Dental abscess treatment

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Dental abscess treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Dental abscess

A dental abscess, often a painful condition, occurs when there's a collection of pus in different parts of a tooth or the surrounding gum tissue due to a bacterial infection. The prevalence of dental abscesses is quite significant, affecting a substantial number of individuals globally each year. While root canals and antibiotics are common treatments, an increasing interest in natural and functional medicine approaches for managing dental abscesses is on the rise, focusing on both alleviating the symptoms and addressing the underlying causes.

Causes

The primary cause of a dental abscess is a bacterial infection that accumulates in the dental pulp - the innermost part of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This infection usually begins with a cavity, tooth decay, or a cracked tooth, which allows bacteria to penetrate deeper into the tooth. Other contributing factors might include poor oral hygiene, a high-sugar diet, and previous dental work.

Signs and symptoms

Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can significantly influence the treatment's effectiveness. They include: - Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear - Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures - Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting - Fever - Swelling in your face or cheek - Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck - Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief if the abscess ruptures - Difficulty breathing or swallowing (in severe cases)

Diagnosing Dental abscess

A dental abscess is typically diagnosed through a visual examination by a dentist, often accompanied by dental X-rays to determine the extent of the infection. The dentist may also tap on your teeth. A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure. In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to check for underlying conditions, especially if the abscess is recurrent.

Prevention and natural treatment

Prevention of a dental abscess starts with maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can also significantly reduce the risk of developing cavities that could lead to an abscess. Treatment through functional medicine often emphasizes the body's ability to heal and maintaining optimal health. Some natural treatments may include: - Saltwater rinse: A natural disinfectant that can help cleanse the infected area, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. - Clove oil: Contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can numb pain and reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area. - Garlic: It has natural antibacterial properties. Applying crushed garlic can help fight the infection. - Tea bags: Black tea bags possess antibacterial properties and can help absorb pus and reduce swelling. - Hydrogen peroxide: Used as a rinse, it can help relieve pain and inflammation. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide with water. It's crucial to remember that while these remedies can provide temporary relief, they do not substitute for professional dental treatment. Functional medicine approaches serve to complement treatment by addressing lifestyle and dietary factors contributing to the health of your teeth and gums. Consulting with a healthcare provider before trying any natural remedies is always recommended, especially in the context of an infection as potentially serious as a dental abscess.

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