An infected tooth may bring about several memories of the painful variety in our minds. It is excruciating and the pain is the most common sign of a tooth infection. Learn how to get rid of tooth infection with natural remedies.
However, the pain isn’t always confined to the tooth itself, as our teeth are connected to several nerves, the pain could extend into the jaw, face, and neck and sometimes in extreme cases could even cause paralysis of the face.
A tooth when perpetually is throbbing and keeps you up at the night with the pain, it could be classified as a tooth infection. In these cases, the tooth has an infection that has spread to the tip of the root and/around the root. The infection, in general, has a pathway or trajectory that follows. It begins in the pulp chamber and spreads its way to the root, by this time the tooth has lost its capability of fighting the infection and it becomes a ground for the bacteria to multiply and if left would also affect the other tooth.
There are several causes for a tooth infection. However one could narrow it down dental cavities. Due to a dental cavity, tooth decay is increased exponentially and it helps the infection reach the pulp chamber. The pulp is inflamed and this condition is referred to as pulpitis which is the cause of the throbbing pain. Most teeth are prone to this infection, however, the wisdom teeth (the third molars) are the most at risk, as they are the hardest to clean and hence could develop decay over time and could also be unnoticed.
It is also to be noted that dental care and tooth infection shouldn’t be taken lightly as there have been noted instances of death(1) that can happen due to disregard toward the infection. Furthermore, there are also chances of sepsis, meningitis, Ludwig’s angina as well.
If you are scared to go to the dentist, then listed below are the natural and alternative remedies you could use to control your pain before you muster up the courage to meet your dentist.
One of the most effective and age-old remedies that have been to treat any condition that is in correlation to the oral cavity. Essential oils are chemical compounds that are extracted from plants, these are concentrated and have to be used in specific ways.
The instant pain reliever for any toothaches or infection is the clove essential oil. It has been used for centuries as it is and even as an oil. However, the oil tends to have a faster action on the infected tooth.
Cloves are the highest antioxidant herb, they also consist of eugenol, which is a natural anesthetic that numbs the pain. It’s antibacterial and prevents the infection from spreading.
It is very simple to use this essential oil, Dilute 3-4 drops of clove essential oil, in a carrier oil, preferably in warm water with a little bit of almond oil and you could gargle this twice daily.
Alternatively, you could also add a few drops of clove oil to your toothpaste and use it twice daily for thorough brushing.
Repeat this procedure twice a day for 2 weeks.
This is a highly effective essential oil that is extracted from the peppermint plant.
It is a highly effective antibacterial agent and could prevent the spread of the bacteria. It consists of menthol, which helps in numbing the area. Additionally, you also have a fresh breath.
It is very simple to use this essential oil, Dilute 3-4 drops of pepper essential oil, in a carrier oil, preferably in warm water with a little bit of coconut oil and you could apply this on the site of the infection. Alternatively, you could also add a few drops of the oil to your toothpaste and use it twice daily for thorough brushing.
Repeat this procedure twice a day for 2 weeks.
[Also Read: Essential Oils For Toothache]
| The essential oils listed in this article are available for purchase online. |
It may certainly seem like food is one of the major reasons for a tooth infection, however, there are several foods that help in reversing the condition and also help in the prevention of the infection from arising again.
As Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, rightfully described garlic is a medicine. Since centuries garlic has been used to treat several conditions, from fevers to inflammation to oral problems.
Garlic is a powerful anti-microbial and is a popular cure for several bacterial infections. The active compound in garlic, allicin, which helps in reducing inflammation and helps in fighting bacteria. Additionally, it helps in boosting the immune system.
There are several ways you could use garlic to treat your tooth infection. However, one of the most famous and effective ones would be to make a poultice of raw garlic. Crush around 2-3 cloves of garlic and let it sit as a poultice at the site of infection for about 20 minutes. It will help in relieving the pain and inflammation. Additionally, once you spit you could swish your mouth with coconut oil.
Additionally, you could also add minced garlic to your cooking and even use crushed garlic with rock salt as a poultice.
You could follow this procedure for about 2 weeks every day.
[Read: Health Benefits & Uses of Garlic ]
This vegetable has been used for ages to treat several health conditions. It has been first used in the Asian continent and in recent times has gained a lot of traction for its medicinal purposes.
Cucumber tends to have soothing and a hemostatic effect on the infected tooth. It is an effective remedy to suppress the pain that arises from a tooth infection as it helps in the bleeding to stop.
It is to be noted that cucumber has to be at room temperature for this to work and it is recommended that you select a raw, organic and unwaxed cucumber and apply to the site of infection and let it stay for about 20-30 minutes, as it draws out all the pus and reduces the inflammation.
Alternatively, you could also add cucumbers into your diet, as it helps to boost your immune system.
Cucumbers alone won’t heal, use this alongside other remedies. Also, remember to follow the process at least twice a day.
There are a few medicinal procedures that have been used for ages, in the comfort of your house and these tend to be very useful. Below listed are the home remedies that could be used to treat the pain and symptoms of a tooth infection.
Sodium chloride when iodized tends to form the cooking salt that we all use. However, did you know that this salt could be used for preventing your tooth infection and even preventing it?
Saltwater gargle has been suggested by several dentists themselves, as salt acts as an antiseptic and keeps the oral cavity spic and span. It is also to be noted, that it has an anti-bacterial effect thereby preventing the further growth of the infection.
Swishing with lukewarm salt water is the right way to go about this. It is recommended that you heat the water and then allow it to cool and use this water, instead of directly using hot water from the tap. Swish this solution in your mouth for about 2-3 minutes, twice every day. As it helps draw out the pus and helps in the reduction of the swelling.
Do this twice a day, after waking up and before sleeping. Keep this process going for 2 weeks.
Apart from being used in chemical labs, did you know that this chemical could be used to effectively to treat your tooth infection?
Hydrogen Peroxide is an oral debriding agent, that is it helps in restoring the pH of the mouth and making sure that bacteria cannot survive the atmosphere. It will also help in neutralizing the inflammation and the pain.
You would need to make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You would need 1/2 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a teaspoon of baking soda. Now apply this paste directly over the site of the infection and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, before rinsing your mouth with warm water.
Perform this procedure twice every day for a month for the best results.
[Read: Toothache Home Remedies]
Herbal products are plant extracts that have been used for several centuries now, from the first tea in China to the recent growth in herbal medicine UK. Herbal medicine has been an ever-growing market and it offers a quick and pain controlling remedy for tooth infections.
According to a study(2) published in the U.S National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, green tea is classified as a boon for periodontal and general health” Furthermore the study also points towards the benefits of periodontal health how it works by reducing inflammation and limiting the growth of the bacteria.
Green tea contains polyphenols, which interact with the saliva and control the growth of bacteria. It also contains catechin, an antioxidant that kills any bacteria in the oral cavity.
It is recommended that you have only organic brand green tea, as it consists of all the organic substances. Also drinking this tea would help with your pain. Have two glasses of tea every day. Alternatively, you could also place the wet tea bag over your site of infection,
Follow these procedures twice a day and make sure that you do it for atleast two weeks.
[Read: Green Tea Health Benefits]
The first-ever used analgesic and the natural pain killer is echinacea. It was used by native Americans to treat several health conditions.
It is a known anti-inflammatory agent and helps in the reduction of the inflammation and also helps in easier pus discharge. Additionally, it also boosts the immune system.
There are supplements that are available in the market, you could directly use that and before doing so make sure that you check with your physician/doctor
Check with your doctor about the dosage of the supplements.
[Also Read: Herbs for Toothache]
You Can Buy Echinacea Capsule as an Alternative. Check out Here
Tooth infection poses several health issues if not taken care of. Hence, it becomes necessary to control it at the initial stages. The natural remedies mentioned above effectively solve tooth infection without antibiotics. These benefit in preventing infections, controlling them and maintaining oral health.
It could lead to serious complications, as the nervous system is directly connected to the brain, so if the bacteria affect the nerves, it could cause hemiplegia; also known as facial paralysis.
It is not possible, as mentioned earlier it could lead to paralysis. Hence, it is important that you treat the infection as quickly as possible.