What can you do for an abscess tooth

A tooth infection or abscess can spread the surrounding bone and gum tissue, and the pain can become more severe. If you are experiencing signs of an infected tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Though treatment is necessary to resolve the issue, you can take steps to manage your pain until then.

Signs your tooth is infected

If you’ve ever experienced a tooth infection, you know it can be very uncomfortable. A tooth infection is typically accompanied with a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can be found anywhere in the mouth. 

There are two types of abscesses. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums, usually near the side of the tooth.  

A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity. If the interior of your tooth (filled with dental pulp), encounters any unknown substance, it can inflame the blood vessels and nerves, impacting the tooth enamel. Endodontic treatment helps treat tooth decay and other infected materials to help seal and fight future infections. 

Rick Davis, DDS, and Rick Schwartz, DDS, are experts in endodontics at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, visit a specialist who can diagnose and help treat it.

Signs and symptoms of an infected tooth

You may have an infected or abscessed tooth if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Painful throbbing in your tooth, jawbone or near your neck
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Sensitivity to the pressure (chewing or biting)
• Fever
• Swelling in your face 
• Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or neck
• A salty fluid taste in your mouth
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Contact your dentist if you think you may have an infection, and consider the below home remedies to soothe your symptoms until then.

Home remedies for immediate relief 

When you suspect an infected tooth, there are a few home remedies you can try. These remedies are temporary. You should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you feel severe pain. To ease the pain immediately, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Advil, Tylenol or Motrin IB.

Rinse with salt water 

Rinsing with salt water creates a saline mixture to safely begin sterilizing the infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting. Repeat every few hours if needed.

Make a baking soda paste

Baking soda is a quick and effective way to ease an infected tooth. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water and a bit of table salt. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes and again until the mixture is gone.

Cold compress

When in doubt, place a cold compress on the infected area. Take a cold compress to the infected area for 15 minutes at a time. Repeat as needed. This remedy will help numb the area and decrease inflammation. 

While there are home remedies for an infected tooth, your safest bet is to schedule an appointment with your Endodontic Doctor. Call or book an appointment at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio to lessen the pain and cure your infected tooth. 

Share this Article

How do you get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist? Why did this question come in the first place? The reason could be broken, chipped, or decaying teeth, which can allow bacteria to enter your teeth. If bacteria seep into a tooth’s center, it can cause infection. Additionally, if pus starts to build up in the tooth, it can result in severe tooth pain. Too much delay in treatment can allow the infection to spread to the gums and bones in the mouth.

Your dentist can provide the most effective treatment for tooth abscesses. But not everyone likes this idea. If you’re someone who doesn’t like visiting a dental office and are looking for ways to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist, this article can be helpful. Specifically, we’ll explore a few home remedies to find relief from the pain and discomfort caused by a tooth infection.

How to drain a tooth abscess at home

1.    Saltwater rinse

Rinse your mouth with salt water to find temporary relief from a tooth abscess. It’s an easily available remedy that promotes healthy gums and is effective for wound healing.

To prepare this salty remedy, take ½ teaspoon of salt and mix it with ½ cup of warm water. Now swish the salty mixture in your mouth for at least 2 mins. Repeat the process three times a day.

2.    Baking soda rinse

Baking soda is another effective way to drain tooth abscesses at home. This remedy is good at removing plaque and has antibacterial properties. Just like a salt water rinse, you can prepare a baking soda rinse. Rinse your mouth with this mixture for 5 minutes and do this two times a day.

3.    Cold compress

A cold compress can bring down the pain and swelling due to an abscessed tooth. You can use an ice pack or make one yourself. For example, a few ice cubes wrapped in a towel will work well. Apply the cold pack to the inflamed area for 15 minutes, take it off, and wait for 15 minutes before reapplying. Do this several times a day.

4.    Oregano essential oil

With its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, oregano oil can help minimize the soreness due to a tooth abscess without going to the dentist. Oregano oil is a strong agent, so it’s best to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to the painful area. Specifically, take a cotton ball and apply the diluted oregano oil for 2-3 minutes. Now take off the cotton ball and leave the oil like that for 10 minutes before spitting. Repeat this three times a day.

5.    Thyme essential oil

Thyme oil can fight off bacteria, parasites, and minimize inflammation. Mix it with a carrier oil and apply it with a swab or cotton ball. Another way of using thyme oil as a pain reliever is making a mouth wash by adding a few drops of oil into a glass of water. Repeat this three times a day.

6.    Fenugreek tea

Fenugreek spice is famous for its antibacterial characteristics and helps in minimizing swelling and healing wounds.

To make fenugreek tea, boil one cup of water and stir in 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek. Once the mixture cools down, apply it to the painful area with a swab or cotton ball three times a day.

7.    Hydrogen peroxide

Another effective way to fight tooth infection and get rid of the pain is hydrogen peroxide solution. It can also help minimize dental plaque and prevent oral bleeding.

To make a solution, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with the mixture. Carefully spit out the rinse.

8.    Garlic

Garlic is an effective home remedy that kills bacteria and reduces pain. Crush a fresh garlic clove and make a paste. Now apply this paste to the painful area multiple times a day.

9.    Aloe Vera gel

Aloe Vera gel can soothe skin irritations and help heal cuts or burns. With its antibacterial properties, aloe vera gel can eliminate pain from an abscessed tooth. Applying the gel to the infected tooth or gums can help get rid of the pain immediately and fight off the infection.

When to see a doctor

If you delay the treatment for an abscessed tooth, it can affect your eyes and face. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist right away. It’s not possible to completely treat a tooth abscess without going to the dentist.

Schedule an appointment with the experts at Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics by calling one of our locations.

How can I treat an abscessed tooth myself?

Can you cure an abscess tooth without antibiotics?

What is the fastest way to get rid of a dental abscess?