Dealing with a tooth infection can be a painful and distressing experience. The pain and tenderness associated with it are severe and stabbing, and even simple daily tasks are difficult to accomplish. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other body areas, including critical areas like the brain.
Understanding the options available to manage tooth infections through professional dental care and home remedies can offer relief and promote better oral health. Here, you will find information on how to deal with tooth infections with antibiotics, natural methods and OTC drugs, and signs indicating you need to see a dentist near you.
Understanding Tooth Infections
A tooth infection, or abscessed tooth, is caused by bacterial growth that triggers the formation of a pus-filled pocket in or around the tooth. Infection can occur in the inner layers of the tooth surfaces due to caries, gingivitis or periodontitis, or previous dental treatment The main symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- Intense, throbbing tooth pain
- Teeth sensitivity towards excessive hot or cold food.
- Swelling in the gums, seen over the face as well
- Fever, which might point towards further transmission of the infection.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a visit to a dentist near you is essential. A professional dentist can only examine it, who can then decide whether the infection requires antibiotics.
Antibiotics for Tooth Infection: Can You Buy Them Over-the-Counter?
Antibiotics are typically prescription-only medications in Canada and the United States, so they aren’t available over the counter.
Dentists often prescribe antibiotics for tooth infection, such as amoxicillin, penicillin, or metronidazole, depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection.If a patient has had an allergic reaction to penicillin or clindamycin, other antibiotics may be prescribed.
These antibiotics affect and kill harmful bacteria that cause these infections, but it is essential to use antibiotics as prescribed to completely remove the infection. Consuming only part of the course could result in developing antibiotic resistance, relapse of the infection, or even a new infection.
Effective Home Remedies to Combat Tooth Infection
In cases where immediate dental care isn’t available, natural remedies may offer temporary relief from infection symptoms. Some of the aforementioned natural remedies have a certain level of antimicrobial properties and may be valuable for treating pain and minimizing bacteria. Although these toothache infection remedies do not replace antibiotics, they can improve the situation with professional dentists’ advice.
1. Clove Oil
Clove oil has been widely used as an antiseptic and a cure for tooth pain and other infections. Being an antimicrobial and analgesic, Eugenol present in clove oil is preferably used when treating mild infections.
- How to Use: Mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil. Use a cotton ball to apply it directly to the infected area. This will subdue the pain and may also help minimize the proliferation of bacteria in the immediate future.
2. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is more than just a kitchen spice; it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. It is best to accompany the active component curcumin, which inhibits the bacteria and has an anti-inflammatory action.
- How to Use: Make a paste using turmeric powder and a few drops of water. Apply the paste to the affected tooth and leave it for 15–20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another potent natural remedy known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. This oil can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth and promote a healthier oral environment.
- How to Use: Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, swish it in your mouth for a few minutes, and spit it out. Avoid swallowing tea tree oil, as it can be toxic in large amounts.
4. Garlic
Garlic is widely recognized for its strong antibacterial properties due to its active compound, allicin. It can be highly effective in reducing bacteria levels around the infected tooth.
- How to Use: Chew a raw garlic clove or crush it to create a paste and apply it to the infected area. This can provide pain relief and act as a natural defense against bacteria.
5. Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is a simple and effective way to reduce bacteria and soothe inflamed gums. The warm salt water creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, promoting a cleaner mouth.
- How to Use: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
6. Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected side of your face can help reduce swelling and numb pain. This remedy is particularly helpful if the infection has caused noticeable swelling around your jaw or cheek.
7. Avoiding Hot or Cold Foods
Tooth infections often lead to sensitivity to temperature changes, so it’s best to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. This can help prevent further pain until you can get professional care.
Essential Tips to Prevent Tooth Infections
Preventing tooth infections starts with maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Here are a few essential tips:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day removes plaque and prevents bacterial buildup.
- Routine Dental Checkups: Regular visits to a dentist near you for checkups and cleanings can catch issues before they develop into infections.
- Watch Your Diet: Reduce sugar intake and avoid acidic foods that can wear down enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.
- Address Dental Issues Promptly: Don’t ignore cavities or minor tooth pain—addressing these problems early can prevent them from becoming serious infections.
Home remedies and following these tips can provide temporary relief, but they do not cure tooth infections.
Since infections can spread quickly, especially within the head and neck region, it’s crucial to consult a dentist in Waterloo as soon as possible. A professional dentist, like Harmony Dental Care in Waterloo, can diagnose the infection and recommend antibiotics if necessary.
Seek Professional Care at Harmony Dental Care
With a practice over 55 years, at Harmony Dental Care, we prioritize our patients’ well-being by offering comprehensive evaluations and effective treatments tailored to each individual’s needs.
Our skilled team will examine the severity of your infection, assess whether antibiotics are necessary, and provide a treatment plan. In some cases, other procedures like draining the abscess, root canal therapy, or even tooth extraction may be needed.
Our experienced team is ready to provide expert care and guide you through the treatment process. Whether you need a consultation, antibiotics, or a more complex dental procedure, our clinic is equipped to help you regain your oral health and comfort.
Don’t let tooth pain control your life—schedule your appointment with a trusted dentist in Waterloo today and take the first step toward lasting relief.