How to get rid of a gum abscess at home

Home Remedies to cure Gum Abscess

A gum abscess starts in a gum pocket outside the tooth next to the root. Be advised though that treatment for gum abscess is different from tooth abscess as they both are different. The abscess is a gathering of pus that is comprised of dead white platelets, tissue debris and bacteria. Also called a periodontal abscess, a gum abscess is a painful condition that can lead to serious complications unless treated immediately.

The major cause of gum abscess is the accumulation of plaque under the gums. We will be sharing a few home treatments that will help in reducing the pain due to gum abscess.

1) Garlic

Garlic is a natural choice for killing bacteria. The juice of a raw garlic helps in reducing pain caused due to gum abscess. Allicin present in garlic acts as a potent anti-bacterial agent making it a great home remedy. The juice of crushed garlic can be applied on the gums inducing pain. One other option is to peel and cut a clove of garlic in half and to place it directly over the gum for 10-15 minutes.  Repeat this as often as you can in a day.

2) Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an efficient way to deter bacteria growth while fighting active infection. Coconut oil is most preferred as it has the best flavour compared to sesame or olive oil. For best results, take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. Do it daily to reduce gum abscess.

3) Peppermint Oil

One of the basic choices to reduce gum abscess is the use of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil has antiseptic properties making it ideal to fight infection. Add 3-4 drops of peppermint oil into a cotton ball and gently place it over the infected gums. Hold it there for about 5 minutes and gently massage the infected area. Repeat this as many times a day to ensure the swelling of the gums reduce.

4) Turmeric

Turmeric is a household product which can be used to treat gum abscess. The presence of anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric helps in reducing the pain caused by gum abscess. To do this at home, combine turmeric powder and water to form a paste. Apply the paste over the infected gum and let it stay for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and repeat two to three times a day for better results.

5) Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a household commodity and is readily available. It helps in increasing the pH levels within the mouth to create an alkaline environment where bacteria cannot survive. Mix equal quantities of baking soda and salt. Dip a cotton ball in water before dipping it into the mixture of baking soda and salt. Gently place the cotton ball over the gum abscess and keep it there for 50-60 minutes. Rinse with clear water.

Gum abscess is a serious problem and should be diagnosed by a dentist as soon as possible. The steps mentioned above are a stop gap measure and should  not be considered permanent solution for treating gum abscess.

An abscess can either be a tooth abscess (periapical abscess) or an abscess located in the gum (periodontal abscess). This is determined by where the infection originated. A gum abscess differs in source and location since it starts in a pocket in the gum that is next to the root but outside of the tooth.

Anyone who currently has a dental abscess or has experienced one in the past knows that it is in a category of its own.

Here are 7 important care tips for a dental abscess.

1. Seek treatment immediately.

Call your dentist and describe your symptoms. Never ignore or delay treatment if you have an infection or are worried there is a possibility you have one. See your dentist right away as the infection can spread and cause serious complications as well as further damage.

2. You can start fighting the infection right away.

There are things you can do immediately while on your own, especially if your dentist is not open on that day or at that hour. There are natural antibiotics as well as natural remedies you can use in the meantime. These consist of garlic, baking soda, and salt rinses.  You can also boost your body's immune system by taking vitamin c.

3. Draw the infection out.

You should never attempt to pop an abscess on your own. However, there are methods you can use to help the abscess drain naturally on its own by pulling the infection out. Natural ways of doing this include using a tea bag or making a paste out of baking soda.

4. Reduce your inflammation and relieve your pain.

While awaiting your dentist appointment, you may want to take over the counter medication such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce inflammation and help with pain. Using the above-mentioned salt water rinse multiple times a day will not only help relieve pain but will also help reduce bacteria and will aid in fighting the infection.

5. Find the source causing the infection.

Get your abscess medically examined to eliminate the cause of the infection, even if you are feeling better. The abscess will not go away on its own. You need it examined, drained, and treated.

6. Take antibiotics from your dentist.

Take and finish the antibiotics your dentist prescribes. Monitor your symptoms. Treat the problem by means of a root canal or extraction.

7. Maintain good oral hygiene to keep future abscesses from forming.

A tooth abscess is very serious and can be life-threatening. If you are worried about the financial aspect and do not have dental insurance, do not worry. You can often find a free and/or low-cost dental clinic in or around your area. Additionally, most dentists only charge $100 (or less) to simply pull a tooth, which is a small price to pay when it can be the very thing that saves your life.

But there’s a catch

Request a dental check-up online in our Fort Lauderdale dental office here: https://www.smilesbyjulia.com. Call us at (954) 271-8034 for more information from Smiles By Julia.

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