Home Remedies for Tooth Infection

by Disease Fix Largest Disease Information Center

Tooth infection is also known as ‘Dental Abscess’. Infection can be pus filled area caused by bacteria. Early symptoms may include throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting, fever may occur, swelling on face or cheek, swollen and tender lymph nodes under the jaw or in neck, sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting i.e. bad breath, salty fluid in mouth and pain relief if the abscess ruptures.

The main reasons for dental abscess or tooth decay can be high sugar content diet and poor dental hygiene. Sometimes foreign substance can also cause infection in gum and can lead dental abscess. Severe dental abscess, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay or rotten teeth. This can also affect the overall health of a person.

Prevention of tooth infection

High sugar content foods should be strictly avoided.
Dental flossing and brushing twice should be a habit to maintain dental hygiene.
Usage of fluorinated drinking water should be recommended to keep teeth clean.
An antiseptic or a fluoride mouth rinse should be used for an extra layer of protection against tooth decay or other dental problems.
Fluoride tooth pastes are best suggested to prevent dental infections.
Cavities or cracks in teeth of small kids can be a reason of dental infection. Since birth to when your child is 12 months old, keep your baby's mouth clean by gently wiping the gums with a clean baby washcloth. When the first teeth appear, gently brush them using a soft baby toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Read about Baby Teeth Chart here.

Tooth Infection Home remedies

Garlic is very effective in treating dental problems as it possesses anti-inflammatory and natural antibiotic properties. You can chew it or rub it on the infected area until the pain disappears.
Salt water can be used like a mouth wash to provide temporary relief from the pain.
Baking soda mixed with salt and water is another affordable option to treat abscessed tooth. Regularly cleaning teeth with baking soda removes plaque in the mouth, and also provides an antibacterial affect.
Clove oil is also very effective as it has antiseptic, analgesic and antibacterial properties. Clove oil helps to reduce toothache, inflammation and soreness in the gums due to any dental issue.
A black tea bag is also another very good home remedy for an abscessed tooth. It contains tannins that help to reduce pain and inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that help fight infection and promote good oral health.
Oregano oil has both antibacterial and antioxidant property and is helpful in reducing the swelling and pain of abscessed tooth.
A cold compress or an ice pack reduces pain and swelling in the tooth.
Oil pulling is a very common ancient method of oral hygiene. It is used to treat mouth ailments and also to help remove toxins from the teeth and gums. Some people suggest that oil pulling is a good treatment for bleeding gums, bad breath, and for reducing bacteria.
Powdered asafoetida seeds are also used since ages to handle toothaches. Some studies suggest that sulfur-containing compounds present in asafoetida can have a desensitizing effect and is used as a remedy for toothache.
Coriander and turmeric are best used to reduce inflammation in gums due to their antimicrobial nature.
Apple cider vinegar has disinfectant properties that help to reduce pain and kill infection. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduces swelling and disinfect the area.
Hydrogen peroxide is a great known disinfectant and has certain antibacterial properties that help kill the bacteria that cause an abscessed tooth.

If these home remedies do not work, then the patient should visit the doctor. Generally, doctors prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection and reduce the pain but if the condition of the tooth is worsening, the doctor might even suggest removing it.

About Author:

Mohd Zaheer, is a senior microbiologist and is associated with DiseaseFix as a researcher. DiseaseFix develops health information modules for patients and provides a unique platform to allow access of reliable information of a variety of types for diseases.