Also known as, a dental abscess, a tooth abscess is a dental infection that leads to the collection of pus. Generally, this inspection spreads to the root of your tooth, and that’s why you experience a lot of pain when you have an abscess.
The best remedy for abscesses is getting treatment from your dentist. However, it might take days before you get a dentist appointment and, in most cases, the terrible pain cannot wait. For this reason, you can opt to try out some home remedies, to ease the pain and help you get through the few hours or days of waiting for permanent treatment.
Causes of tooth abscess
There are several causes of tooth abscess. However, the leading cause of an abscessed tooth according to Batavia IL Family Dental. is plaque build-up because of poor oral care. Mostly, this includes failing to brush or floss your teeth regularly, as well as failure to use fluoride. The following are other causes of tooth abscesses:
- Dental injuries and damage – dental injuries and damage, or deep cracks on your teeth can promote the spread of bacteria to other parts of your gums or teeth, and this can lead to an abscess.
- Certain medical conditions – anyone with a weak immune system, or people under medication for certain health conditions are more likely to develop tooth abscess. People in this category include diabetic patients, chemotherapy patients, and people who use steroids.
- Poor diet – eating foods with high sugar levels or processed foods increases the chances of plaque build-up. Now, if you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, there is a higher chance of tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to a tooth abscess. Don’t neglect your dental visits either, so book an appointment to get deep teeth cleaning with the dentists in chattanooga now.
Below are six tips to consider for your abscessed tooth.
Saltwater
Saltwater is an easy and the most affordable mode of temporary pain relief for an abscessed tooth. You can attain pain relief by rinsing the mouth with salt water. It helps in stimulating healing for the wound created by abscesses and promoting healthy gums.
Steps to take for this remedy;
- Put ½ a teaspoon of table salt in ½ a cup of warm tap water and stir.
- Rinse and swish the salt water around inside your mouth for 2minutes.
- Spit out the water.
- Repeat the procedure up to three times a day.
OTC pain medication
Many people have one or two pain relieving tablets inside their homes, in case of a headache, muscle pain, or any other pain. These are over-the-counter (OTC) types of medication. You can buy them from a drugstore without having to undergo tests or explain the illness to the seller. The tablets come in handy in fighting against the pain caused by tooth abscesses. However, it is not right to place the painkiller on the paining tooth or gum as it may burn the tissue and worsen the pain. Unless otherwise directed, the medicine is beneficial when swallowed. This way, it helps reduce the pain as well as the inflammation inside the tooth. If you continue to experience pain or feel worse after taking the medication, you consider seeking immediate attention from your dentist.
Clove oil
Clove oil has an active ingredient known as eugenol, which has pain-relieving properties. It works as an anesthetic and an anti-bacterial solution that you can apply to tooth abscesses. A small amount can help to create a temporary numb effect on the affected area, easing the pain. Clove oil can have a strong smell that can be unpleasant if spread to other parts of the mouth. A study by the National Institutes of Health indicates that ingesting a lot of cloves oil might be harmful to your health. It may cause symptoms such as a burning throat, shallow breathing, dizziness, and a fast heartbeat.
Peppermint tea bags
The San Diego dentists from Bajars Dental say that a wet peppermint tea bag has a soothing effect when placed on the abscessed tooth. Some patients have found it effective though the coolness of the wet tea bag is what brings about the relief and not a therapeutic property in the peppermint. It does not have any adverse effect on the affected area so it is safe to try out.
Toothache gels
You can find toothache gels in grocery or drug stores. These are designed to help relieve pain caused by tooth problems including abscesses. The gels have anesthetic and antibacterial products such as eugenol and benzocaine. These ingredients help to create a temporary numb effect and ease the pain in the abscessed area.
Avoid alcohol
Some people soak a cotton pad with alcohol and apply it to the abscessed tooth. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the use of alcohol as a pain reliever can be dangerous, as a lot of it is needed to attain the numbing effect. This is a bad idea. It is even worse for children. The remedy does not clear the infection either. It may not be your go-to option.
Bottom Line
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist can help to prevent dental abscesses from occurring. Besides, time also plays an important role—when you let your tooth be infected. Now, the longer you allow your tooth to go untreated, the higher the chances of infection that lead to a dental abscess. Therefore, it’s important to take the necessary steps to fix your decayed, sensitive, or fractured teeth to prevent the possibility of a dental abscess. Lastly, don’t let your tooth abscess sit around unattended—visit your dentist for professional care.
Also Read: Create a Home for Radiant Smiles with Worldwide Dentists and Dentist Central Coast Clinics
