21 Natural & Effective Home Remedies For Tooth Abscess Pain

updated: 11/16/2019

A tooth abscess is complications of tooth decay infection and destruction of tissue around the teeth. It is also a result of infection of the cavities. Dental abscesses may occur when the tooth is injured or broken. If pus is large, it will create great pressure on the nerves and makes severe pain. If not treated early, this disease may be life-threatening. Thankfully, this infection may be treated at home with natural remedies. Keep reading to get the effective home remedies for tooth abscess pain.

• Home remedies for tooth decay odor and pain
• Home remedies for tooth infection, toothache, and swelling
• Home remedies for cavities in teeth

What Is Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess or dental abscess is caused by infection by bacteria on the inside of the teeth. It often occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, which causes the bacteria to enter the teeth. Brokenness inside the teeth also has similar consequences. Dental abscess treatment involves removal of the abscess and area of infection. The teeth may improve the root canal by themselves, but in some cases, it may need to have interfered.

What Are Common Causes Of Tooth Abscess?

Here are some of the main causes of tooth abscess:

• The Lack Of Proper Oral Hygiene

The main cause of tooth abscesses is the lack of proper oral hygiene. The food and plaque on the teeth create a favorable environment for the bacteria to grow. Do not take proper care of your teeth and gums, such as not brushing your teeth and flossing your teeth twice a day, can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, dental abscesses, and other dental and oral complications.

• Complications Of Tooth Decay

A dental abscess occurs due to complications of tooth decay, extensive periodontal disease or broken teeth. It may also be due to trauma, such as when a tooth is broken or chipped. Enamel breaks into the pulp cavity and causes tooth decay. From there, the infection may spread from the root and into the bone supporting the root.

Infections cause pus (dead tissue, living or dead germs, or white blood cells) and swelling of the tissues in the tooth. This phenomenon causes toothache.

People who have untreated decay are at high risk for dental abscesses. When decaying, bacteria exist in the teeth, gums and pulp secretions that cause the area around the pulp and water to swell, soak and cause an abscess.

• Sugar-Rich Foods

Regular consumption of sugar-rich foods, such as soda and sweets, may contribute to dental decay and dental abscesses.

• Potential Health Problem

There are some cases of weakening the immune system, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, which may increase the risk of tooth infection and tooth abscess.

The cause of tooth abscess is due to tooth damage but no treatment or periodontal disease in the teeth progressed for a long time. Depending on the cause of the abscess, the dentist divides the tooth abscess in two cases: abscess around the teeth and root abscess.

• Abscess Around The Teeth

It may be formed from a tooth decayed but not treated, or it may be due to poor physiology, excessive involvement in the tip of the marrow, and traumatic injury to the tip of the tooth, bone marrow, and structures around the tip of the tooth.

After a period of time in the canal, the germs pass through the tip of the tooth, infecting structures around the tip of the tooth. Infection around the tip will spread in many directions and thrive in the direction of least resistance. If it continues to move through the bone membrane to the tissue around the jaw, depending on the anatomical site of the tooth, it will cause various complications, including dental abscesses.

In addition, it may also be caused by periodontal infections. Periodontal infections combine to remove adhesion and expose the tooth root, which affects the root canals of the pulp. In severe periodontal disease, the infection affects the tip of the tooth, causing bone marrow necrosis.

• Root Abscess

It usually comes from cases such as the destruction of periodontal tissues by the action of specific bacteria. Bacteria present in plaque or food debris, cause inflammation, adhesion, and formation of periodontal pockets. Bacteria will develop in the periodontal pockets, forming a periodontal abscess.

Traumatic injuries (causing frequent breakouts or fractures) stimulate the pulp, resulting in the necrotizing pulp. In addition, during the eating and chewing, the sharp edges of the teeth after cracking or fracture cause damage to the structure around the teeth. This repetitive activity also causes tooth abscesses.

What Are Common Symptoms Of Tooth Abscess?

• You feel a toothache. When you chew or bite hard, even when you close your mouth, you also feel your teeth hurt.
• You are very sensitive to hot or cold foods.
• There is bitterness in your mouth.
• Breathable smell.
• Fever may be present.
• Swollen neck nodes.
• You feel tired.
• Swelling of the upper jaw or lower jaw.
• Gums can be swollen and red.

In periapical abscesses, the pain often precedes the swelling and in periodontal abscesses, the swelling often precedes the pain.  If treated early, the tooth abscess is less likely to cause complications.

Who Is At High Risk Of Tooth Abscess?

Anyone may get a tooth abscess, but people who do not have good oral hygiene habits are at high risk of this disease. People with a weakened immune system and people with tooth injuries such as broken or chipped teeth are also at high risk of dental abscess.

When To See A Doctor?

When you have the signs above, you should see a doctor for a direct examination. In case you have a tooth abscess with some serious problems such as rupture and shingles, you also need to go to see your doctor.

Top 21 Effective Home Remedies For Tooth Abscess Pain

1. Garlic

Garlic may treat many diseases because of the ability to kill bacteria, disinfectants, and anti-inflammatory^[1]. Studies show that the composition of glucose, allicin, and phytonoxide in garlic has a good antibacterial effect^[2] [3]. Apart from that,  ajoene, dianllil disulfide, diallyl-trisulfide and sulfuric active ingredient in garlic oil may inhibit the activity of bacteria effectively.

Method 1. Apply Dried Garlic Directly On The Teeth

• Take some dried garlic and slice it into thin slices,
• Apply these garlic slices to the position of teeth. Each time for about 15 minutes

On the first day, you can apply the mixture continuously at a frequency of about 3 hours. The following days, this frequency can be reduced, but do not forget to apply before bed. Persistently perform every day, you will soon realize the unexpected effect that this method brings for you.

Method 2. Garlic With Sea Salt And Ginger

Garlic contains terpenes, oleoresins, and zingiberene, which has extremely potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties^[4]. Sea salt helps you effectively prevent oral bacteria, which means your gums are also well protected against bacterial attack. Therefore, the combination of garlic, sea salt, and ginger will bring about a positive analgesic effect, reduce the inflammation of the gums and tooth pulp while preventing the development of tooth abscess.

• Prepare 1 dry garlic, 1 fresh ginger, and 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Shave off the ginger and garlic cover
• Crush the ginger with garlic and salt
• Use this mixture to cover the teeth
• Follow it 3-4 times a day, each time around 10 minutes to achieve the best pain relief. Patients can continue to apply this method for 7 to 10 days, or whenever any toothache causes pain or discomfort.

Method 3. Garlic Juice

You can also drink squeezed garlic juice or add the garlic to the daily dish as a spice. This not only helps your dish taste but also boosts your immune system.

2. Olive Oil And Clove Oil

We often know the way to smooth hair with olive oil or whiter skin with it. Besides, few people know that olive oil may treat tooth abscesses. The combination of olive oil and clove oil will give the patient an unexpected effect.

Olive oil has oleocanthal and tyrosol, and good anti-inflammatory properties. This natural vegetable oil is perfect for removing stains and dirt from your teeth. Thanks to its useful phytochemicals such as squalene, beta-sitosterol, and tyrosol, olive oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties^[5]. Besides, it contains some substances, especially oleocanthal, which act as ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs. The purer olive oil, the greater the amount of oleocanthal.

Clove oil is effective in anesthetic, analgesic and antibacterial effects. It is also a component of toothpaste, mouthwash, and tooth whitening. Plus, the aroma of cloves is very effective in removing odor^[6]. Therefore, when combining these two oils together, it will be a good way to deal with tooth abscesses at home.

• Prepare 50 ml of olive oil and 100 ml of clove oil. You can prepare more or fewer ingredients according to your needs
• Mix all of the ingredients and stir well
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the swollen and painful gums and teeth. After a few minutes, the toothache will completely disappear
• Follow this remedy for 3-4 times a day whenever the pain recurs. This will make you feel much more comfortable.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a “natural antibiotic” against tooth decay. Scientists at the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland found that coconut oil if treated with enzymes in a similar digestive process (not coconut oil in the natural state), may attack bacteria that cause tooth abscess^[7]. This processed coconut oil may prevent the growth of Streptococcus bacteria^[8] – the main cause of tooth decay. The oil may destroy the bacteria that cause acid to break the enamel layer. The scientists conclude that coconut oil is a natural antibiotic that is antibacterial and may be used in conjunction with oral care products^[9]. Lauric acid present in coconut oil may help to attack harmful bacteria in your mouth causing bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease^[10]. The oil also helps to treat bad breath.

• Prepare about 15 ml of coconut oil
• Pour the oil in the oral cavity
• After 15 minutes, remove the coconut oil and rinse your mouth with diluted salted water
• Brush your teeth as usual

You should use coconut oil twice a day in the morning when just wake up and in the evening before going to bed. Gargle with coconut oil daily, you will treat the dental abscess. Always use pure and high-quality coconut oil.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural fermented material, which contains many beneficial components such as amino acids, acetic acid, and many other vitamins and minerals. It also possesses a variety of acids, so it is highly disinfectant^[11], which will help the teeth healthy. Its acetic acid may dissolve the residue on the teeth and clean effectively.

Method 1. Gargle With Apple Cider Vinegar

• Prepare 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• Before brushing your teeth, use it to rinse your mouth
• After 2-3 minutes, spit out the vinegar
• Brushing your teeth as normal

Doing this method 2 – 3 times a week on a regular basis will improve your condition significantly. You can also dip a cotton pad into the vinegar and then apply it to the tooth abscess for a few minutes. Try this method 2-3 times a week to achieve the best effects.

Method 2. Apple Cider Vinegar And Sea Salt

• Prepare 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and some warm water
• Mix all these ingredients together
• Before brushing your teeth, use this mixture to rinse your mouth
• After 2-3 minutes, spit out the vinegar
• Brushing your teeth as normal
• Apply this method 2 – 3 times a week to improve your dental abscesses and remove plaque and other harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Method 3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Baking Soda

• Prepare 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• Mix them well to create a thick mixture
• Brush the mixture on the teeth with a brush
• Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as usual
• Apply this method 2 – 3 times a week to get the best result.

Note: Because apple cider vinegar contains a lot of acids, you should not overuse it. Overuse of the vinegar will cause your teeth to become sensitive.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an ingredient in some fluoride toothpaste that has been tested and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is a weak alkaline powder used in a variety of cleaning applications. When exposed to water, this powder releases natural collagen that attacks the plaque and helps prevent tooth enamel discoloration from food, tobacco, or colored beverages, thereby preventing cavities^[12]. It may also neutralize acids and eliminate bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath, helping fresh breath for at least 3 hours after brushing. Its antibacterial nature may help to treat any gum or tooth infection causing the pain^[13]

Method 1: Just Baking Soda

• Prepare 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a little warm water and mix them well.
• Use the mixture to rinse your mouth
• Use this method often, even if you feel pain in the area of the abscess.

Method 2. Baking Soda And Sea Salt

• Pick up 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and sea salt
• Mix these elements together
• Dip a cotton swab in this mixture and apply it to the affected area
• After 3-5 hours, remove the cotton pad and rinse your mouth with water
• Follow this method regularly

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is often used to beautify and treat a number of diseases that are related to the stomach and bones^[14]. It has proven properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulant, antiseptic, hepatoprotective, and antimutagenic, all of which may help to combat periodontal conditions and oral cancers^[15]. It can be used to treat tooth decay and tooth abscess very effectively.

Method 1. Just Turmeric

To apply this method, please follow the steps below:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little warm water
• Apply a cotton swab dipped in this mixture to the affected area
• Keep it until your pain disappears
• Rinse your mouth with water
• Apply it whenever the toothache recurs

Method 2. Turmeric And White Wine

• Take fresh turmeric and a little white wine
• Slice the fresh turmeric into thin slices
• Soak the turmeric slices with the white wine.
• Store it in a bottle and keep in a cool, dry place
• After 1 week, you can use this mixture to rinse your mouth
• Use this treatment 2-3 times a day to achieve the desired effect

Method 3. Turmeric And Lemon

• Combine 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and a few drops of lemon
• Soak a cotton swab in this mixture and apply to the affected area
• Keep it until your pain disappears
• Rinse your mouth with water
• Apply this remedy about 2 times a day

Method 4. Turmeric And Mustard

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of turmeric powder and mustard
• Apply it to the affected area with a cotton swab
• Keep it until your pain disappears
• Use water to rinse your mouth
• Apply this method whenever the toothache occurs.

Method 5. Turmeric Powder And Coconut Oil

• Mix 5 grams turmeric powder with 15 ml of coconut oil
• Apply the mixture with a cotton swab to the affected area
• Keep it until your pain disappears
• Rinse your mouth with water
• Using this mixture to rinse your mouth every morning will help remove harmful bacteria and improve your tooth abscess.

7. Sea Salt

Sea salt helps prevent tooth decay and effectively limit bad breath. It is also used to treat tooth abscesses thanks to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It may help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent tooth infection and the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth^[16] [17]. Besides, it contains an antiseptic effect and has the effect of enhancing the PH environment and preventing bacterial growth in the mouth.

Method 1. Just Sea Salt

• Mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt and one cup of warm water
• Use this mixture to rinse your mouth for 1-2 minutes
• Applying this method three times a day will help reduce the symptoms caused by abscesses and improve the condition of this disease.

Method 2. Sea Salt And Mustard Or Lemon

• Prepare 1 tablespoon of sea salt and a little mustard or a few drops of lemon
• Mix these ingredients together to form a thick mixture
• Gently massage gums with this mixture for a few minutes
• Then gargle with lukewarm water
• Apply this method 2 times a day to help kill bacteria that cause tooth abscess effectively.

8. Green Tea

Green tea is not only good for gums but also for the treatment of dental abscesses^[18]. Green tea leaves have a good antibacterial effect. It contains substances that help prevent tooth decay, reduce pain, and clean teeth. Using green tea to rinse your mouth every day after brushing may provide effective pain relief and reduce cavities. You can also use green tea leaves to drink every day. Not only have the effect of purifying the body, but green tea also has anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. These things make your abscess condition more and more improved.

9. Honey

Honey contains an enzyme that may produce antibacterial hydrogen peroxide, which inhibits the growth of plaque bacteria, reduces the amount of acid produced, and prevents bacteria causing causes plaque ^[19]. It is also a natural antibiotic that has antibacterial and antiseptic properties better than antibiotics because it does not cause side effects.

To apply this remedy, please follow the steps below:

• Brush your teeth as usual
• Apply a small amount of honey to the area of tooth abscess
• Wait for 10 minutes and rinse your mouth with clean water

This remedy will help remove the bacteria and fight again the inflammation. However, you need to bear in mind that you only put honey on the gums. Avoid applying it to the teeth.

10. Basil Leaves

Basil leaves have the analgesic effect, reduce inflammation and remove bacteria in the abscess^[20]. They also protect the mouth from problems such as gum disease, bleeding, gingivitis, etc^[21].

• Prepare 300 grams of basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of sea salt and a little water
• Grind the basil leaves, add a little salt and water to mix evenly
• Use this mixture to rinse your mouth
• Apply this remedy every day. Using the basil water to rinse your mouth daily will help reduce tooth abscess significantly.

11. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains propolis, anthraquinones, and saponins, which work to kill bacteria and promote healing. In addition, aloe vera leaves contain many nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin B19, essential amino acids, vitamin C, vitamin E and minerals such as iron, calcium, lecithin, magnesium, sodium potassium, and manganese. They are extremely effective in treating dental abscess^{[22] [23] [24]}. For this treatment, take some aloe vera gel and gently apply it to the tooth abscess area. Besides, drinking aloe vera juice is also an effective way to treat tooth abscess.

Additional Tips

In addition to the above home remedies for tooth abscess, to prevent or support dental abscess treatment, you should also build your daily routine as follows:

• Use fluoridated drinking water
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Regular dental flossing
• Replace the toothbrush every three or four months, or whenever the bristles of the brush are poor
• Eat a balanced diet, and limit sweets and snacks between meals
• Meet your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning
• Consider using antibiotic or fluoride mouthwash to add a layer of tooth protection and help teeth against cavities. Patients suffering from acute dental abscesses may benefit from antibiotic prescriptions.

The above-mentioned natural home remedies are claimed to be able to reduce tooth abscess pain. Although the home remedies are slow-acting, their results are surprising. Choose some of them and alternate them in your treating to see how effective they are. Do you know other home remedies for tooth abscess pain? If yes, then share them with us.

• Dental Health
• Pain