A tooth abscess is collection of pus in the center of the tooth, on account of bacterial infection of the tooth. The bacteria gain entrance into the tooth either due to an injury to the tooth or due to tooth decay. The bacteria then spread into the center of that decaying or injured tooth. Later, infection can also spread to the root of the tooth and even the underlying bone providing support to the tooth.
Primary symptom of tooth abscess is toothache. The pain tends to be severe and continuous. You may experience the pain to be sharp, shooting, gnawing, or throbbing. Other symptoms that you can experience are bitter taste, bad odour of breath, general malaise, fever, pain upon chewing, sensitivity of affected tooth to cold or hot substances, swelling of gums or jaw, and swollen glands in the neck.
Abscess Tooth Herbal Remedies
A tooth abscess can lead to severe life-threatening infection, so you should seek the advice of a dentist, especially if you are having severe symptoms. The following herbal remedies are useful either as adjunct therapy or in mild cases.
Chamomile
The flowers of Matricaria recutita are used to make the chamomile remedy. The main active ingredients are alpha-bisabolol and apigenin. These chemical compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Chamomile can be used as capsules, tea, or liquid extract. You can drink 3-4 cups of its tea daily between meals. You could also use the tea as a mouthwash or for gargling. You can take 30-60 drops of its tincture in hot water thrice daily.
Burdock
The root of Arctium lappa is used to make the remedy. The main active ingredients are essential fatty acids and phytosterols. These chemicals are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Burdock is available as capsules, powder, decoction and tincture. The dose is 1-2 g thrice daily, or one cup of tea containing 2 g of burdock thrice daily, or 30-60 drops of its tincture once daily. It is generally safe, but it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals sensitive to it.
Dandelion
The root of Taraxacum officinale is used medicinally. Its extract contains anti-inflammatory chemicals. Hence it can reduce the swelling and pain. It can be taken as a decoction or as tincture. The dose is 1-2 teaspoonfuls of its decoction thrice daily.
The decoction can be prepared by placing the root in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can consume 30-60 drops of tincture thrice daily. Some of its side effects are allergic reactions in some people, heartburn, stomach upset, and diarrhea.
Goldenseal
The dried root of Hydrastis canadensis is used to make the extract. The active ingredient present in the extract is berberine. Berberine is antibacterial and antifungal in nature. Berberine also strengthens the immune system and helps you fight the infection. Consult the product label or insert for correct dosage. Avoid using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Echinacea
The roots, flowers, and leaves of several species of Echinacea are used to derive the extract. The active ingredients present in the extract are phenols and polysaccharides. These chemicals are not only antibacterial, but they also boost one’s immune system, and thus help fight against infection.
It can be taken as tea (containing 1-2 g of dried root) thrice daily or as 1-3 ml of tincture thrice daily. Its side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and allergic reactions.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.