Home Remedies For A Tooth Infection
Tooth decay, untreated cavities, recent dental work, or injuries can cause a tooth infection, or tooth abscess, at the tip or side of a tooths root.
Dental infections can be very painful, and if theyre not medically treated, the bacteria can spread to the gums, bone, and even the eyes.
If you think you have a tooth infection, talk to a dentist or doctor, who can diagnose and properly treat the problem.
For example, if you have a bacterial infection in your mouth, your dentist or doctor may treat it with an antibiotic medication like amoxicillin or cephalexin, along with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
You may also need dental work, such as a root canal, to stop the infection and prevent it from spreading throughout your gums and mouth.
But if youre in pain and cant get to a doctor or dentist right away, there are also home remedies for a tooth infection that can help manage the pain and keep the infection from spreading. In some cases, your provider may also recommend home remedies to manage your pain while theyre treating your infection.
While some of these home treatments arent likely to cause major medical concerns, its important to talk to a healthcare provider before you attempt to treat your own abscessed tooth.
Here are 10 natural remedies for a tooth infection.
When To See A Doctor
While these home remedies can help with tooth infection pain, theyre not treatments that will cure an infection on their own:
Keep in mind that dental abscesses can cause significant health problems, especially if left untreated. If you think you have an infection in your tooth, seek medical or dental careor chat with a K doctorright away to find out whats going on.
Along with treating your infection, your provider can also help with pain relief.
You should also consult with a medical provider if your infection is currently being treated with antibiotics but symptoms arent resolving, or if theyre getting worse.
And if you have symptoms including fever, chills, confusion, or fast heart rate accompanied by a tooth infection, seek immediate medical care.
These signs could indicate a spreading infection or even sepsis, a potentially fatal complication that occurs when bacteria enters a persons bloodstream.
Preventing Tooth Decay In Adults
Although tooth decay is a common problem, it’s often entirely preventable.
The best way to avoid tooth decay and keep your gums as healthy as possible is to:
- visit your dentist regularly your dentist will decide how often they need to see you based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums
- cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks, particularly between meals or within an hour of going to bed some medicines can also contain sugar, so it’s best to look for sugar-free alternatives where possible
- look after your teeth and gums brush your teeth properly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and use floss and an interdental brush at least once a day
- see your dentist or a GP if you have a persistently dry mouth this may be caused by certain medicines, treatments or medical conditions
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Can My Toothache Go Away On Its Own
Some toothaches that come from pain around your tooth can get better without a trip to the dentist. Pain from a temporary irritation in the gum can be resolved within a few days. During this time try not to chew around the affected area. Eat soft foods, like eggs and yogurt, and avoid sweets and very hot or very cold foods if teeth are sensitive.
What Are Carrier Oils
Carrier oils and essential oils are made from plants. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and carry them to your skin. Thats because essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.
Most carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented and dont interfere with an essential oils therapeutic properties. They may be used alone or with other oils to nourish your skin.
Keep reading to learn more about choosing the right carrier oil, some of the different carrier oils available, and more.
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Ways To Tell If You Are Living With An Infected Tooth
Are you suffering from a debilitating toothache? Perhaps youve noticed a little gum or jaw swelling, or your tooth seems to be a different color? It could be a serious tooth infection.
Your teeth are packed with nerves. Thats why a toothache, though it may only affect one part of your mouth, is excruciating. Whats more, the pain may sometimes be related to a deeper oral health issue.
If your tooth feels sore, sensitive, or youre experiencing sharp pains in your mouth, you may have a tooth infection or a tooth abscess.
Why a tooth becomes infected
There are a number of causes of tooth infections. One of the most common causes is older root canals. When you have a root canal, your dental professional removes a nerve from the affected tooth. Unfortunately, bacteria can grow in that area, leading to an infection that your body struggles to fight off.
Its important to recognize the signs of an infection, so you can seek immediate treatment.
How to tell if your tooth is infected
How to cure a tooth infection
Proven Ways To Treat A Toothache And Relieve Pain Fast
The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you cant get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.
When to See a Dentist
While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isnt right. If you have oral pain, its generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Oral pain can be caused by a variety of serious issues, including tooth decay, a damaged filling, a tooth fracture, infected gums or an abscessed tooth. If the latter has occurred, you could suffer serious complications without rapid treatment. These complications could include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. In some cases, bacterial infections can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to hospitalization or worse. For these reasons, its important to seek emergency treatment if you show any of the following signs of an abscessed tooth:
- Red, swollen gums
- Unpleasant or salty taste in the mouth
- Swollen face or jaw
If youre experiencing any of the above symptoms, call one of our experienced dentists immediately.
10 Ways to Relieve a Toothache
4. Use a hot pack.
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Relieving Pain From A Dental Abscess
While youre waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain. Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if youre unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16. If 1 painkiller does not relieve the pain, taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the doses shown in the medicine leaflet may help.
It may also help to:
- avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse
- try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth
- use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth
These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you should not use them to delay getting help from a dentist.
Tips For Managing Emergency Toothaches
- Keep your head elevated
- Use a cold compress on the pain area
- Make sure your head is higher when sleeping
- Brush your teeth with gentle strokes
- If your tooth has knocked out, rinse it and gently replace it in the socket
- Also, avoid smoking
- Its better to stay away from popcorns
If you find no ease to your pain or it worsens, seek immediate dental care. Your dentist can diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment.
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How Can I Prevent A Toothache
Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches:
- Brush regularly with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day.
- See your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning.
Also, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
Are There Any Over
You should always see your dentist if you have a tooth infection. Your teeth are very close to your brain and a tooth infection can quickly spread to nearby areas and organs.
Antibiotics arent available without a prescription, but there are a few things you can do at home for relief before your appointment, such as:
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
- avoiding hot or cold foods whenever possible
- trying to chew with the opposite side of your mouth
- brushing with a soft toothbrush around the affected tooth
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What Treatments Are Available
Treatment is based on the cause of your toothache.
- If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or take the tooth out, if necessary.
- A root canal may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the tooths nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner space of the root of the tooth cause such an infection.
- An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw. A small piece of food can get stuck under the gums causing an infection. In this instance, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended followed by further periodontal therapy if necessary.
Why Is My Tooth Throbbing In Pain
There are a lot of different reasons why people get toothaches. On a broad level, most tooth pain ties back to some type of inflammation, such as swollen gums or an irritated tooth nerve. Depending on the exact symptoms youre experiencing, you can better pinpoint and self-diagnose your dental problem.
Any time we experience irritation of the nerve in the root of a tooth, it can trigger discomfort. That pain might be sharp and jolting, or dull and throbbing. Symptoms might come on suddenly then go away for days, while others keep you awake at night. Finding great home remedies for toothache symptoms will get you through the night until you can find your way to the dentists office.
Here are some of the most common reasons why teeth will hurt:
Tooth DecayNot all cavities hurt. But if they do, its normal to experience sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks. Try to tell if your pain is coming from a specific area.
Gum IrritationDid you eat something that poked, cut, or got caught under your gums? Something as simple as a chip may have cut your gums.
Periodontal DiseaseChronic gum disease strains the tiny ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Is there tartar buildup? Bleeding? Receding gumlines? Periodontitis may be to blame.
Broken or Chipped TeethCracked teeth can cause a flare-up in the nerve inside your tooth root. Usually, you feel cracked teeth when releasing biting pressure, as opposed to biting down on them.
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What Causes A Tooth Infection
The primary cause of a tooth infection is dental caries, or tooth decay. Your mouth is full of bacteria all the time, but usually that bacteria doesnt get inside your teeth where it can cause an infection. When decay causes cavities and cracks or holes in your teeth, bacteria can seep into your teeth and cause a tooth infection. An infection can also happen if you have an injury to your tooth that causes a crack or a chip in the tooth. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy through regular brushing and flossing can help prevent decay and infections.
Infection can happen in different parts of the tooth. Sometimes the infection occurs on the side of the tooth if there is an opening there and that can cause the infection to spread to the gums. Pockets of pus called abscesses can form around the infection that will need to be drained by the dentist for the infection to go away.
Can Toothache Go Away On Its Own
The short answer is yes. In some situations toothache or tooth sensitivity can come and go. If this happens its probably a reversible inflammatory response by your tooth. Your relief may be short lived though. Only after a dentist has made a proper diagnosis about the cause of your pain can you potentially avoid further damage and find a permanent pain solution. To get the right treatment you really do need a professional assessment and diagnosis by a dentist.
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Toothache Causes: My Tooth Is Throbbing What Do I Do
Toothaches are tricky they can feel like a minor tinge or they can cause crippling pain. Thats why we want to share some common toothache causes, their symptoms and when you should seek help from your dentist.
What is the definition of a toothache?
Pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth infection or decay.
Ive Had A Toothache For A Month And Nothing Is Working But The Pain Only Comes At Night When I Get Ready To Go To Bed What Can I Do To Make It Stop
First, see a dentist. Youre likely dealing with an abscessed tooth that needs medical attention. It wont heal on its own.
The pain is probably worse at night because youre laying down, which increases the blood pressure to your tooth since its at the same level as your heart.
You can try elevating your head and even your upper torso at night to relieve the pain, but that will only help relieve the pain a little. Ultimately, its important that you get treatment so your body can properly heal.
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Common Symptoms Of A Toothache:
- Tooth pain that may be constant, throbbing, or sharp
- Tooth pain while chewing
- Pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth, for some people
- Foul-tasting drainage from the tooth infection
- Cold or hot sensitivity when eating or drinking
- Swelling in your jaw or around the tooth
- Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
- Headache or fever
- Trauma or injury to the area
What Is A Tooth Infection
Tooth infections are usually caused by bacteria, which means treatment will likely involve antibiotics. Here, well learn all about tooth infections and the best antibiotic to treat a tooth infection.
We all have bacteria in our mouths, which cover our teeth, tongue, and other tissues. This is normal. But infection can happen when bacteria grow into the inside of the tooth, gums, or other spaces in the mouth. It can be caused by poor dental hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup and cavities. Infection can also be caused by injury to the tooth or dental procedures.
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Can You Treat A Tooth Infection Without Antibiotics
There are ways to relieve the pain and swelling associated with your infected tooth. Saltwater rinses with or without baking soda, hydrogen peroxide rinses, and cold compresses can all help with these symptoms. See a dentist right away if you have any symptoms, because an infection is unlikely to go away without treatment.
A cavity can be filled, and pulpitis can also be treated with a dental procedure. You may not need antibiotics. But depending on how bad the infection is, you might need a root canal or removal of the tooth.
If you have an abscess, it needs to be drained. Your dentist will probably also prescribe antibiotics to get rid of any bacteria that are still in the area.
How To Stop A Toothache And Earache
If earache causes toothache, or if toothache causes earache, the pain shows something is wrong. Allows the primary care physician or dentist to identify the problem. If the problem is in the ears or sinuses, the doctor may recommend antibiotics to cure ear infections or the flu that trigger the earache. Likewise, if the issue is with the teeth or jaw, the dentist can determine if the cause of the pain is caries, impacted teeth, broken teeth, or other reasons. Regardless of the source, no pain should be ignored. If the pain in your teeth, jaw, or ear does not go away spontaneously within a few days, you should seek medical treatment. Pain in the teeth, jaw, or ears can seriously affect your ability to lead a daily life. According to a study issued by the National Institutes of Health, ” results of this study show that patients with a toothache are less likely to report effects on their daily functions than those with back or ear pain. It may be due to a delay in dental treatment and one reason for its inadequate exploitation. ” Delaying dental treatment will only increase the duration of the pain. Even if the pain is considered mild, you should see a doctor or dentist if the pain does not go away.
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