Any tooth abscess needs to be treated by a dentist, but you may be able to ease the pain of the infection at home with a saltwater rinse or a cold cloth.
Infections that start inside the tooth can lead to an abscess. Bugs can get into a tooth that is broken, chipped, or rotting.
When the bacteria get to the center of the tooth and infect it, pus builds up inside the tooth. It hurts because the pus in the tooth swells up. If you don’t treat the problem, it could spread to your gums and jaw bones.
A tooth abscess needs to be treated by a doctor, but there are some things you can do at home to ease the pain that the infection is causing.
Causes of a Gum Abscess
When germs in the mouth infect the space between the teeth and gums, they form a gum abscess. Periodontitis disease, which is brought on by bad oral care, can lead to some gum abscesses.
When plaque builds up under the gums, it causes inflammation of the gums, which is known as periodontitis disease. Sticky, clear layer of bacteria is called plaque. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, it can get stuck between your teeth and cause an illness in the tissue around them. This could lead to the formation of an abscess.
A deep periodontal hole can also lead to a gum abscess. When you have gum disease, a hole forms around your teeth. This is called a periodontal pocket. This place is good for bacteria to live. Bacteria can grow in this space if food and plaque get stuck in it.
A weak immune system can also make you more likely to get a gum abscess because it can’t fight off infections. Some things that can weaken your body’s defenses are being tired, worried, or sick for a long time.
Symptoms of a Gum Abscess
People with some mouth and gum problems might not even know they have them because they don’t show many signs at first. With a gum infection, this is not true.
These sores can make the area very painful for a long time. The area may also look swollen and red if you open your mouth and look at it. These are some other signs of a gum abscess:
- Sensitivity to heat or cold foods and drinks
- Having a bad taste in your mouth (from pus release) and pain when you chew
- pus drainage fever
How To Diagnose A Gum Abscess
Don’t ignore these signs if your gums hurt or feel tender or if you taste pus in your mouth. You should see your doctor as soon as possible. Based on your symptoms, your dentist may be able to tell if you have a gum tumor or something else.
At this visit, your dentist may look for signs of an infection in your gums and check them out. Some of these are pain, redness, and swelling. The doctor may also order a dental X-ray to look at your gums and see if you have periodontal disease or an infected tooth (due to pulp infection). Your doctor can also use an X-ray to see if the infection has caused you to lose bone mass.
The signs of a gum cyst might get a little better over time. But you should still see a dentist to treat the infection even if the cyst breaks open and drains.
Complications Of A Gum Abscess
You shouldn’t ignore a gum sore. If you don’t treat the infection, it can get deeper into the gums and hurt the teeth and bones nearby. This could make the pain and swelling worse, and the infection could spread to other parts of your body and face.
Sometimes, an infection in the gums can spread to the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, a serious illness that can kill. Some signs of sepsis are:
- A temperature above 101˚F (38˚C)
- Having trouble breathing
- Stomach pain
- Faster heart rate
Who Gets Teeth That Are Infected?
An abscessed tooth is more likely to happen if you:
- Smoke: Tooth abscesses happen about twice as often in smokers as in nonsmokers.
- Have dry mouth (xerostomia): Bacteria love mouths that don’t have enough saliva.
- Poor mouth hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist for regular cleanings get rid of bacteria.
- Have a weak immune system: Some diseases or medicines can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off germs.
Revitalize Gum Abscess: 5 Effective Ways to Get Rid of It
The following home remedies can be used along with treatments that your doctor has recommended.
1. Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with saltwater is a simple and cheap way to help your abscessed tooth feel better for a short time. In addition, it can help wounds heal and keep lips healthy.
To use this remedy:
- Add half a teaspoon of regular table salt to half a cup of warm tap water.
- Use the salt water to clean your mouth. For at least two minutes, try to move it around in your mouth.
- Split the water out.
- Do this as many times as you want every day.
2. Baking Soda
Another cheap way to treat mouth and teeth problems is with baking soda, which may also help with an abscessed tooth. There may be some in your kitchen cabinet already.
Baking soda is a great way to get rid of plaque in the mouth. It’s also good at killing germs.
To use this remedy:
- Add a pinch of salt and 2 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cup of water.
- For up to five minutes, swish the stuff around in your mouth.
- Do this again and again until you’re done with the mixture.
- This can be done twice a day.
3. Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil that can reduce inflammation, kill germs, and protect cells from damage. It might help make an abscessed tooth less painful and swollen. To keep the discomfort from getting worse, make sure to mix any essential oil with a carrier oil first.
To use this remedy:
- Add a few drops of oregano oil to an ounce of a different oil.
- Use a cotton ball or swab to put a few drops of this mixture on it.
- For two to three minutes, keep the cotton ball on the wound.
- Take out the swab or cotton ball. After at least 10 minutes, wash your face with water.
- Do this as many times as you want every day.
4. Cold Compress
A cold pack can help ease pain and stiffness.
To use this remedy:
- Place ice cubes in a dry towel.
- Press the compress against your skin close to where it hurts.
- For 15-minute chunks, the compress can be used.
- This could be done more than once a day.
5. Fenugreek Tea:
Fenugreek may be good for you because it fights germs and free radicals. It has a long history of use as a home remedy to lower inflammation and help cuts heal.
To use this remedy:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek to 1 cup of hot water in a pot and stir to make fenugreek tea.
- Let the bowl of stuff cool down.
- Use a cotton ball to put a small amount on the hurt spot.
- Do this as many times as you want every day.
6. Clove Essential Oil
Since ancient times, clove oil has been used to treat toothaches naturally. There is a chance that it can kill germs and reduce inflammation.
Clove essential oil is very strong, but it also comes in less concentrated forms. If you use the essential oil form, remember to mix 3″5 drops of oil with an ounce of a carrier oil first.
You can use this remedy several ways:
- Put a few drops of the diluted oil on a cotton ball or swab and rub it on the area that hurts.
- Putting a few drops of clove oil into a small glass of water will also make a mouthwash.
- You can use clove oil three times a day.
7. Thyme Essential Oil
Another strong essential oil is thyme oil. Because it is an antioxidant, it may kill parasites, fight germs, and reduce swelling. Before you use it, make sure to mix it with a carrier oil.
This cure can be used in a number of ways:
- Use a cotton ball or swab to apply thyme oil that has been dampened to the area that needs help.
- Adding a few drops of watered-down thyme oil to a small glass of water will make tooth paste.
- You can use the thyme oil three times a day.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
In addition to killing germs, hydrogen peroxide may help lessen swelling when used as a mouthwash. It can also help get rid of bacteria and gum bleeding.
To use this remedy
- Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to two parts water and mix them together.
- Move the solution around in your mouth and then spit it out. Do not take any of the fluid by mouth.
- You can use hydrogen peroxide more than once a day.
9. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is another old way to clean your teeth and treat problems with your mouth.
People think that oil pulling gets rid of toxins in the teeth and gums. Few studies have shown that oil pulling may help with gum bleeding, bad smell, and getting rid of bacteria. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research proof to say for sure if it works for oral health.
Good oils for oil pulling include:
- pure coconut oil
- olive oil sesame oil
- Before going to bed, you should do oil pulling in the morning.
To use this remedy:
- Put one tablespoon of the oil you chose in your mouth.
- For up to 20 minutes, you should really rub the oil between your teeth .
- Do not take the oil in. If you don’t want to clog your lines, dump the oil into the trash instead of your sink.
10. Garlic
Another natural cure that has been used for many years in traditional medicine is garlic. At least one study on animals shows that it might be able to heal wounds.
To use this remedy
- Crush a fresh garlic clove to make a paste.
- Put the paste on the area that is sick.
- This can be done more than once a day.
When To See A Dentist
If you don’t see a dentist, an abscessed tooth is a dangerous infection that can spread to other parts of your face and body.
If you have a tooth problem, you should see a doctor right away. Most likely, an antibiotic and painkillers will be prescribed by a doctor or dentist.
They might also have to drain the cyst or take out a tooth. A qualified medical worker is the only one who can drain and abscess. This is not something that should be done at home because it could go wrong.
The above home remedies are meant to be used in addition to the medicines your doctor prescribes. You might need antibiotics and oral care right away.
Outlook
An abscess will usually heal on its own as long as the person goes to the dentist for help. But if you don’t treat it, it probably won’t go away. It can last for months or even years, and problems that could be life-threatening may happen.
It could take one to two weeks to heal, depending on how bad the abscess is. Antibiotics are one way to treat it. You could also get root canal treatment, make a cut and drain the pus, or remove the tooth.
How To Prevent Dental Abscesses
You can help keep tooth abscesses from happening by doing a few things.
Do
- At least twice a day, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing, but don’t rinse. Every day, use floss or an interdental brush to clean between your teeth.
- Every one to three months, get a new toothbrush. Also, go to the dentist for regular checkups so problems can be found early.
Don’t
- Do not use mouthwash right after brushing your teeth.
- Do not smoke.
Gum Abscess Vs. Dental Abscess
In medical terms, a gum abscess is in the gums and a tooth abscess is in the tooth itself. That being said, there is some overlap. For example, a periodontal infection can hurt both the tooth and the gum.
Infections in the tooth and pulp can also sometimes spread to the gums. This could be a tooth with a big hole or decay in the root, which gives bacteria room to grow inside the tooth and in the tissue around it.
Sometimes, a deep gum cyst can get worse and start to hurt the tooth and pulp. Infections that are very bad, like ones that affect both the tooth and the gum, usually need a lot of care.
A doctor might call a group of abscesses in the mouth “oral abscesses.” They will figure out which type it is and treat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Tooth Abscess Go Away Naturally?
If you don’t see a dentist, your tooth sore will not go away. If you have tooth abscesses, you could try natural treatments like garlic, oil pulling, baking soda, fenugreek tea, cold rubs, saltwater rinses, or hydrogen peroxide rinses to feel better.
Can I Get Rid Of A Tooth Abscess Myself?
Not at all. You can ease the pain for a short time, but you’ll need to see a dentist about a tooth cyst.
How Do You Get Rid Of An Abscessed Tooth At Home?
A trip to the dentist is the best way to get rid of a tooth cyst. Most likely, you will be given antibiotics. You may also need other types of treatment, like root canal therapy, a cut and drainage, or having the tooth pulled out. It usually takes between one and two weeks for a tooth sore to heal with the right care.
What Is The Fastest Home Remedy For A Tooth Abscess?
If you have an abscessed tooth, the fastest way to feel better may be to use cold packs, rinse your mouth with salt water, and buy over-the-counter pain killers. Dental care professionals are the only ones who can treat a tooth abscess. It may take 1-2 weeks of treatment to fully heal the abscess.