When it comes to medical issues, I tend to lean towards using natural methods to treat them whenever possible. I am not a fan of popping a pill for every little ailment. I prefer methods that treat the cause of the problem in a more holistic manner. That being said, I am not anti-western medicine. While I don't think it's the appropriate modality for every condition, it is VERY valuable where appropriate.
Just before Christmas I started to have an issue with a broken tooth. First it started to feel loose and sore, then my gums around it started to swell to the point where my face was swelling. I did a little research online to see what natural remedies I could find. I came across several websites with a few natural remedies to try, which I'll note below, but what I also found was that what I had was an abscess, and this is one of those conditions where natural remedies may not be the best option. This may be a case for western medicine.
If you catch the infection early enough some natural remedies may get rid of it or prevent it from getting worse. If natural remedies don't work, or the abscess reappears, be sure to see your dentist. You will likely need antibiotics and may even need to get your tooth pulled.
Here are a few natural remedies that some have said worked for them:
1. Clove Oil - Clove Oil is well regarded for dental pain. I've read several accounts of people using it straight. However, it is generally not recommended to use any Essential Oil straight unless directed by a licensed aroma therapist. It is generally recommended to dilute essential oils with food-grade oils. It tastes terrible and may burn, but it's long been a remedy for tooth aches.
1. Oregano Oil - Oregano Oil is a strong antibacterial and anti-viral. I've read about people using it straight, but again, don't recommend doing so unless under direction of an expert.
2. Salt Water - swish warm salt water in your mouth. When my abscess was at its worst and hurting (even though I was on antibiotics) and I could tell it was about to burst, I did a salt water rinse and it caused it to burst and rinsed it out.
3. Tea Bag - Run a tea bag (regular, not herbal) under warm water and place it between your cheek and the infected tooth.
4. Garlic - Eat garlic. Garlic is a strong antibacterial. You may need to eat a lot, which can give body odor, but people swear by it.
5. Mouthwash - I didn't have clove oil or oregano oil, but I did have my Miessence Freshening Mouth Wash and Breath Fresh Spray, both of which have clove oil, aloe (healing) and thyme (antibacterial). So, after rinsing with salt water I rinsed with my Miessence Mouth Wash and kept my Breath Fresh spray with me so I could spray it periodically throughout the day.
6. Probiotics - Infections get out of control and lead to abscess partly because the immune system is weakened. 85% of your immunity is in your gut, so you want to get your bacterial balance in check. Having sufficient "good" bacteria helps keep bad bacteria under control. Probiotics are also helpful if you've been prescribed antibiotics by your dentist. Antibiotics tend to kill all bacteria in your body, both good and bad. Taking probiotics with may help keep the antibiotics from killing the good bacteria in your body. If taking probiotics be sure not to take them too close to your antibiotics or it could kill off the good bacteria you are trying to replenish.
Only use these remedies if the infection has just started and is mild or while waiting to see your dentist. If it gets worse, lasts for days or returns, see a dentist immediately. It's not worth the health effects of letting a dental infection go untreated. A dental abscess can be a serious condition. Both natural remedies and antibiotics may not be effective as the infection is often in areas where the natural remedies and antibiotics can't reach. The blood vessels are too small and the antibiotics are too big to or unable to travel through them. If the infection goes unchecked it could spread to other teeth, cause disfigurement of the face, or even death as the infection spreads through the body causing heart attack.
If you feel nauseous or have a fever and can't get right in to see your dentist go to the emergency room.
Note: when using essential oils be sure to buy organic. Essential oils are highly concentrated, which means that any pesticides they are grown with are also highly concentrated.
I am not a doctor, dentist or aromatherapist. This information is intended to be educational only. Do not try any remedy without first speaking to your dentist or appropriate professional.
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