Home Remedies for Tooth Infections - Temporary Relief Until Dental Care

Home Remedies for Tooth Infections

Tooth infections, also called dental abscesses, are accumulations of pus caused by bacterial infection of the pulp tissue deep within a tooth. Left untreated, tooth infections can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even dangerous spreading infections.

While only a dentist can definitively diagnose and properly treat a tooth infection, there are some home remedies you can try for temporary relief until you can get professional help. These include:

Salt Water Rinse

Swishing warm salt water around an infected tooth provides simple but effective pain relief and healing benefits. The salt helps draw out fluid and infection from the abscess.

Stir 1 teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm (not hot) water. Swish gently for 30 seconds, 2-3 times per day until you can see a dentist.

Clove Oil

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that helps numb tooth pain. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe inflammation and fight infection.

Soak a small cotton ball in clove oil and gently dab it onto the sore tooth and gum. You can also dilute a few drops of clove oil in coconut oil and swish it around your mouth.

Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial properties that may help control infection. Cut a fresh garlic clove in half and rub it directly on the affected tooth and gum for its painkilling effect.

You can also chew raw garlic cloves or mix crushed garlic with a little olive oil and apply the paste to the area. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Onion

Like garlic, raw onion has natural antibiotic qualities. Place a small piece of raw onion directly on the tooth and surrounding gum and leave it for 30 minutes to relieve pain and fight bacteria.

Guava Leaves

Guava leaves have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that may relieve tooth infection symptoms. Boil 5-6 leaves in water for 5-7 minutes. Strain and swish the water around your mouth several times a day.

Peppermint Tea Bags

Used tea bags contain tannins that can help reduce swelling and pain. Moisten a peppermint tea bag and gently hold it against the affected area for 5-10 minutes.

The menthol in peppermint also provides a soothing anesthetic effect against tooth pain.

When to See a Dentist

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible if you suspect a tooth infection. Some signs it’s time for professional treatment include:

• Severe, constant, throbbing toothache
• Pain that worsens when lying down
• Swelling around the face, jaw or neck
• Redness or pimple on the gums
• Fever, chills and nausea
• Foul taste from the infected tooth
• Gum boils or blisters

See a dentist immediately if the pain becomes unbearable, you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or the infection spreads beyond the tooth to your face and jaw.

Tooth Infection Symptoms

Recognizing a tooth infection early on and getting treatment can prevent complications. Be alert for these common signs of an infected tooth:

Toothache

A severe throbbing, pounding toothache concentrated in one tooth is the hallmark symptom of infection. Pain may be constant or come and go.

Tooth Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids can indicate pulp inflammation within a decayed tooth prior to actual infection.

Gum Swelling

The gums surrounding an infected tooth often become inflamed, swollen and tender to the touch. You may see a pimple-like pus bump on the gums.

Bad Breath

Foul-smelling breath originating from the infected tooth may occur, as pus and dead tissue accumulate in the abscess.

Loose Tooth

Infection damage to tooth ligaments and bone can cause the tooth to loosen and feel strange or uneven when you bite down.

Difficulty Opening Mouth

Extensive swelling and inflammation of the gums around an infected tooth can make it hard to open your mouth fully.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes near the infected tooth may become tender and swollen as your body fights the infection.

Causes of Tooth Infections

Dental abscesses are most often caused by severe tooth decay. Other possible causes include:

• Deep cavities - Bacteria invade deep inside a decayed tooth and infect the pulp and root.
• Cracked teeth - Cracked teeth allow bacteria to enter the inner pulp chamber.
• Chipped teeth - Broken tooth enamel exposes the pulp to decay and infection.
• Previous dental work - Fillings and other restorations that become defective can allow bacteria inside the tooth.
• Trauma - A traumatic injury that cracks or damages a tooth makes it prone to infection.
• Tooth grinding - Constant grinding wears away enamel, increasing decay and infection risk.

Types of Dental Abscesses

Dentists classify two main types of tooth infections based on their location:

Periapical Abscess

A periapical (per-e-ap-ih-cal) abscess occurs in the roots at the tip of the tooth. It forms when cavities spread deep inside the tooth, infecting the pulp chamber containing nerves and blood vessels.

Periodontal Abscess

A periodontal (per-e-o-don-tal) abscess involves infection of the gums and ligaments surrounding the tooth root and supporting structures. It is usually caused by severe gum disease.

Risk Factors

You may be at increased risk for tooth infections if you:

• Have untreated cavities or broken teeth
• Don’t receive regular professional dental cleanings
• Have had recent dental work like fillings, root canals, crowns or tooth extractions
• Have gum disease, gingivitis or periodontitis
• Have a weakened immune system or ongoing illness
• Are diabetic, since high blood sugar increases infection risk
• Consume sugary foods and acid drinks like soda that promote tooth decay
• Use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs like methamphetamine

Complications

While rare, some potential complications of an untreated infected tooth include:

• Spreading infection - Bacteria can spread from the tooth to surrounding tissues under the tongue, the neck, sinuses or the brain.
• sepsis - A widespread bacterial infection of the blood stream.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing - Infection swelling around the jaw, mouth and neck can obstruct breathing passages.
• Osteomyelitis - An infection of the jaw bone that causes bone damage and death.
• Facial cellulitis - A serious skin infection of the face that causes painful swelling.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• Swelling that spreads beyond your jaw to your face or neck
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening your mouth fully
• Severe fever, chills, sweating and weakness
• Confusion, changes in vision, trouble speaking or loss of consciousness
• Numbness or paralysis in your face
• Changes in taste sensation or hearing loss

These symptoms may indicate a spreading or systemic life-threatening infection requiring urgent treatment.

Do's and Don'ts with a Tooth Infection

Until you can reach professional dental care, follow these do's and don'ts:

Do:

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat soft, lukewarm foods
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling

Don't:

• Use heat, which can increase swelling
• Chew hard foods on the infected side
• Smoke or drink alcohol, which slow healing
• Ignore the infection, hoping it will go away

Relieving Pain at Home

Until professional dental treatment is available, you can get temporary relief from tooth infection pain with these home care tips:

• OTC pain medication - Ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen can relieve discomfort.
• Cold compress - Applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth helps reduce swelling.
• Dental analgesia gel - Products like Anbesol provide topical pain relief.
• Clove oil - Applying this natural anesthetic oil helps numb pain.
• Dietary changes - Stick to soft foods and avoid very hot or cold foods.
• Proper oral hygiene - Gently brushing and flossing unaffected areas keeps bacteria in check.

Seeing the Dentist for Treatment

Only a dentist can definitively diagnose and properly treat a tooth infection. Treatment options may include:

• Root canal - The infected pulp is removed and the tooth interior cleaned and sealed.
• Tooth extraction - Removing the tooth if the infection is severe and cannot be treated with root canal.
• Antibiotics - Oral or intravenous antibiotics to resolve infection and swelling.
• Drainage - Lancing a gum boil to drain pus or surgically opening the root tip to drain an abscess.
• Debridement - Removing infected gum tissue in the case of a periodontal abscess.

Quick professional treatment ensures the infection is fully cured and prevents it from worsening or spreading.

Preventing Future Tooth Infections

Practice good dental care and hygiene to avoid tooth infections:

• Brush teeth thoroughly twice daily.
• Floss at least once daily.
• Visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups.
• Use antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria.
• Eat a healthy diet low in sugars and acidic foods.
• Don't smoke, chew tobacco or use illegal drugs.
• Get cavities, chips and cracks in teeth repaired promptly.

Prompt treatment of minor problems will help prevent severe tooth infections and save your smile!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.