How to get rid of mouth abscess at home

A tooth infection or abscess can spread the surrounding bone and gum tissue, and the pain can become more severe. If you are experiencing signs of an infected tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Though treatment is necessary to resolve the issue, you can take steps to manage your pain until then.

Signs your tooth is infected

If you’ve ever experienced a tooth infection, you know it can be very uncomfortable. A tooth infection is typically accompanied with a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The abscess can be found anywhere in the mouth. 

There are two types of abscesses. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root, whereas a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums, usually near the side of the tooth.  

A periapical tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity. If the interior of your tooth (filled with dental pulp), encounters any unknown substance, it can inflame the blood vessels and nerves, impacting the tooth enamel. Endodontic treatment helps treat tooth decay and other infected materials to help seal and fight future infections. 

Rick Davis, DDS, and Rick Schwartz, DDS, are experts in endodontics at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, visit a specialist who can diagnose and help treat it.

Signs and symptoms of an infected tooth

You may have an infected or abscessed tooth if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Painful throbbing in your tooth, jawbone or near your neck
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Sensitivity to the pressure (chewing or biting)
  • Fever
  • Swelling in your face 
  • Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or neck
  • A salty fluid taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Contact your dentist if you think you may have an infection, and consider the below home remedies to soothe your symptoms until then.

Home remedies for immediate relief 

When you suspect an infected tooth, there are a few home remedies you can try. These remedies are temporary. You should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you feel severe pain. To ease the pain immediately, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Advil, Tylenol or Motrin IB.

Rinse with salt water 

Rinsing with salt water creates a saline mixture to safely begin sterilizing the infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting. Repeat every few hours if needed.

Make a baking soda paste

Baking soda is a quick and effective way to ease an infected tooth. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water and a bit of table salt. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes and again until the mixture is gone.

Cold compress

When in doubt, place a cold compress on the infected area. Take a cold compress to the infected area for 15 minutes at a time. Repeat as needed. This remedy will help numb the area and decrease inflammation. 

While there are home remedies for an infected tooth, your safest bet is to schedule an appointment with your Endodontic Doctor. Call or book an appointment at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio to lessen the pain and cure your infected tooth. 

This calls for a dental visit! However, in the meantime, you can choose a quick fix with the help of home remedies. Learn how to drain a gum abscess at home and subside your toothache.

Tips and tricks to drain gum abscesses at home:
The techniques to treat gum abscesses at home are mentioned below:

1. Saline rinse:

You can go for a rinse with saline two to three times a day.

2. OTC medicines:

Over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, are suggested. It is an anti-inflammatory drug.

3. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide and water:

Try to mix up one part of hydrogen peroxide along with one part of water and rinse your mouth with it.

4. Rinse with baking soda, salt, and water:

Take ½ tablespoon of baking soda, ½ tablespoon of water with a pinch of salt. Mix it up and rinse your mouth.

5. Cold compression:

In case your pain is radiating or not, try giving cold compression on the affected area for quick relief.

6. Grind garlic paste on the affected area:

Take a clove of garlic, turn it into a paste. Next, you can rub it carefully on the area affected. As a result, your pain will be decreased(Commanding tone)

7. Apply oil:
Essential oil such as thyme, oregano, or clove helps in draining the gum abscess.

8. Drink tea:
Fenugreek tea helps in draining gum abscesses. For this reason, you are suggested to drink it two times a day.

Now, you are aware of how to drain a gum abscess at home. Therefore, opt for these tips and tricks for a quick fix. However, a dental visit is essential, and you must visit it as soon as possible.

Can I get rid of an mouth abscess myself?

You should never attempt to pop an abscess on your own. However, there are methods you can use to help the abscess drain naturally on its own by pulling the infection out. Natural ways of doing this include using a tea bag or making a paste out of baking soda.

How can I treat a gum abscess at home?

Saltwater rinse Saltwater has anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for wound healing. So you can rinse your mouth with saltwater 4-5 a day to relief the pain from gum abscesses.

What kills dental abscess?

Some treatments that a dentist can provide to get rid of an abscess include the following: Antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing the infection. Draining the abscess. Cleaning out the abscess if it is caused by gum disease.

How do you treat an abscess in your mouth naturally?

The following home remedies can be applied along with prescribed treatments..
Saltwater rinse. ... .
Baking soda. ... .
Oregano essential oil. ... .
Cold compress. ... .
Fenugreek tea. ... .
Clove essential oil. ... .
Thyme essential oil. ... .
Hydrogen peroxide..