An abscessed tooth is an opening in the tooth that is filled with pus [1], caused by a dental infection. It may cause pain in the mouth ranging from mild to severe, bad breath and swollen gums. Persons who observe poor dental hygiene, indulge in high-sugar diets, or suffer from other tooth infections have a high risk of developing a tooth abscess.
In case you’re awaiting a doctor’s prescription or unable to have access to your physician, several foods can provide relief to a dental abscess, making it easier to manage. These home remedies are already sitting in your kitchen cupboard or can be obtained in one short trip to a local store.
Here are ten home remedies [2] that can help treat tooth abscess:
Saltwater Rinse
Applying a mixture [3] of salt and warm water on the affected tooth for a few minutes may help reduce symptoms of the infection. It also helps speed up the healing process and improve gum health. You can repeat the process up to three times daily for better results.
An abscessed tooth is a result of a bacterial infection and salt works as an oral irrigator to eliminate built-up bacteria and toxins in the tooth. Due to the sensitive state of the tooth, once an abscess is formed, it may be difficult to maintain oral hygiene like brushing and flossing the tooth – saltwater rinse helps to flush out plaques at the infected spot. It also breaks the accumulation of pus, providing temporary relief.