You are probably having a hard time chewing your food or even opening and closing your jaws due to severe toothache. The pain might be so severe it is giving you a hard time proceeding with your daily activities.
If that sounds like you, then you might be having an abscessed tooth.
What is an abscessed tooth?
An abscessed tooth is a condition where a bacterial infection in the soft inner layer of your tooth called “pulp” reaches the root tip.
This condition can cause severe pain, inflammation, and pockets of pus. On most instances, it is usually caused due to tooth decay, gum diseases, poor dental hygiene, sugar-rich diet, etc…
On rare occasions, it can also occur due to faulty dental work, tooth trauma, undue grinding, and clenching of the teeth.
What are the symptoms of an abscessed tooth?
- Persistent and severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
- Change in taste senses
- Painful gums
- Pain while opening and closing the mouth
- Swelling in cheek
- Bad breath or mouth odor
What are the natural remedies for an abscessed tooth?
There are several folk remedies for this condition which you can safely try at home before checking with your Doctor. However, consult your doctor immediately if the pain becomes really hard to manage or you notice worsening of the symptoms despite trying out any of the remedies listed below.
Garlic
While garlic can be unpleasant for your breath, it is really good for your oral health. Garlic is rich in compounds that are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature which is good for treating abscessed tooth.
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that helps to relieve tooth pain and inhibit bacterial growth.
How to use
Method one
Bite a fresh garlic clove, crush it and chew it until the pain subsides and spit it out.
After spitting out the garlic, rinse your mouth using warm water to dislodge the bad odor.
If the odor persists after rinsing your mouth, then add some clove oil to the warm water and rinse your mouth again.
Method two
Mix 1/2 tsp of garlic powder with a pinch of table salt and place the resulting mixture over the affected tooth.
Let it sit for around 10 to 15 minutes and rinse your mouth using mouthwash.
Method three
Apply garlic oil to the affected tooth and let it get absorbed.
How often
Repeat any of these remedies 3 to 4 times a day till the condition is healed.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is a popular ayurvedic practice that comes with numerous health benefits including oral health benefits.
It is a popular remedy for bleeding and painful gums, and bad breath.
It can also be used to treat abscessed tooth.
It works by expelling toxins and inhibiting the growth of bacterias.
How to use it
Swish around one tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for around 15 minutes before spitting it out.
After spitting out the oil, rinse your mouth with warm water.
How often?
Repeat this process twice daily until the condition is healed. You can also make it a regular habit for added health benefits.
Note: Do not swallow the oil.
Cloves
Cloves and clove oil are widely used to treat toothache because of its numbing effect on gums.
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol which has antiseptic, analgesic, and antibacterial properties that help to soothe a toothache, and inflammation in gums.
How to use
Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and place it over the painful area for few minutes till the numbing action takes effect.
Another simple method is placing a clove directly between the affected tooth and your cheek. You might need to chew it a bit to release its juice. Let the cloves stay in your mouth for around 25 to 30 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Baking soda
Another cheap and effective natural remedy for tooth abscess is baking soda which is readily available in most kitchens and nearby grocery stores.
Baking soda has antibacterial properties and it is popularly used to remove plaque.
How to use it
To half a cup of water mix 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda and a pinch salt and mix it well.
Swish this solution in your mouth for up to 5 minutes and spit it out.
Do the same for the rest of the solution until you finish it off.
How often
Do this at least two times a day to get relief from toothache and soothe abscess.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties which help to curb the bacterias responsible for tooth abscess.
How to use
Method one
Dilute 2 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide solution with 1 tablespoon of warm water.
Swish this solution in your mouth for around 5 minutes and spit it out.
Follow this remedy once every alternative day.
Method two
Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to make it into a paste.
Apply this paste over the affected tooth or gums and leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing it off using warm water.
Follow this remedy two to three times a week.
Note: Use only 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that help to keep bacterias responsible for an abscessed tooth at bay.
How to use it
Swish 1 tablespoon of raw and undiluted apple cider vinegar in your mouth for 3 to 5 minutes before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Do not swallow the apple cider vinegar under any circumstances.
Repeat this process a few times a day to soothe the pain and inflammation.
Saltwater
Another popular remedy for toothache and oral disorder is saltwater. Salt has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that help to ease inflammation and reduce toothache.
It works by inhibiting the growth of harmful pain-causing bacterias.
How to use it
Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, mix it well and use it to rinse your mouth.
Repeat this two to three times a day to eliminate the infection and reduce pain.
Turmeric
Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain in an abscessed tooth.
How to use it
Method one
Make a paste out of turmeric powder and water and use this paste to brush your teeth gently.
After brushing the teeth apply a small amount of paste directly to the affected area, let it sit there for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off using warm water.
Method two
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water.
Swish the resulting solution in your mouth for a few minutes and spit it out.
Repeat the process until you finish off all the solution.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is a rich source of certain compounds that has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It also helps to fight abscessed tooth by strengthening your immunity.
How to use it
Method one
Soak and a cotton ball in oregano oil and dab it directly over the affected tooth. You can squeeze the cotton a bit to release the contents.
Let the oil sit in place for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off using warm water.
Method two
Mix 3 to 5 drops of oregano oil in 1/4 cup of warm water and prepare a mouthwash solution.
Swish around this solution in your mouth for about 10 minutes and spit it out completely.
Repeat this method three to four times a day for best results.
Note: Do not swallow the solution.
Peppermint leaves and peppermint oil
Peppermint is an excellent ingredient to reduce the pain due to an abscessed tooth.
It has a rich antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation and swelling caused due to tooth infection.
An added benefit of using peppermint oil and peppermint leaves is that it makes your breath smell fresh.
How to use it
Apply a few drops of peppermint oil directly to the affected tooth and rub it gently using your fingertips for 2 to 3 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also apply freshly extracted peppermint juice from its leaves and apply it to the painful tooth.
Repeat any of this method two to three times a day for best results.