How to Manage a Tooth Abscess Without Visiting the Dentist

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Dental infections have been a concern for centuries. Records from the 1600s show tooth infections as the fifth or sixth leading cause of death in London, England. By 1908, dental infections accounted for 10 to 40 percent of mortality rates.1Erazo D, Brizuela M, Whetstone DR. Dental infections. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542165 Over a century later, tooth abscesses remain a primary reason for emergency room visits.

Although the risk of death from a tooth abscess is much lower today, untreated infections are still dangerous. They can spread to other body parts, like the jaw, head (even the brain), sinuses, and neck. In severe cases, infections have led to severe conditions like mediastinitis, an inflammation of the chest.2Sanders JL, Houck RC. Dental abscess. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149

Natural remedies can help treat abscesses and prevent them from occurring. Never ignore dental pain or infection, as delaying care can lead to serious complications. Prompt treatment can clear a dental abscess within a week or two.

What causes a tooth abscess?

A tooth abscess is marked by pain, swelling, heat, and a pocket of pus. When bacteria invade the tooth or surrounding gums, the body produces pus to fight dental infection.

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body, effectively protecting teeth. However, when enamel breaks down due to poor dental hygiene or sugar-rich diets, bacteria can invade the tooth, leading to infection.

The most common causes of tooth abscesses include cavities, injuries (like cracked or chipped teeth), and poor dental hygiene.2Sanders JL, Houck RC. Dental abscess. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149

Natural remedies for a dental abscess

Although serious abscesses require dental care, several natural remedies may address mild infections early. Catching an abscess early and treating it at home could prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

Essential oils

Close-up photo of oregano plant

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their antimicrobial properties. They are especially useful as the world faces rising antibiotic resistance.

Our mouths host up to 1,000 types of bacteria, which form biofilms that contribute to tooth infections. Oregano oil, rich in thymol and carvacrol, fights oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, and Prevotella oris.3Hickl J, Argyropoulou A, Sakavitsi ME, et al. Mediterranean herb extracts inhibit microbial growth of representative oral microorganisms and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans. PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0207574. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207574 Thyme essential oil, with properties similar to oregano, has shown efficacy against root canal pathogens when combined with zinc oxide.4Thosar NR, Chandak M, Bhat M, Basak S. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of two endodontic sealers: zinc oxide with thyme oil and zinc oxide eugenol against root canal microorganisms—an in vitro study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2018;11(2):79-82. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1489 Studies have shown that thyme oil can even enhance the antimicrobial effects of other oral care treatments. Although not as effective at destroying bacteria as oregano and thyme, clove oil is somewhat protective in the early stages of biofilm development.5Maggini V, Semenzato G, Gallo E, Nunziata A, Fani R, Firenzuoli F. Antimicrobial activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil in human health treatment. Molecules. 2024;29(5):999. doi:10.3390/molecules29050999 Eugenol is the compound in cloves that contains antibacterial properties.

How to use essential oils for an abscess

Essential oils are potent, so only a few drops are necessary. Soak a cotton ball in the oil and hold it against the affected tooth. You can also try natural dental toothpaste or mouthwash that contains essential oils. Check the label for “essential oil,” not just “fragrance oil,” which lacks medicinal properties.

Alternatively, chewing or sucking on whole cloves can offer quick relief, as they contain a high concentration of eugenol.

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More ways to treat tooth abscesses at home

Simple household remedies can help manage tooth pain and swelling. A baking soda and saltwater rinse will help reduce bacteria and soothe inflamed tissue. You can also apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the affected area. A cold compress or ice pack applied to the jaw may provide temporary relief.

Prevention is key

Model of oversized tooth is cleaned with toothbrush

Prevention is the best way to keep dental infections from becoming abscesses. Regular dental cleanings and checkups help catch problems early. Good oral hygiene, including twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, is essential for preventing tooth decay and infections. In Ayurvedic medicine, practices like oil pulling with coconut oil and neem-based oral care products are common for maintaining good oral health.[6]6Amanpour S, Akbari Javar M, Sarhadinejad Z, Doustmohammadi M, Moghadari M, Sarhadynejad Z. A systematic review of medicinal plants and herbal products’ effectiveness in oral health and dental cure with health promotion approach. J Educ Health Promot. 2023;12:306. doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_1297_22 Hydration is also important, as a dry mouth increases the risk of cavities and abscesses.

A healthy mouth supports a healthy body. Prioritizing dental care protects more than just your smile—it’s essential for your overall well-being.

Footnotes

  • 1
    Erazo D, Brizuela M, Whetstone DR. Dental infections. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542165
  • 2
    Sanders JL, Houck RC. Dental abscess. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149
  • 3
    Hickl J, Argyropoulou A, Sakavitsi ME, et al. Mediterranean herb extracts inhibit microbial growth of representative oral microorganisms and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans. PLoS One. 2018;13(12):e0207574. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207574
  • 4
    Thosar NR, Chandak M, Bhat M, Basak S. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of two endodontic sealers: zinc oxide with thyme oil and zinc oxide eugenol against root canal microorganisms—an in vitro study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2018;11(2):79-82. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1489
  • 5
    Maggini V, Semenzato G, Gallo E, Nunziata A, Fani R, Firenzuoli F. Antimicrobial activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil in human health treatment. Molecules. 2024;29(5):999. doi:10.3390/molecules29050999
  • 6
    Amanpour S, Akbari Javar M, Sarhadinejad Z, Doustmohammadi M, Moghadari M, Sarhadynejad Z. A systematic review of medicinal plants and herbal products’ effectiveness in oral health and dental cure with health promotion approach. J Educ Health Promot. 2023;12:306. doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_1297_22

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