Rewinding the Years: Dental Care Tips for Older Adults

If you have an abscess in your mouth, it could be due to a cavity that's become infected. Abscesses can be painful, especially if you can't get to the dentist right away. Don't suffer with the pain. Here are three simple home remedies that will alleviate the pain of an abscess.

Reach for the Salt Water

Abscesses are swollen pockets that fill with pus and bacteria. As the swelling increases, the abscess can begin pressing on the nerves of your teeth. When that happens, you're going experience severe pain. You can help reduce the swelling and get rid of the pus by rinsing your mouth with salt water several times a day. Fill a glass with warm water and add about 2 tablespoons of salt. Swish the salt water around in your mouth and then spit it out. If the abscess pops during salt water treatment, be sure to spit the water out and rinse your mouth with fresh water.

1. Apply Clove Oil Compresses

Clove oil is a natural infection fighter.  When you use clove oil on a dental abscess, you'll relieve the pain and kill the infection. Place several drops of clove oil on a piece of medical gauze. Place the gauze in your mouth between the abscess and the side of your cheek. Leave the gauze in place for about 10 minutes. Repeat the application several times to day to reduce the swelling and dull the pain.

2. Supplement with Garlic

Garlic is another natural antibiotic that can help treat dental infections and abscesses. Here are two simple ways to obtain the maximum benefit of garlic for your abscess.

Direct Application

Crush a garlic clove until it forms a soft paste. Place a small amount of the paste on your fingertip and gently rub the surface of the abscess. Leave the garlic paste on the abscess about 20 minutes. Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove the garlic paste. Repeat several times a day until the abscess heals.

Garlic Rinse

If you don't want to apply garlic paste to your abscess, you can obtain the same relief by creating a simple garlic rinse. Fill a small pan with water. Add one clove of garlic to the water and bring it to a rapid boil. Allow the water to boil for about 15 minutes. Set the water aside and allow it to cool. Rinse your mouth with the garlic tea several times a day.

If you developed a dental abscess while on vacation, these simple remedies will help dull the pain and kill the infection until you can get to your dentist. To help avoid dental abscesses, be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year.

You never know when you're going to develop an abscess. If your abscess is causing you pain, and you can't get to the dentist, use these natural remedies to alleviate the pain and fight the infection. If the pain continues, or the abscess doesn't resolve itself, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. 

To learn more, contact a dental clinic like Health Centered Dentistry.