10 Home Remedies for a Tooth Abscess


Written by Kitty Jay
Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS
Updated on February 6, 2024
healthline.com

Any tooth abscess needs dental treatment, but some home remedies, such as a saltwater rinse or a cold compress, may relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.

tooth abscess can arise from infections that develop inside the tooth. Bacteria can enter the tooth when it’s chipped, broken, or decaying.

Once the bacteria reach the center of the tooth and the tooth becomes infected, pus accumulates in the tooth. The pus in the tooth swells and results in a toothache.

If not treated, the infection could spread to the gums and bones of the mouth.

A tooth abscess needs medical attention, but some home remedies can relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.

The following home remedies can be applied along with prescribed treatments.

1. Saltwater rinse

Rinsing your mouth with saltwater is an easy and affordable option for temporary relief of your abscessed tooth. It can also promoteTrusted Source wound healing and healthy gums.

To use this remedy:

  1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of normal table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water.
  2. Rinse your mouth with the salt water. Try to swish it around inside your mouth for at least two minutes.
  3. Spit the water out.

Repeat up to three times per day.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda is another affordable option for treating various mouth and dental problems, and it may help manage an abscessed tooth. You may even already have some in your kitchen cabinet.

Baking soda is excellent for removing plaque in the mouth. It also has antibacterial properties.

To use this remedy:

  1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 cup of water and a pinch of salt.
  2. Swish the mixture in your mouth for up to five minutes.
  3. Spit out, and repeat until you’ve finished the mixture.

You can repeat this up to two times per day.

3. Oregano essential oil

Oregano oil is an essential oil that hasTrusted Source anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce the swelling and pain of an abscessed tooth. Be sure to dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil to prevent further irritation.

To use this remedy:

  1. Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil to 1 ounce of a carrier oil.
  2. Apply a few drops of this mixture to a cotton ball or swab.
  3. Hold the cotton ball on the infected area for two to three minutes.
  4. Remove the cotton ball or swab. Leave the mixture on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse.

Repeat up to three times per day.

4. Cold compress

cold compress will help reduce pain and swelling.

To use this remedy:

  1. Place ice cubes in a dry towel.
  2. Hold the compress against your skin near the affected area.
  3. The compress can be used for 15-minute intervals.

This may be repeated multiple times per day.

5. Fenugreek tea

Fenugreek may have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It has a long historyTrusted Source of use as a home remedy for healing wounds and reducing inflammation.

To use this remedy:

  1. Make fenugreek tea by heating 1 cup of water in a saucepan and stirring in 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek.
  2. Allow the mixture to cool.
  3. Apply a small amount to the affected area using a cotton ball.
  4. Repeat up to three times per day.
6. Clove essential oil

Clove oil has been used since ancient times as a natural toothache remedy. It may haveTrusted Source antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It comes in diluted forms as well as the very concentrated clove essential oil. If using the essential oil form, remember to dilute it by adding 3–5 drops of essential oil to an ounce of a carrier oil.

You can use this remedy several ways:

  • Apply the diluted oil to the affected area by placing a few drops on a cotton ball or swab.
  • You can also make a clove oil mouthwash by placing a few drops of the oil into a small glass of water.

Clove oil may be used up to three times per day.

7. Thyme essential oil

Thyme oil is another potent essential oil. It has antioxidant properties and may killTrusted Source parasites, fight bacteria, and reduce swelling. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil before use.

You can use this remedy several ways:

  • Apply diluted thyme oil to the affected area with a cotton ball or swab.
  • Make a mouthwash by adding a few drops of diluted thyme oil to a small glass of water.

Use the thyme oil up to three times per day.

8. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has an antimicrobial effectTrusted Source when used as a mouthwash and may help reduce inflammation. It can also help reduce plaque and bleeding gums.

To use this remedy:

  1. Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water.
  2. Swish the solution around in your mouth, then spit. Make sure not to swallow any of the solution.

Hydrogen peroxide may be used multiple times per day.

9. Oil pulling

Oil pulling is another ancient means of oral hygiene that’s been used to treat mouth ailments.

It’s believed that oil pulling removes toxins from the teeth and gums. Limited studies suggest that oil pulling may be a good treatment for bleeding gums, bad breath, and reducing bacteria. However, there’s not enough scientific evidence to confirm whether it’s effective for use in oral health.

Good oils for oil pulling include:

  • raw coconut oil
  • sesame oil
  • olive oil

Oil pulling is recommended in the morning on an empty stomach.

To use this remedy:

  1. Take 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil into your mouth.
  2. Vigorously swish the oil around through your teeth for up to 20 minutesTrusted Source.
  3. Don’t swallow the oil. Spit the oil out in a garbage can — not your sink — to avoid clogged pipes.
10. Garlic

Garlic is another natural remedy with an ancient history of many beneficial therapeutic uses. At least one animal studyTrusted Source suggests it might have wound-healing properties.

To use this remedy:

  1. Make a paste by crushing a fresh clove of garlic.
  2. Rub the paste on the infected area.

This can be repeated multiple time per day.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-abscess-tooth