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Home Remedy for an Abcessed Tooth

A tooth abscess is a painful, swollen bacterial infection in the gums. You need to see a dentist if you have an abscessed tooth. There are home remedies you can use to reduce swelling and pain, but seeing a dentist as soon as possible is important. The infection can spread rapidly and you may loose your tooth.

  1. First Aid For a Tooth Abscess

    • To relieve pain and help to fight the infection, you can make a poultice of herbs including ½ tsp. golden seal, 1/3 tsp. cayenne pepper, ½ tsp. clove oil, ½ tsp. olive oil and 3 tsp. activated charcoal. Combine the ingredients until they form a thick paste and apply to the abscess. The cayenne pepper and clove oil are highly effective pain relievers. Golden seal is an effective antibacterial and the activated charcoal helps to reduce inflammation. You can also apply wet black tea bags to the tooth. Black tea contains tannins that help to reduce inflammation and drain the infection. Swishing with hydrogen peroxide and brushing with baking soda may be of help as well. Applying ice packs can also help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Applying gentle pressure on the swollen abscess can help to drain it, but be very careful. If you press too hard, you run the risk or pushing pus up into your gums which can help to spread the infection. This is a serious issue. You must see a dentist as soon as possible. If applying gentle pressure does relieve pain and swelling, continue to do so. Another home treatment you can try before seeing a dentist is antibacterial throat lozenges. Pressing these against your tooth may provide some relief and help to fight the infection until you can see a dentist.

    Fight the Infection

    • Internally, you need to fight the infection. When you see your dentist or doctor, you will most likely be given antibiotics. Until then, you can use vitamin C, garlic, Echinacea and golden seal to help fight the infection. High doses of vitamin C may be effective. Try up to 1000 mg per day. Garlic, mashed or roasted, and mixed with yogurt can be eaten to fight the infection as well. Garlic capsules are also available if you prefer. golden seal and Echinacea are usually available in a combination tincture, or you can buy them in capsule form. Follow the instructions on the package. Rest and allow your body to heal as much as you can. Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods so you do not irritate your tooth and gums.

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