Home Remedies for an Infected Tooth

Teeth are normally one of the strongest parts of the body. They break down food, helping our bodies process it. However, teeth can also cause excruciating pain if they get infected. If you are having a hard time getting into see your dentist, you can do some things to help relieve the pain.

Salt Rinse

• You may need to rinse the tooth out and clear away bacteria. Using hot or cold water may actually aggravate tooth pain and is not recommended. But rinsing the area with warm salt water will help clear the area. Dissolve 2 to 3 tsp of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. This solution has a general soothing feeling and works to clean the area surrounding the tooth, as well as the tooth itself.

Cold Therapy

• Just like with any pain and swelling, ice can provide relief. Ice works to numb the area. Do not apply ice directly to the tooth, however. Instead, wrap it in a towel and press it against the cheek on the side with the tooth pain. This will cool the area slower and safer. Another trick is to take an ice cube and rub it against the area between the thumb and the forefinger on the side of the ache until the area becomes numb. The nerves in this part of the hand go along the same pathway as the ones in your teeth, so this can work to reduce pain signals your brain is receiving.

Other Methods

• Clove oil can be purchased over the counter and works against toothaches. Place a drop on the affected tooth to reduce the pain. The oil also helps fight infection. Other holistic remedies include using one to two drops of vanilla extract on tooth. Also chew guava tree leaves, garlic, or onion. Finally, stay away from all sugar and tobacco. Sugar aggravates the pain, and tobacco irritates the gums.