Tooth infections can be very painful and you will have to look for a dentist near you in Tavistock for treatment. Your dentist will diagnose the problem and provide the best treatment but if you are unable to get to a dentist right away, there are a few home remedies you can try to help manage your pain.
It’s not always possible to get to a dentist immediately, and the following home remedies can help keep the infection from spreading while alleviating your pain:
Baking Soda
This is a safe and effective way to reduce bacteria and relieve pain in your mouth and gums. This is a pantry staple in most households and can serve as a remedy for teeth infections. You can try making a paste of equal parts baking soda and water and applying it to your gums. This method is especially effective when the abscess (pus) is on the side of your tooth or on your gums.
If your tooth infection is inside or on top of your mouth, however, you can try making a baking soda rinse by combining half a tablespoon of baking soda, a half cup of water and a dash of table salt. Swish the solution in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit and repeat.
Saltwater Rinse
Salt is a natural antiseptic and can help with tooth infections when used to make a saltwater rinse. Just add one teaspoon of table salt or more into a glass of warm water and swish the mixture inside your mouth for a few minutes, then spit and repeat as needed.
Salt can help reduce bacteria, and rinsing with warm salt water can also help remove debris from your mouth and break up pus around the tooth. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with salt water can also help a wound heal properly.
Garlic
Garlic contains germ-fighting properties and is considered a natural antibiotic. It can kill bacteria, and fresh garlic can also soothe pain from a tooth infection. Eating garlicky foods will help, but if you really want to experience the benefits of garlic, try creating a paste by crushing a fresh clove of garlic and applying the paste to the infected area a few times a day.
If you experience sharp pain, bite down on a peeled clove of garlic with your affected tooth, as this can help ease your pain and prevent bacterial growth.
Alcohol
You should not drink excessively when you have an infection, but if alcohol is applied directly to the tooth infection, it can help numb the pain because of its anesthetic properties. Whiskey, scotch and vodka can all help, and you can soak a cotton ball in the hard alcohol and apply it to the area that is causing you pain. Alcohol will not kill enough bacteria to reduce your infection, but it can provide you with temporary relief.
Never use alcohol to treat your child’s tooth infection.
Cold Compress
This is an effective way to relieve tooth pain and reduce swelling on the outside of your mouth. You can try wrapping ice in a clean washcloth or towel to form a smaller ice pack, and you can then apply it on the outside of the painful area. Don’t be scared to use a bag of frozen vegetables from your freezer, and you can even use an ice cube to massage your sore gums to help reduce the pain of a tooth infection.
Essential Oils
This can help relieve everyday aches and pains, and some essential oils contain antibacterial properties and may be useful when used for tooth infections. You can consider using:
Oregano
The oil from this herb contains antibacterial properties.
Clove Oil
The oil from this cooking spice also contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and you can use dried cloves to numb the pain if you cannot find the oil. Place a clove in your mouth, between the tooth that hurts and your cheek for a few minutes.
Thyme Oil
This cooking herb is antibacterial.
Even a few drops of essential oils can help relieve pain, and you can dab a cotton ball or cotton swab in a carrier oil, then add a drop or two of essential oil and rub the mixture directly on your gums for relief.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a dentist near you in Tavistock? If you are suffering from a tooth infection and are experiencing pain, Tavistock Family Dentistry is always ready to help. We will assess the tooth and will determine the cause of your pain, after which we will provide you with the right treatment.
Tooth infections can cause excruciating pain, and seeing a dentist is a must to eliminate your pain and stop the spread of the infection. If you are looking for an emergency dentist near you, contact us today to schedule your appointment.
