Table of Contents
- Breaking Down Tooth Infections
- Why Consider Alternatives To Professional Treatment?
- Home Remedies
- Medical Alternatives
- Should You Put Off Infected Tooth Treatment?
When it comes to tooth pain and infections, one thing that is consistent is that they are disruptive and painful to deal with. When you are dealing with an infected tooth, you may not be able to get to the dentist as quickly as you would like, or maybe you can’t afford professional dental treatment. An infected tooth should be dealt with care because severe infections can be painful and spread to other parts of your mouth. In this blog, we will look at different types of tooth infections, how alternatives can help with your symptoms and enamel health, and when you should absolutely seek professional treatment.
Breaking Down Tooth Infections
Tooth infections occur when bacteria build up along your teeth and tissues become inflamed. There are several types of bacterial infections and tooth abscesses, including:
- Periapical Abscess
- Periodontal Abscess
- Gingival Abscess
- Cavities
- Pulpitis
- Wisdom Tooth Infections
Tooth infections often come with swelling, redness, sensitivity, and discoloration. Infections can cause overall tooth decay, leading to you losing multiple teeth and needing further dental work to keep your jaw intact. Bacteria that linger on your teeth and gums for a long period can cause pain and frequent visits to the dentist.
Why Consider Alternatives To Professional Treatment?
You may wonder why someone would consider natural remedies or other non-surgical remedies when you have an infected tooth. Some patients may want to avoid the invasive nature of root canals or extraction if possible. Not only can these invasive treatments take a long time to heal from, but they can also be expensive. There are several alternative options that can help with an infected tooth, which could reduce the likelihood of oral surgery.
Natural or medical alternatives often can’t save severely damaged teeth, but they can help prevent damage to your other teeth and long-term pain from dental surgeries. Next, let’s look at some remedies you can try for an infected tooth.
Home Remedies
Natural remedies can help reduce inflammation and remove debris from around your teeth that could cause bacterial buildup. These remedies often use ingredients you have in your pantry or something you can quickly grab from a pharmacy or grocery store.
A popular home remedy that is taking the internet by storm is oil pulling. This process involves using coconut oil or sesame oil and swishing it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Similar to mouthwash, the oil will pull out bacteria and debris to provide relief from inflammation. After swishing, you will spit out the oil and rinse out your mouth with warm water.
Garlic is another home remedy that has antibacterial properties to help fight infections. Crushing up garlic cloves and applying them to the affected area could help slow down the spread of bacteria and limit further infection. You could also chew raw garlic if applying it directly to the area is too overwhelming.
Medical Alternatives
While you may not want to schedule a root canal or a tooth extraction, you may want something stronger than a household ingredient. There are medical-grade options for an infected tooth that can help you avoid surgery.
Antibiotics are often prescribed for infections of any kind to help eliminate bacteria with the help of ingredients like amoxicillin, clindamycin, and metronidazole. Antibiotics can help manage the infection and kill bacteria, but they can not solve the underlying issues or behavioral issues that cause damaged teeth.
Dentists may also be able to do something called incision and drainage, which involves cutting the gum to release pus and reduce pressure. Incisions are more invasive than antibiotics or natural remedies, but they can be combined with antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
Should You Put Off Infected Tooth Treatment?
It is always best to consult your dentist before seeking an alternative treatment. Your dentist can help discuss options with you for your specific situation and may be able to recommend a less invasive option for an infected tooth. If you are struggling with severe pain, tooth discoloration, or a loose tooth, you should not put off seeing your dentist. Putting off infections for too long could lead to other teeth becoming infected, increased inflammation, or gum disease.
Mills River Family Dental wants to help all patients achieve a healthier and whiter smile. We are committed to providing high-quality cleanings, smooth dental extractions, and compassionate services to all patients. Our skilled professionals can aid you with cleanings, an infected tooth, or cosmetic procedures that help you to feel your best. Request an appointment to gain better oral health today!
