A tooth abscess is a painful infection that needs immediate attention. Often, they start from untreated cavities, trauma to the mouth, or previous dental work. It’s important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible if you think you have an abscessed tooth.
Although professional treatment is key, you may be looking for ways to relieve pain while you wait for your appointment. This article will cover what you need to know about tooth abscesses, home remedies that may help manage your symptoms, and when you absolutely need to see a dentist.
It is not recommended to try to drain an abscessed tooth on your own, but we’ll also cover what you need to know about that.
What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in your teeth or gums as the result of a bacterial infection.
There are two main types of tooth abscesses:
- Periapical abscesses form at the root of the tooth.
- Periodontal abscesses occur in the gums, next to the tooth.
What causes a tooth abscess?
Tooth abscesses can be caused by:
- Untreated dental cavities. If a cavity isn’t treated, bacteria can enter the soft pulp inside the tooth.
- Gum disease (periodontitis). Bacteria can infect your gums and the tissues that support your teeth.
- Trauma to the tooth. Cracks or chips in a tooth can allow bacteria to sneak inside.
Signs and symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess are:
- A toothache that is persistent and throbbing. The pain may radiate to your jaw, ear, or neck.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold. You may feel increased pain when you eat or drink hot or cold items.
- Fever, which is a sign of a more serious infection.
- Swelling in your face or cheek, which may be tender to the touch.
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck, which indicates that your body is mounting an immune response.
Home Remedies for Symptom Relief
While you absolutely need to see a dentist if you suspect you have a tooth abscess, there are some home remedies you can use to ease your discomfort while you wait for your appointment.
Salt Water Rinses
Mix about ½ teaspoon of table salt into a ½ cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for a minute or so, then spit it out. The salt water will cleanse the area, help relieve pain, and bring down the swelling. The rinse will help remove bits of food and debris that can lead to further infection.
Baking Soda Paste
Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the affected area. Baking soda neutralizes acids and reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Essential Oils
Clove oil has long been used as an analgesic and antiseptic. Dilute a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area.
Other essential oils, such as thyme and oregano, also have antibacterial properties. Be sure to dilute them before you use them.
Cold Compresses
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Cold constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation, which can help with swelling and pain.
Fenugreek Tea
Steep 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek in 1 cup of hot water. Let it cool, then use it as a mouth rinse. Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory properties.
Why you shouldn’t try to drain an abscessed tooth at home
It might be tempting to try to relieve the pressure and pain of a tooth abscess by draining it yourself. But attempting to drain an abscess at home can be dangerous, and it’s always best to seek professional dental care.
Risks of at-home drainage
Trying to express the contents of an abscess yourself can lead to:
- Spread of infection. If you try to squeeze or puncture an abscess, you could push bacteria deeper into the tissues of your face and jaw.
- Damage to surrounding tissues. Aggressive attempts to drain an abscess could injure your gums or other structures in your mouth.
- Septicemia. The bacteria from the abscess could enter your bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition known as septicemia or blood poisoning.
Why professional treatment is essential
A dentist or endodontist can provide you with:
- Proper diagnosis and assessment. A dentist can determine the type and severity of your abscess and whether the infection has spread.
- Effective drainage and cleaning. Dentists have sterile instruments and use proper techniques to safely drain the abscess.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics are often necessary to eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent it from spreading.
- Treatment of the underlying cause. To keep the abscess from coming back, you may need a root canal, a tooth extraction, or treatment for gum disease.
When to See a Dentist Right Away
While you can try to manage an abscessed tooth at home, some symptoms mean you need to see a dentist or doctor immediately. Go to the emergency room if you notice any of these signs:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing. This means the infection is spreading and affecting your airway.
- A high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C). This suggests the infection has spread throughout your body.
- Severe swelling in your face. This indicates the infection is spreading quickly.
- Changes in your vision. This can happen if the infection spreads to the area around your eye.
- Confusion or disorientation. This suggests the infection is affecting your brain.
Also, see a dentist promptly if home remedies don’t provide relief after a few days. This indicates that you need professional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drain an abscess with a needle at home?
No, you should absolutely not attempt to drain a tooth abscess yourself, especially using a needle. I know it might be tempting to try and relieve the pressure and pain, but it’s incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious complications. This is one of those times where a DIY approach can have severe consequences.
Why is it so dangerous to drain a tooth abscess at home?
Okay, so a few reasons. First, it’s nearly impossible to create a sterile environment at home, and the mouth is already full of bacteria. Sticking a needle (even a clean one!) into an abscess introduces a high risk of spreading the infection deeper into your tissues, potentially leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
What are the risks of trying to drain it myself?
Beyond sepsis, you risk damaging nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues in your mouth. You could also accidentally push the infection further into your jawbone or even into your bloodstream. Seriously, it’s not worth the risk!
So, what should I do if I think I have a tooth abscess?
Get to a dentist immediately. A dentist or oral surgeon has the proper tools, training, and sterile environment to safely drain the abscess, remove the source of the infection, and prescribe antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t try to set a broken bone yourself, right? A tooth abscess requires the same level of professional care.
In Conclusion
If you think you have a tooth abscess, it’s important to see a dentist right away. Home remedies can help ease the pain and discomfort, but they are not a substitute for professional dental care.
We’ve talked about what a tooth abscess is, which home remedies might bring you a bit of relief, why you shouldn’t try to drain it yourself, and when you need to get professional help immediately.
The sooner you get help from a dentist, the better your chances of preventing serious complications and keeping your mouth healthy.