Hopefully, you have never experienced the pain of an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is usually the result of tooth decay and is an infection between the root of the tooth and the gums. Tooth abscesses can also be caused by trauma to the tooth, gum disease, or gingivitis. If you’re wondering how to relieve pain from an infected tooth, you may already be experiencing symptoms such as a throbbing toothache, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, a sore on the gums, or red and swollen gums. This discomfort can make it difficult to talk, eat, or even sleep. Below, we’ll discuss how to stop tooth infection pain and find the best abscessed tooth pain remedy for relief.
Abscessed Tooth Pain Remedy & Treatment Options
The main goal of treating an abscessed tooth is to eliminate the infection while preserving the tooth. We will likely prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. In some cases, the abscess may need to be drained to remove pus buildup and reduce pressure. If the tooth is severely damaged, a root canal may be required to remove the infected tissue while saving the tooth. In extreme cases, extraction may be the only option.
If you are searching for how to soothe tooth infection pain at home before seeing a dentist, here are a few gum abscess pain relief remedies that may help:
- Garlic – Raw garlic is a natural bacteria killer that can help with relieving pain from a tooth infection.
- Herbal Tea Bags – Placing a warm tea bag on the affected area can help soothe tooth infection pain and reduce inflammation.
- Clove Oil or Peppermint Oil – These natural remedies can help numb pain and kill bacteria when applied directly to the infected tooth.
- Warm Salt-Water Rinses – Gargling with salt water can help clean the area, reduce swelling, and provide temporary gum abscess pain relief.
- Ibuprofen or Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers – These can help relieve pain from a tooth infection while reducing inflammation.
- Cold Compresses – Applying a cold compress to the cheek can help with swelling and abscessed tooth pain relief.
While these remedies may provide temporary relief, it is essential to see a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring the infection can lead to serious health risks, as bacteria from an abscess can spread to other parts of the body.
Preventing Tooth Infections & Abscesses
Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth infections and abscesses. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using antibacterial mouthwash can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If you chip a tooth or experience any trauma, contact us immediately to prevent an infection from developing.
We understand how unbearable abscessed tooth pain can be, which is why we strive to accommodate emergency appointments as quickly as possible. If you’re wondering, how you can relieve the pain of an abscessed tooth, don’t wait—give us a call today, and we’ll help you get back to feeling your best with a pain-free smile!
FAQ
What is an Abscessed Tooth?
An abscessed tooth is a painful infection that occurs between the root of a tooth and the surrounding gums, often caused by untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth. The infection creates a pocket of pus, leading to swelling, redness, and severe pain. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, bad breath, and sometimes even fever or swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, making it a serious health risk that requires prompt dental attention.
How Can I Ease the Pain of an Abscessed Tooth?
To temporarily relieve the pain of an abscessed tooth, you can try at-home remedies such as rinsing with warm salt water, applying a cold compress to the cheek, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Natural remedies like clove oil, garlic, or peppermint tea bags may also help numb the pain and reduce bacteria. However, these methods provide only short-term relief. Since an abscessed tooth is an infection, the only way to fully eliminate the pain and prevent complications is by seeing a dentist for proper treatment, such as draining the abscess, prescribing antibiotics, or performing a root canal or extraction if necessary.
Will an Abscessed Tooth Eventually Stop Hurting?
An abscessed tooth may stop hurting temporarily if the nerve inside the tooth dies due to the infection, but this does not mean the problem has gone away. The infection is still present and can continue to spread to the jawbone, sinuses, or even the bloodstream, leading to more severe health risks. If an abscessed tooth suddenly stops hurting, it’s crucial to see a dentist immediately to prevent further complications. Proper treatment, such as draining the abscess or undergoing a root canal, is necessary to eliminate the infection and fully resolve the issue.