Do you have a throbbing pain in your jaw or mouth that seems to center around a tooth? Does this throbbing pain keep you awake at night and could be described as one of the worst pains you’ve ever felt? If so, then there’s a good chance that you’ve got an abscessed tooth. This can be a serious issue because what has happened is that the infection in your tooth has spread to the root tips of your tooth and could be in your gum around the roots too.
Though some would say that eating candy or drinking sodas all day will cause an abscessed tooth, the most common form of this infection comes from a cavity that is so decayed that it has spread to the tooth root. There are other ways for a tooth to die and fill up with pus, bacteria, and other debris to cause the abscess, such as a dental treatment or an injury, but these are less common.
An infection should be evaluated by a medical professional. After you’ve had this evaluation, here are some effective home remedies for an abscessed tooth that will help alleviate the painful symptoms you’re experiencing:
1. Hot compresses to the affected area can alleviate swelling.
One of the primary issues with an abscessed tooth is the painful swelling that occurs with the fluid buildup in the abscess. A hot compress to the mouth can help to alleviate this swelling. The best way to get a fast hot compress is to use a wet washcloth, microwave it for a few seconds, and then apply it to the abscess.
2. Warm water rinses can help to reduce swelling
Sometimes an abscessed tooth can be in a difficult place to reach. When this occurs, a warm or hot water rinse can help to apply heat to the abscess and help your body combat the swelling. Try to use distilled or purified water if you don’t have a filter on your home’s water supply for this home remedy for an abscessed tooth as tap water can sometimes have impurities that could further the swelling.
3. Use rubbing alcohol on the affected tooth.
With a cotton swab, gently apply a little rubbing alcohol to the abscessed tooth and the surrounding area. Do your best not to swallow as you apply the rubbing alcohol or while you let it sit on the area for about 5 minutes or so. To finish off this home remedy for an abscessed tooth, rinse with warm water or a daily mouthwash product.
4. Take an NSAID medication.
Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can help to alleviate the pain of an abscessed tooth and even relieve some of the swelling. Many times these medications are available over-the-counter. Be sure to follow the label instructions of these medications! Taking these medications on a regular basis can also lead to the formation of headaches, so only take these when necessary.
5. Use cayenne pepper in your cooking.
Cayenne pepper has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating your abscessed tooth. Adding it to a meal can help to reduce the heat of this pepper, but if you’re used to it, try mixing about 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a 16 oz glass of water with a splash of lemon juice.
An abscessed tooth should always be evaluated by a medical professional because the infection can spread. Once evaluated, and then try these home remedies for an abscessed tooth so that you can relieve the pain effectively!