How Do You Kill Bacteria In Your Mouth Naturally
Studies have shown that baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth. Research indicates that toothpastes containing high concentrations of baking soda effectively reduce bad breath. To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 2 teaspoons of baking soda to 1 cup of warm water.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For A Tooth Abscess
Mix 1 tablespoon of your 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 tablespoon of water. Use this diluted solution to hold and swish in your mouth for 2 minutes. Spit the solution out and rinse your mouth. Repeat the hydrogen peroxide swish every 2 hours during the day and again if you wake up in the night feeling pain.
Let us know if you’ve tried hydrogen peroxide for a toothache. Continue scrolling down to learn how hydrogen peroxide worked for other Earth Clinic readers.
How Is An Abscessed Tooth Treated
Treatment for an abscessed tooth focuses on clearing up the infection and relieving pain. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist might start with a dental X-ray. This will help them see whether the infection has spread to other areas.
Depending on the type and severity of your abscess, treatment options include:
- Draining the abscess. Your dentist will make a small cut in the abscess to drain the pus. Theyll follow up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
- A root canal procedure. A root canal involves drilling into the affected tooth to drain the abscess and remove any infected pulp. Next, your dentist will fill and seal the pulp chamber, which holds pulp, and the root canal. They may also cap your tooth with a crown to strengthen it. A crown procedure is usually done during a separate appointment.
- Tooth extraction. If your tooth is too damaged, your dentist might remove it before draining the abscess. Your dentist may pull the tooth if it cant be saved and then drain the abscess.
- Antibiotics. If the infection has spread beyond the abscessed area or you have a weakened immune system, your dentist might prescribe oral antibiotics to help clear the infection.
- Removal of foreign object. If your abscess is caused by a foreign object in your gums, your dentist will remove it. Theyll finish up by cleaning the area with a saline solution.
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Saltwater Rinses Stop Growth Of Bacteria In Your Mouth
Saltwater rinses can be helpful in stopping growth of bacteria in your mouth. Dr. Marc Lazare, DDS, says that they cut down on the acidic environment that allows bacteria to thrive.
Saltwater rinses work by increasing the pH- balance inside the mouth, creating a much more alkaline oral environment in which the bacteria are no longer able to thrive, Lazare says. The harmful bacteria prefer the acidic environment, so once that is neutralized, the mouth can become less inflamed and healthier.
A small 2017 study demonstrated that saltwater rinses are effective at decreasing the dental plaque and oral microbial count, when used alongside routine plaque control.
What Are The Benefits
Gargling with salt water on a regular basis helps to remove bacteria from the gums, which can help reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Tartar and plaque buildup cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Gargling can also help to soothe sore throats and prevent infections by helping keep the mouth clean. It can help canker sores heal and can relieve the symptoms of allergies that cause nasal passages and throats to swell. There is also research that indicates gargling with salt water may help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections and help prevent them.
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Rinse Your Mouth With Saltwater
Rinse your mouth with salt water to find temporary relief from the discomfort. It is an affordable and easy home solution. A saltwater rinse also works effectively to heal wounds and promotes healthy gums.
Take ½ teaspoon of salt and pour it into a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this salty remedy and swish the solution for 2 minutes at least. Do this thrice a day.
What To Do If You Have Tooth Pain
- Get to your dentist as soon as possible.
- Putting it off will make it worse.
- Even if the pain eases, the underlying cause for the pain is still present and you will wind up experiencing pain again.
There are many reasons you may have a toothache. It can occur even if you have seen a dentist regularly. If you have a toothache and have not seen a dentist for a long time, do not be intimidated. Just go to a dentist as soon as possible if experiencing pain. Never worry about telling a dentist that you have not seen anyone for dental treatment for a long time. Your dental office must be a judgment-free zone. What is important is how you can start to achieve dental health now, not what you did or did not do in the past.
Are you experiencing tooth pain right now?
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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.
Essential Oils Natural Antibiotics To Ward Off Any Dental Infection
Extracted mainly from plants through a process of distillation with water or steam. The oils have different uses, such as improving pain, healing, relaxing, among others. It can be applied to the affected area of the oral cavity with a swab, ,or cotton, and it is also possible to rinse for any application, it should always be diluted in a small glass of water. Some of these oils are used as antibacterial agents and for pain management dental. Make sure to use pure essential oils of medicinal or therapeutic type aromatic oils can become toxic some examples:
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Why Salt Water Rinses Are Useful For Dental Care
When you think of maintaining and improving your oral health, you may consider using an alcohol-based mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth. While using mouthwash, especially alcohol-based mouthwashes, are useful in killing bacteria, they can cause irritation of the mucus membranes and gums. Alcohol also has a drying effect, which isnt good for your mouth. While using alcohol-based mouthwashes is beneficial, you may also benefit by supplementing your oral hygiene routine with a salt water rinse, which is completely natural, especially when you consider that the human body is composed of between .3 and .4 percent salt water.
When it comes to oral health, salt water rinses work well for:
- Healing Gum Sores and Small Cuts in the Mouth
- Reducing the Risk of Infection After Dental Procedures
- Helping with Pain, Inflammation and Bacterial Infestation During Sore Throats
Allred Family Dentistry Is Here To Help Regardless Of What Kind Of Tooth Pain You Are Experiencing
If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, it may be time to request an appointment. If your evaluation reveals that no additional treatment is needed, we will work with you to form an at-home oral care regimen that will address your specific symptoms. Together, you and the Allred Family Dentistry team can ensure your toothache goes away and that your oral health is taken care of. We look forward to helping you!
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Why Do Some Toothaches Hurt More At Night
Toothaches can be painful in the day, but they may seem to get worse at night.
One reason that this may occur is because when a person is lying down, blood rushes to the head. This extra blood in the area may increase the pain and pressure that people feel from a toothache.
Another reason why many aches feel worse at night is because there are fewer distractions. With little else to focus on but the toothache, a person may find it difficult to fall asleep.
People with a toothache at night should see a dentist as soon as possible. Any home remedies are only for temporary relief.
If the toothache also comes with other signs of an infection, a person may need antibiotics to clear out the infection.
When a cracked or decaying tooth is causing the pain, a person should see their dentist. They will be able to find a permanent solution.
Ignoring the signs of tooth decay, such as an aching tooth, may lead to more serious issues, including abscesses, gum disease, and tooth loss.
How K Health Can Help
Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app?
to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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How Long Does It Take For An Infected Tooth To Heal
This is a very hard question to answer because it depends on the infection severity, how badly damaged the tooth is and the dental abscess treatment your dentist thinks is required.
After the draining procedure that lets the pus coming out, the cheek swelling starts to decrease as well as the pain. If you follow the doctor instructions, after two or three days, the drainage from the abscess should be minimal to none. All sores should heal in 10-14 days.
Even if the bump, the swelling and the sore disappear it doesnt mean that the periapical pathology is solved. You still need medication or surgery treatment to save your tooth or to get it removed.
Caution: Too Much Of A Good Thing Is A Bad Thing
Never drink the salt water. Do no more than 4 times a week. Too much salt water can actually weaken your teeth. Make sure the salt is completely dissolved, which is why its best to pre-make a solution using hot water. If gargling the solution is painful, you may be using too much salt and need to dilute it. Label your salt water solution as mouth rinse. Since its a clear liquid, it may be easy to confuse with regular drinking water.
Add this step to your at-home dental care routine to keep your teeth healthy and your gums happy!
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Salt Water Rinses Help With Treating Gum Disease
Modern medicine has come up with many products to help people maintain their health. When it comes to taking care of your teeth and gums, there are shelves full of products to turn to. Despite the best efforts, some people will still develop gum disease!
While there are medicines to treat gum disease, one of the best forms of treatment is one of the oldest. It does not require a trip to the pharmacy to get he ingredients. It involves two things found in almost every home. Those two things are salt and water.
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.
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Dental Abscess Treatment And Prevention
Please take comfort in the fact that while abscesses are unpleasant to deal with, theyre a regular occurrence at your dental office. Your dental professional is specially trained and equipped to diagnose the underlying cause of your abscess, provide appropriate treatment, and offer tips to prevent it from occurring again in the future.
Treatment for a dental abscess may include:
- Prescribed antibiotics
- Professional removal of infected tissue, drainage of the abscess, and cleaning affected areas
- Root canal treatment if the infection has infiltrated the soft inside of your tooth
To prevent future abscesses and avoid worsening the conditions that led to your infection, its a smart bet to use this time to ensure youre practicing a healthy dental routine.
Steps to maintain your oral health may include:
- Gently brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean between your teeth once a day using floss, a flossing device, or an interdental brush
- Consume a balanced diet that limits overly sugary or acidic foods and beverages
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
- Visit your dental professional regularly
Dealing with an abscess can be difficult, but you can take this as a challenge to improve your dental routine and avoid further problems in the future. Youve made a great choice to inform yourself on what dental abscesses are, why you need professional treatment, and what you can do to find temporary relief in the meantime.
How To Select The Carrier Oil You Need
There are many carrier oils available. Most are suitable to use with any essential oil, but you should consider a few things before choosing one.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate carrier oils labeled for use as cosmetics. They do, however, regulate edible cooking oils that may serve double-duty as carrier oils.
You should only buy therapeutic-grade carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Look for oils that are cold-pressed, 100 percent pure, and additive- or preservative-free. If you want to use a cooking oil as a carrier oil, choose cold-pressed, organic varieties.
The following list includes popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils for aromatherapy, massage, and skin care. The list isnt exhaustive, but its a good place to start.
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Other Home Remedies For Toothache
Saltwater will definitely help relieve some pain, but you can also find other home remedies to relieve toothache. Here are some options to consider:
1. Garlic
Thanks to its antibiotic and medicinal properties, garlic can always help relieve toothache.
Take a garlic clove, crush it well and mix it with some black salt or table salt. Apply it on your affected tooth directly for pain relief. Repeat several times for better results.
2. Cloves
Cloves have antibacterial, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make them an effective remedy for toothache.
Take two cloves and ground them well. Add a few drops of olive oil and then apply directly on your affected tooth for pain relief.
3. Onions
Using onions will help reduce pain mainly because it works as an antiseptic. It also has antimicrobial properties which can control a toothache quite effectively .
Chew raw onions for about five minutes when you experience a toothache. Simply placing a few pieces of raw onion on your affected tooth may work as well.
4. Asafetida
You can make use of asafetida to deal with bleeding gums, toothaches, and other dental problems.
Put a pinch of powdered asafetida into two teaspoons of lemon juice. Then heat it slightly and use a cotton cloth to apply it on your affected tooth. You can also cook asafetida with butter and apply the mixture on your tooth.
5. Cold Compress
9. A Damp Tea Bag
History Of Salt For Medicinal Use
Did you know that the medicinal use of salt dates back to 1600 B.C? The health benefits of salt have been recorded in some of the oldest medical scripts. It was believed that salt could dry out and disinfect wounds. Ancient Egyptian medicine prescribed anti-infective solutions, which had salt as a base ingredient. These were administered orally, applied as an ointment or suppository. Greek medicine also made us of salt by mixing it with honey to create a topical application to disinfect cuts and wounds.
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