What to Do About Tooth Infection

When a tooth gets infected due to some kind of decay or cavity, this can lead to serious tooth pain. Since your teeth are full of nerves, even the slightest infection can be painful. A serious tooth infection can lead to excruciating pain which can disturb your sleep and overall health. It’s important to know how to have good oral hygiene so that you prevent tooth infections as much as possible and also to know ways to deal with the pain if you already have such dental problem.

How do I know if I have a tooth infection?

Usually, the first sign that you have some kind of tooth infection is a sharp or sore pain in your mouth. At this point, you should make an appointment with your dentist so that they treat the problem in the early stage. If left untreated, the tooth infection will only get worse and can be accompanied with other symptoms such as:

• Swelling in the gum or cheek
• Redness
• Pain that gets worse if you apply pressure on the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Pain that goes up to your ear, neck or face
• Pain when chewing
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
• Bad breath and/or taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away even after you’ve brushed

If you also feel tired, feverish and have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek immediate medical help. The fever indicates that the infection may have spread into your jawbone and your body is trying to fight it.

How do you get a tooth infection?

According to the American Dental Association, most tooth infections are caused by untreated tooth decay or by a cracked or broken tooth. When bacteria damage enamel, they penetrate it and can infect the nerves in the pulp tissue of the tooth. This infection is commonly called an abscess and any tooth can become abscessed.

There are many factors that can be the cause of a tooth infection. Food and beverages that are high in sugar and acids wear away the enamel which is the layer that protects your teeth. Once that happens, a process also knows as tooth erosion begins and that allows bacteria to enter deeper into your teeth which eventually leads to an infection. Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can have these effects on tooth enamel. Soft drinks like soda are also harmful to your smile, even if they’re sugar-free.
Smoking, drinking alcohol and poor oral hygiene may also cause tooth erosion

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How do you get rid of a tooth infection?

In order to get rid of a tooth infection, you need to make an appointment with your dentist. Once they find where the problem is exactly, they can begin the appropriate treatment. The first thing that will be needed is cleaning out the infection. Only after that, will they start repairing the tooth.

It might be necessary to clean out the root canal as well. As they are packed with sensitive nerves, your dentist may suggest anesthesia. Once the root canal is cleaned out with an antibacterial solution, if necessary, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it. Depending on the problem and the treatment, you could be prescribed antibiotics as well that can help treat the infection.

What is the best natural antibiotic for tooth infection?

Any tooth pain should be examined and treated by a dentist. However, there are also natural ingredients that can help you fight a tooth infection, so you can incorporate them into your treatment too. Here are some of the top natural antibiotics for tooth infections:

Turmeric

The yellow turmeric powder has many beneficial effects on your whole body, including your teeth. It helps fight inflammation and bacteria and because of its pain-relieving properties, can help you deal with a toothache. Mix a small amount of turmeric with some water and apply it on the infected area using a Q-tip or a cotton ball. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and then rinse your mouth with warm salt water.  This natural method can also help reduce swelling caused by the infection.

Cloves

Fresh clove leaves and clove oil have some of the best antibacterial properties. They’re high in antioxidants and can reduce swelling, redness, and toothache. If you’re using fresh leaves, grind them into a paste and mix with some coconut oil. Apply this paste directly on the infected tooth, wait a few minutes then rinse out. If you’re using clove oil, add a couple of drops into some warm water. Use this to gargle and rinse twice a day. Try concentrating on the infected area for best results.

Thyme oil, tea or fresh leaves

Thyme has many antimicrobial properties and is full of thymol which is an antifungal and antiseptic ingredient. This makes it great for tooth pain and infections. Thyme essential oil can be applied directly to your teeth and gums. You can also drink thyme tea a few times a day or you can chew fresh thyme leaves. As it can be painful to chew on the side of the infected tooth, try doing that on the opposite side.

Raw ginger

Ginger is a powerful antiseptic as well and it’ full of active ingredients. Chewing raw ginger can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and that will help with pain and can stop further infection. Besides chewing raw ginger, you can try adding it more to your food.

Having good oral hygiene and going to frequent dental exams will significantly reduce your risk of developing a tooth infection. If you already have such infection, see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid any complications.