Health Tips: 10 Remedies for Treating an Infected Tooth

Health Tips: 10 Remedies for Treating an Infected Tooth An infected tooth can be one of the most painful infections we may deal with in our day to day lives. Tooth infections are usually caused by bacteria multiplying within the tooth and secreting waste materials, which to us are toxins, and the accumulation of pus in abscesses formed in the tooth. There are several different symptoms associated with an infected tooth, but luckily there are several effective home remedies one can use to relieve the pain associated with this condition.                                                                             Causes of Tooth Infection Tooth abscess (when there is a hollow space within the tooth) is usually related to tooth decay, which can occur from: 1. Trauma to the tooth - A broken or chipped tooth, if not handled correctly, might get infected and develop an abscess. 2. Openings left in the enamel of the tooth may allow entry for harmful bacteria which will spread and infect the center of the tooth. 3. Infection might begin with the root of the tooth or even the jaw bones, and spread to the inside of the tooth through the nerve of the root. 4. If pus is accumulated within the tooth, there could be a swelling of the inner tooth tissue, which will definitely cause infection.   Image by: digitalart / freedigitalphotos.net   Common Symptoms: There are several symptoms associated with a tooth infection, no matter the cause, though, an infected tooth can be extremely painful to bear: 1. A bitter taste in the mouth even after brushing (these are bacteria toxins). 2. Pain that might seem to be coming from a few places on the face or even the temples.  3. Breath might become foul. 4. In certain cases, when left untreated, the infection may cause a fever. 5. Sensitivity to all kinds of pain. 6. Teeth are sensitive to heat or cold. 7. The gums may swell and change color. 8. The jaw may swell as well.                                                    Image by: digitalart / freedigitalphotos.net      10 Home Remedies to Treat the Infection: First of all, an infected tooth should be seen by a dentist. However, if you find yourself unable to reach one soon, or have to wait for your appointment, here's what you can do at home: 1. Avoiding heat Bacteria love heat. It gives them the perfect conditions they need to multiply. So whatever you do, avoid hot beverages and hot food, and let it cool off to room temperature before consuming. 2. Use Ice If the infection is spreading to your jaw and gums, and they begin to swell, you can use an ice pack to reduce the swelling.  Place the ice pack on the cheek above the infected area. The cold will numb the pain and reduce the swelling. 3. Gargling. Take one glass of clean, room temperature water, and add a spoon or 2 of regular table salt. Mix well so the salt doesn't lie on the bottom of the glass. Now gargle this solution several times a day. The salt will dry out the bacteria, and act as a mild antiseptic. The pain will also be reduced. 4. Peroxide Solution Peroxide is great at treating tooth infection as an antiseptic. Use a solution to rinse the mouth frequently. You can also mix it with salt to better deal with the infection. 5. Alcohol As a known antiseptic, alcohol too can help. Take a swig of whiskey or another drink with a high alcohol %, and swirl it in your mouth. You don't have to actually drink it, just holding it in your mouth will help fight the infection and reduce inflammation. 6. Use the extracts of common kitchen ingredients The following extracts will help mitigate the inflammation: - Vanilla extract - Peppermint extract - Lemon / almond extract Use a swab of cotton to gently smear these on the infected area. 7. Oregano Oil The oil extracted from oregano can do wonders for your infected tooth or gum.  Simply add a few drops of olive oil to a cotton swab, add a few drops of oregano oil and apply to the infected area. 8. Apple Cider Vinegar You may already know this one, because apple cider vinegar is known to work magic on infections. Use a cotton ball and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Hold it against the infected area.   9. Ginger Use a fresh piece of ginger and chew on it. The juices released will give you relief from the pain of the inflammation. 10. Fresh potato mash Take a fresh, raw potato. Skin it and cut it to slices. Take the slices and pound them. Add salt to the mash. Now place the mash against the infected area for relief.