A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection of a tooth, found mainly in the root or bottom part of the tooth. It often causes swelling and pain and could also be filled with pus. Good oral hygiene is very important, because if the tooth infection goes unchecked the other teeth could also get affected.


A tooth infection makes the gums extremely sensitive, thus making eating, chewing, or talking very painful. Tooth abscesses should be treated right away; otherwise the abscess ruptures and drains on its own, spreading infection to the healthy teeth. In case the abscess drains out, the foul tasting liquid could prove to be harmful if swallowed.

Causes of Tooth Abscess:

• Root infection or a periodontal disease

• Improperly fitted crowns for the tooth or allergies to the cheap metal used to make the crown

• Dietary habits

• Tooth decay

• Weakened/degraded immune system

• Weakness in the tooth or receding gums, both of which are age-related

• Trauma-cracked tooth

• Aggressive orthodontic (braces) treatments

Symptoms of Tooth Abscess:

• Loosening of the affected tooth

• Toothache

• Swelling of the cheeks

• Swollen or tender lymph nodes

• Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold

• Bad breath

• Possible nausea, vomiting, and fever

• Swollen upper or lower jaw

If left untreated, in severe cases, tooth abscesses can lead to disfigurement of the face. It can also be fatal as the infection will spread throughout the body, causing a heart attack.

Home Remedies for Treating Tooth Abscess:

While there are conventional treatment options such as antibiotics, root canal treatments, and tooth extraction, some simple home remedies which could be used to ease pain are as follows.

• Gargle with warm water mixed with two teaspoons of common salt. Hold the salt water in your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit it out. Salt has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it helps to fight the infection, restricts the growth of bacteria, and eases the pain.

• Use a chilled tea bag on the abscessed tooth for about half an hour periodically. Tea contains tannic acid that acts as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent, alleviating the swelling and inflammation.

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with a mixture of diluted hydrogen peroxide (one part each of water and hydrogen peroxide)

• Use a mouthwash made of 1/4-teaspoon of potassium carbonate in 1/2 glass of water. Use it three to four times as it reduces the pain.

• Mix clove oil and peroxide and apply it to the tooth to cure the tooth abscess.

• Apply hot and cold compresses to your jaw line or cheek to alleviate pain and swelling.

Prevention:

• Limit all foods containing white sugar.

• at plenty of yellow butter, preferably raw butter.

• Avoid white flour products.

• Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.

• Regularly brush and floss your teeth after every meal and at bedtime.