil that can kill bacteria and parasites. It is also an antioxidant-rich oil. It also helps reduce inflammation. However, before using this oil, it must be mixed with a carrier oil.
How to use:
- Take a few drops of diluted thyme oil. And apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab or cotton ball.
- You can use a few drops of thyme oil mixed with a glass of water as a mouthwash.
- You can use this oil up to three times a day.
Cold & Hot Compress
Both cold and hot packs are the best home remedies for dental infection. Using these two alternately can relieve toothache.
How to use:
Cold pack: Put a few ice cubes in a clean washcloth. And press it on the outside of the affected area. Use it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cold packs help to reduce pain and swelling.
Hot pack: Soak a clean warm towel in water and squeeze it. And press it on the outside of the affected area. Hot packs increase blood circulation which helps in reducing pain.
You can alternate cold and hot packs every 2-3 hours.
Fenugreek Tea
Fenugreek may have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Since ancient times, it has been used as a home remedy for dental infection. This is the best home remedy for reducing inflammation and healing wounds.
How to use:
- Heat a cup of water in a pan. Mix one teaspoon of fenugreek powder with it.
- Then let the mixture cool. And apply a small amount of fenugreek seeds on the affected area with a cotton ball.
- You can use this process up to three times a day.
Turmeric Rinse
Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is also antibacterial. It helps in reducing toothache and healing gum wounds.
How to do it:
- Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of hot water. Add two cloves and two dried guava leaves to it.
- Cover the mixture for a while so that the ingredients mix well with the water.
- Then, when the water cools down, gargle two to three times a day.
This mixture is effective in reducing gum wounds, infections and their pain.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is a natural essential oil. It has antioxidant properties that are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. These remedies for dental infection can help reduce swelling and pain caused by a tooth abscess. However, it should be used directly and mixed with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.
How to use:
- Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil.
- Then apply a few drops of the mixture to a cotton swab or cotton ball and hold it on the affected area for two to three minutes.
- Remove the cotton and leave the mixture on for at least ten minutes. Then rinse.
- You can do this up to three times a day.
Clove Oil or Chewing Clove
Cloves contain an antiseptic (eugenol) and pain-relieving properties that help reduce toothache. How to use this oil:
- Take a cotton ball, soak a drop of clove oil in it and gently press it on the affected tooth.
- Or chew a clove slowly in your mouth. So that its juice comes out.
- You can use it two to three times a day.
Garlic Paste
Garlic has been used since ancient times to relieve toothache. It has many health benefits. Rich in natural antibiotics and painkillers, garlic also helps prevent infections.
How to use:
Make a paste of raw garlic clove. And apply it directly to the affected tooth and keep it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse your mouth thoroughly. Using this two to three times a day can reduce toothache quickly.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant. It can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and reduce inflammation. It can also reduce bleeding from gums and dental plaque.
How to use:
- Mix two parts water and one part 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Then swish the mixture in your mouth for a while and then throw it away, but never swallow it.
- You can use this mixture multiple times a day.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove oil has been used since ancient times to relieve toothache. It may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is available in both concentrated and diluted forms for direct use. If you are using concentrated clove oil, be sure to mix three to five drops of the oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil.
How to use:
- Apply a few drops of diluted clove oil to the affected area using a cotton swab or cotton ball.
- You can also gargle with a few drops of clove oil in a glass of water.
- You can use it up to three times a day.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling or oil gargling is a natural method that was used in ancient times. It helps maintain good oral health. It is believed to remove toxins from teeth and gums. In addition, some studies have shown that it can help reduce bleeding gums, reduce bacteria, and eliminate bad breath. However, more research is needed on how effective it is for dental health.
Suitable oils for oil pulling are-
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Raw coconut oil
However, oil pulling on an empty stomach in the morning is good for home remedies dental infection.
How to do it:
- Take a spoonful of oil of your choice.
- Swish it around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. But do not swallow it.
- Then spit out the oil by doing something (it is better not to pour it down the sink as it can clog the pipes).
Peppermint Extract & Tea
Mint naturally helps reduce pain and contains antibacterial properties that help prevent infection.
How to use:
- Take some fresh mint leaves and extract their juice.
- Soak a cotton ball in the juice and gently apply it to the affected tooth or gum.
- Use this process two to three times a day.
Also, drinking mint tea can relieve pain. And the infection inside the mouth can be reduced.
Discussed are 13 home remedies for dental infection that will help reduce toothache and pain. And will help improve dental health. However, you must consult a dentist because home remedies will only give you temporary relief.
Lifestyle tips for dental infection
Dental infections require treatment. Soft drinks, sugary foods, smoking, and alcohol also lower immunity. Dental infections can occur due to diabetes, etc. Here are some effective tips to keep your teeth healthy and strong:-
Maintain Regular Oral Hygiene
How to take care of your teeth regularly:
- You must brush your teeth before going to bed at night. So that bacteria do not grow from food residues.
- Should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. And along with brushing, floss at least once, this will remove bacteria and food accumulated in the gaps between your teeth.
Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Gargle with salt water. It will act as a disinfectant. It will help reduce infection and relieve pain. Gargle with salt water at least two to three times a day.
Avoid Sugary and Sweet Foods
Excess sugar and sweet foods activate the bacteria in the teeth. Which can increase the infection. So sugary foods and soft drinks should be avoided.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drink enough water because water keeps the saliva production normal in the mouth. Which prevents the growth of bacteria. Also, drinking enough water every day will improve oral health.
Eat Healthy and Nutritious Foods
To maintain good dental health, you should eat healthy and nutritious food. Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as lemon, guava, orange, etc. These protect the gums from infection. Foods rich in phosphorus and calcium such as eggs, milk, nuts, yogurt, etc. will strengthen the teeth.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol reduce the natural antibacterial resistance of the mouth. As a result, the infection can spread quickly.
Consult a Dentist if You Have Tooth Pain
If the pain is chronic or the infection is very serious. However, you should consult a dentist without delay and take medicine as per the doctor’s advice.
If your teeth are healthy, you will be able to eat comfortably and enjoy a healthy and beautiful life.
Dental infection Causes
Tooth infection is usually caused by bacterial invasion. Basically, it can cause infection in the root or inner part of the tooth, the gums. Below are the main causes of tooth infection:
- Tooth Decay (Dental Cavity): Tooth decay or dental cavity is one of the causes. If food accumulates in the teeth for a long time, bacteria grow. This causes the bacteria to produce AC, which gradually destroys the tooth enamel, resulting in infection deep inside the tooth. Then infection can occur.
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) : Gum inflammation can slowly turn into an infection. Bacteria can build up under the gums and cause infection.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: If a tooth is cracked or broken due to an injury or accident, bacteria can easily enter it. The inside of the tooth can become infected. This can cause pain and abscesses.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque builds up on your teeth, which can lead to bacteria. And the risk of infection increases.
- Issues with Previous Dental Treatments :Root canal or filling is not treated properly, your tooth may become infected again.
- Weak Immune System: Having diabetes or any other long-term disease reduces the body’s immunity. As a result, the risk of infection increases. In addition, oral health can deteriorate due to vitamin deficiency or malnutrition.
- Smoking and Unhealthy: Smoking or using tobacco products increases bacteria in the mouth. As a result, gum infection can occur. Also, excess sugar or soft drinks can increase tooth infection. Regular teeth cleaning. And healthy eating habits play a very important role in dental care.
Tooth infection treatment
If you have a boil on your tooth, seek medical attention immediately. If a serious infection of a tooth abscess is not treated on time, it can spread deep into the body, including other parts of the mouth.
Usually, the dentist can prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to reduce the infection. In some cases, it may be necessary to drain the abscess or remove the infected tooth. No one except a skilled and trained doctor can drain a tooth abscess. Trying to do it at home can be counterproductive and is best avoided. Tests that can be done to determine the location of the tooth infection are-
- X-ray: This is done to determine the location of the infection.
- OPG: This is used to monitor the growth of the infection in the tooth and jaw.
Among the precautions that need to be followed to avoid infection are: Dental hygiene, brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Flossing is recommended to avoid infection and plaque accumulation. However, if the infection spreads, the treatment method used is:
- If the abscess is filled with pus, the doctor drains the pus from the abscess to reduce tooth pain.
- Through the root canal procedure, the dentist removes the infection and accumulated pus that has spread to the gums.
- If the root canal procedure is not effective, the infected tooth is removed.
Many people use various natural remedies as home remedies. Even in that case, it should be used according to the doctor’s advice.
Conclusion
Tooth abscess is a very painful problem. Because if the teeth are healthy, your overall work will be normal. We chew food through our teeth. But if these teeth are not good, then both the taste of eating food or talking will be lost. In a word, teeth are one of the most valuable assets in your life. Therefore, if you have a dental problem, it can become serious if you do not get treatment on time.
The above-discussed home remedies for dental infection will give you temporary relief. But for a long-term solution, you must consult a dentist. Along with this, you should follow proper oral hygiene and healthy eating habits for the health of your teeth. Above all, you should be aware of dental problems so that you do not delay in getting treatment.
FAQ
How can I treat a dental infection at home?
You can use warm salt water gargles and clove oil as home remedies, but you should seek medical advice.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a tooth infection?
Following the doctor’s instructions and treating with antibiotics is the most effective way to quickly reduce dental infections.
How can I treat an infected tooth without antibiotics?
Home remedies other than antibiotics, such as essential oils, salt water gargles, fenugreek tea, etc., can relieve toothache, but treatment is necessary for complete recovery.
Can a tooth infection self heal?
Tooth infections do not heal on their own. Rather, they need to be treated or they can become more serious.
How to heal a root canal naturally?
Natural remedies such as clove oil and aloe vera can help with root canal infections, but should be used under the advice of a doctor.
