How to Treat a Tooth Abscess: Antibiotics & Natural Remedies

Key Takeaways

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus in the pulp (innermost part) of the tooth that develops from a bacterial infection, usually due to poor oral hygiene. It is typically treated by a dentist with either an antibiotic, an incision and drainage, a root canal therapy, or tooth extraction.
Get a tooth infection treated as soon as possible to avoid serious complications like tooth loss, sepsis, and the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.
There are “natural antibiotics” that may help relieve dental pain and discomfort until you can get professional dental care.

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus in the pulp (innermost part) of the tooth that develops from a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gum tissue near the tooth root (periodontal abscess).

A dentist can give you antibiotics and/or drain the infected area to get rid of the dental abscess. It is generally not a good idea to try and treat abscessed teeth with “natural antibiotics” or home remedies. However, a home remedy with antibacterial properties may provide temporary relief until you can seek professional dental care.

Please continue reading to find out treatment options for dental infections.

What causes tooth infections?

The most common cause of tooth abscesses is poor oral hygiene. Harmful bacteria can enter the pulp of the tooth through a dental cavity, chips or cracks in the tooth, or through the gum pockets. These bacteria can then cause swelling and inflammation in or near the tooth root. Other risk factors for tooth abscesses include a high-sugar diet and frequent snacking between meals, which can contribute to dental cavities. Additionally, a dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and dental abscesses.

What are the symptoms of a dental infection?

The most common symptom of a tooth infection can be a sharp pain or a dull, throbbing ache. This severe tooth pain can spread to the jaw, ear, or neck. Other symptoms include swelling in the affected area, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, discomfort or pain with biting or chewing, a bad odor in the mouth, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. If a tooth abscess ruptures, you may have a sudden rush of salty-tasting, foul-smelling fluid in your mouth with pain relief.

How do doctors treat an infected tooth?

Dentists use the following methods for treating tooth infections:

Incision and drainage of the tooth abscess. This involves making a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus. The affected area is then washed with saline (salt water). Sometimes, a small rubber drain is left in place to drain the infected area until the swelling subsides.
Root canal treatment. This treatment is able to get rid of the tooth infection and save your tooth. The dentist will drill into the tooth root and remove the infected tissue from the pulp to drain the tooth abscess. The pulp and root canals are then filled and sealed shut. The tooth, especially if it is a back tooth, may be capped with a crown for strengthening. Teeth that are restored with root canal therapy can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Learn more about root canal recovery tips.
Tooth extraction. When it isn’t possible to save an infected tooth, the dentist can extract (pull) the tooth and drain the abscess.
Antibiotics. The dentist may give you antibiotics to prevent the spread of the infection beyond the abscessed area. Antibiotics may also be necessary if you have a weakened immune system.

How long does a tooth abscess take to heal?

Wound healing after tooth abscess treatment can take 1-2 weeks, depending on the severity of the abscess.

What are the complications of an untreated dental abscess?

Not getting timely treatment for a tooth infection can lead to serious complications such as tooth loss, spread of the infection to the surrounding gum tissues (periodontal disease) or jaw bone, sepsis (blood infection), and spread of the infection to other parts of the body including the sinuses, brain, heart, and lungs. Bacteria from a dental abscess can also travel to the heart, leading to a condition called endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart's inner lining and valves and is a serious and potentially fatal condition.

Can you get rid of a tooth abscess without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are not always needed to get rid of a tooth abscess. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, your dentist may not prescribe antibiotics, but you will still need treatment for the tooth infection, such as incision and drainage with root canal therapy. If the infection has spread to adjacent teeth, the gums, or the jaw bone, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent further spread.

Keep in mind that a tooth abscess will not go away without treatment. You may get relief from tooth abscess pain if it ruptures, but this does not mean the problem has gone away. You will still need treatment to prevent potentially life-threatening complications, including serious infections in other parts of the body.

Is there a natural antibiotic for tooth infection?

Some home remedies for tooth infections have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can act as “natural antibiotics” and relieve dental pain and discomfort until you can get professional dental care. You can try one or more of the following home remedies for a tooth infection:

Cold compress.
Saltwater rinse.
Baking soda rinse.
Hydrogen peroxide or Chlorhexidine mouth rinse.
Essential oils (oregano essential oil or clove essential oil diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil).
Diluted thyme oil or clove oil.
Fenugreek tea mouthwash.
Oil pulling.
A small piece of peeled garlic or clove placed directly on the infected tooth.
A cotton swab soaked in a hard alcoholic beverage for pain relief.

Again, these home remedies are temporary measures. It is vital to seek professional dental care for an abscessed tooth to prevent serious health complications.

What is the best natural antibiotic for an abscessed tooth?

Many people find that a cotton ball soaked with a few drops of clove oil and placed on the infected tooth acts as a strong natural antibiotic for tooth infections. It can help relieve tooth pain and reduce inflammation due to its natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties. But everyone is different, and one natural remedy might work better for you than others. Try a couple of different home remedies to see if they can relieve pain and reduce swelling.

How to get rid of an abscess on your gum without going to the dentist?

You should never attempt to get rid of an abscess on your gum without going to the dentist. If you try to pop or squeeze the abscess (deflate the bump in your gum) at home to relieve discomfort, you can end up with bleeding gums, a gum infection, or the spread of the infection from the affected tooth to surrounding tissues and other parts of your body. Home remedies for a tooth abscess can be used for temporarily alleviating pain and other symptoms until you get in to see a dentist.

When to seek emergency care for a tooth infection?

You should see your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room if you have severe pain that does not get better with over-the-counter pain relievers, fever, and facial swelling that is causing problems with swallowing or breathing. These are signs that the infection may have spread beyond the affected area of the tooth.

How to prevent an abscessed tooth?

Taking care of your oral health with proper oral hygiene is the best way to lower your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth abscesses. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every 6 months for routine checkups and timely treatment of any dental issues that may arise. Also, limit sugary snacks between meals.

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