[toc]Tooth infections almost invariably lead to tooth abscess where puss accumulates in the gum or jaw bone just below or above the infected tooth. It is associated with excruciating and dreadful pain which is accentuated if you try to drink something hot or press upon it while chewing or biting food. It is a continuous pain that may be throbbing or shooting in nature.
It feels like the pain is gnawing at your dental structure. Tooth infections are caused by microorganisms that accumulate in the root of teeth. The bone surrounding the root of your tooth gets dissolved and forms an abscess. The malady can be precipitated by underlying periodontal disease, decay of tooth or even a failed root canal treatment.
Whatever be the precipitating factor the extreme pain will make even the toughest guy rush to the dentist’s chamber. You may need a surgery or root canal treatment. But before going to the doctor you can try some home remedies to lessen the degree of your suffering. There are some quite effective home remedies for tooth infections. Let us look at some of these.
5 Home Remedies For Tooth Infections
Cold Compress
As a first step to reduce the pain and swelling try some cold compress. Use ice cold water for this purpose. Soak a piece of cloth in this water and place it on the cheek just above the painful area.
The extreme cold will reduce the blood flow to the area and that will reduce the flow of both pain and inflammation chemicals that travel through blood. This will bring down the pain and inflammation.
Salt Water Rinse
The analgesic and antiseptic nature of salt is made use of in many problems including tooth problems. Salt can bring down inflammations, neutralize some infection causing agents and reduce pain. Even doctors recommend using salt for treating dental problems.
To get the maximum benefit take a glass of warm water and add some salt to it to make it just salty. Now rinse your mouth thoroughly with this warm solution taking care to touch the abscessed area very time. You will feel relieved within a few days.
Clove
Clove is perhaps the most widely used home remedy against dental problems. The essential oils contained in clove are antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic in nature. It is helpful in treating wounds in teeth and gums. It has been found to be an excellent remedy for treating tooth infections.
You can take some clove oil in a cotton swab and apply that directly over the infected area or the abscess. Do this at least twice a day. This will bring down the symptoms.
Garlic
The use of garlic for treating infections is well known around the world. It is perhaps one of the best antibiotics that nature has to offer. As tooth infections are generally caused by bacteria you can treat tooth infections with garlic.
The best way is to mash one or two cloves of garlic and place that between teeth in the infected area. Also smear some of it around the root of the affected teeth. Symptoms will alleviate slowly.
Peppermint
The volatile oils contained in peppermint are strongly antibiotic and analgesic in nature. They also have a soothing effect on the mucosal areas. It has been used for centuries to treat infections including tooth infection.
For best results make some peppermint tea and swish your mouth with it. You will feel much relieved. With regular use the abscess will come down.