If you have a tooth abscess, you know the pain and discomfort it can cause. An abscess is a pocket of infection that forms in the gums or bone around a tooth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma to the mouth. The infection causes a build-up of pus, which can be painful and can even spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. While it is always best to see a dentist for treatment of an abscess, there are a few ways to naturally get rid of the infection at home.
Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
The most common signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
• Severe toothache
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Swelling in the face, neck, or jaw
• Pus drainage from the infected area
• High fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Bad breath
• A metallic taste in the mouth
At-Home Treatments
If you have a tooth abscess, there are some things you can do at home to help relieve the pain and reduce the infection.
Salt Water Rinse
One of the most effective home remedies for tooth abscesses is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. The salt water helps to draw out the infection and reduce the pain and swelling. To make the rinse, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for several minutes. Repeat this several times a day until the infection has gone away.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Another home remedy for a tooth abscess is to rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide helps to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection. To use this remedy, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water and swish it around your mouth for several minutes. Spit out the solution and rinse your mouth with plain water after each use.
Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can also help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with a tooth abscess. To use this remedy, wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to the affected area for 15 minutes at a time. Do this several times a day until the pain and swelling are gone.
Garlic
Garlic has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the infection and pain associated with a tooth abscess. To use this remedy, crush one clove of garlic and mix it with a little water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for several minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Do this several times a day until the infection has gone away.
When to See a Dentist
If home remedies don’t work, or if the pain is severe, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist can diagnose the problem and provide proper treatment, such as antibiotics, to help get rid of the infection.
Conclusion
A tooth abscess can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but there are some things you can do at home to help reduce the infection and pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, hydrogen peroxide, or garlic can help to draw out the infection and reduce the pain. If home remedies don’t work, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Khalid Irfan is a Fitness expert who enjoys spending time in gym. He also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand his horizons.
