Home Remedies for Abscessed Tooth : An abscessed tooth is a common term that is used to describe an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gums and tooth. It is mainly caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a crack, chip, or cavity that spreads all the way down to the tip of the root. This leads to inflammation, pain and pockets of pus. In many cases, an abscessed tooth is caused by severe gum disease like gingivitis or tooth decay. In addition, the risk of developing this problem increases with poor dental hygiene and a diet high in carbohydrates, sugar and sticky food.
There are many home remedies that you can use to help in fighting the infection and alleviating symptoms such as pain, swelling in the cheeks, sensitivity, swollen lymph nodes, red and sore gums, etc. Here is a look at some of the top natural remedies that you can try at home to treat an abscessed tooth.
Home Remedies for Abscessed Tooth – Natural Remedies for Tooth Abscess
1. Garlic – Garlic has natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it highly effective for the treatment of an abscessed tooth. It helps in relieving pain and preventing the infection from spreading.
How to Use:
Method 1
- Put a clove of fresh garlic in your mouth and crush it with your teeth. Chew it until the pain goes away.
- Spit it out and then rinse your mouth with warm water. To reduce the odor, add a few drops of clove oil to the warm water before rinsing.
Method 2
- Mix ½ a teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
- Apply it directly on the abscessed tooth.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
Garlic oil is also effective for an abscessed tooth. All you need to do is rub it on the affected tooth. Repeat these remedies 3 or 4 times a week for a couple of weeks until you experience relief from symptoms.
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2. Oil Pulling – This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that is known to have many health benefits. You can use it to treat an abscessed tooth or gum problems. This practice helps in reducing the amount of bacteria that is present in your mouth. It draws toxins not only from the mouth, but your entire body, promoting both oral and general overall health.
How to Use:
- Put 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil around in the mouth for a minimum of 15 minutes. Make sure that you do not swallow it.
- After 15 minutes, spit it out and rinse your mouth with warm water.
For best results, repeat this process twice a day for about 1 month. Always do this on an empty stomach.
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3. Black Tea Bag – This is another well-known home remedy for an abscessed tooth. Tea contains tannins that help in reducing pain and inflammation. It also contains anti-oxidants that effectively fight infection and promote good oral health.
How to Use:
- Soak 1 black tea bag in a cup of warm water for a few minutes.
- Remove it, wring out excess water and put the tea bag on the abscessed tooth.
- Leave it on for a couple of hours, or if possible, overnight.
- When the time is up, rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Do this once a day for a several weeks and you will get noticeable results. You will gain relief from pain, swelling and inflammation.
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4. Clove Oil – Clove oil is well known for effectively treating a variety of tooth and gum problems. It has antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic and bactericidal properties that aid in fighting against infection. Clove oil also contains antioxidants as well as nutrients like omega-3, manganese and fiber, which reduce inflammation and relieve pain, killing any type of infections present.
How to Use:
Method 1
- Gently massage your gums and brush your teeth with clove oil. Make sure not to apply too much pressure on the abscessed tooth.
- Repeat as necessary.
Method 2
- Mix 2 to 3 drops of pure clove oil and ¼ teaspoon of olive oil.
- Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place between the infected tooth and cheek.
- Leave it on for as long as you can, but do not leave it overnight.
- Repeat as regularly as required.
Method 3
- Fry 2 to 3 crushed cloves in a spoonful of mustard, coconut or sesame oil.
- Blend and make a paste.
- Apply to the infected area.
- Repeat as often as needed.
Alternately, you can chew cloves in between or whenever you need to relieve the pain. You can also mix clove oil with hydrogen peroxide and apply the mixture to the affected area using a cotton ball. Another way is to put some clove powder in gauze or a teabag, and place it between the infected area and cheek, and leave it on for 30 minutes. As mentioned, clove is a great remedy for tooth and gum problems and is sure to relieve symptoms of an abscessed tooth.
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5. Warm Salt Water – Salt is effective in reducing pain, infection and inflammation. Warm salt water prevents infection from spreading to the other parts of the mouth when used to gargle.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Stir until properly dissolved. You can choose from Epsom salt, unrefined sea salt or ordinary kitchen salt.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with the solution. Keep in mind that there the pain might heighten in the first few rinses before you experience relief.
- Repeat regularly, or as often as necessary.
This is a simple yet highly effective home remedy. The best part is that you will find salt readily available right in your kitchen so you can prepare the solution anytime for a fast relief from pain and inflammation.
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6. Oregano Oil – This excellent oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties that effectively heals infections and relieves pain. Not only does it make a perfect treatment for abscess tooth, but it also increases the efficiency of the immune system in fighting against infections.
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops of oregano oil to the affected tooth.
- Repeat as regularly as required.
Method 2:
- Mix 3 to 5 drops of oregano oil to ¼ cup of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with this solution.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day, or as required.
Method 3:
- Place a few drops of oregano oil under your tongue for 2 to 4 minutes and spit out.
- You can also rub colloidal silver on the infected area for instant relief from inflammation.
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7. Potato – Did you know that raw potato can eliminate infection with time? You can use it as a home remedy to treat an abscessed tooth too.
How to Use:
- Place a piece of raw potato between the infected tooth and your cheek before you go to sleep.
- Leave it overnight and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water the next morning.
- Repeat as regularly as needed.
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8. Sesame Seeds – Sesame seeds are also equally effective as the other remedies listed above. In fact, they are claimed to be powerful in fighting against bacteria and reduce pain.
How to Use:
- Boil 4 teaspoons of sesame seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes.
- Apply the liquid on the infected area with a cotton ball.
- Repeat 2 to 3 times a day, or as often as required.
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As you can see, there are many simple home remedies for abscessed tooth. However, a healthy diet is equally as important in order to boost the immune system and prevent infections and abscesses. Onions, tomatoes, cashews, fenugreek, wheat grass juice, fruits, vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are important to prevent an abscess tooth. Also keep in mind that you should treat an abscessed tooth quickly as bacterial infection are likely spread to other parts of the body and affect the function of the brain and heart. Make it a point to consult a dentist as soon as possible to prevent any tooth or gum infection.