A tooth abscess can happen to anyone at any time. The situation can become very painful and frightening, as facial swelling often occurs as a result of an abscess. It's highly recommended that anyone suffering with an abscess make an immediate appointment with a dentist, as further complications--such as the spreading of an infection--can result from an untreated abscess.Fortunately, there are several safe, temporary treatments that you can try at home. These methods will not solve your problem, but they will provide you with some relief until you can visit the dentist.

Symptoms of Tooth Abscess

1.    Throbbing pain in the affected tooth and severe pain on touching, on biting and chewing

2.    Red, tender swelling of the gum over the root of the tooth and loosening of the affected tooth

3.    Release of foul-tasting pus into the mouth

If the infection spreads to surrounding tissues, your face may become swollen and fever can develop.

Causes of Tooth Abscess

Damage to the tooth, an untreated cavity, or gum disease can cause an abscessed tooth.

If a cavity is not treated, the inside of the tooth (called the pulp) can become infected. Bacteria can spread from the tooth to the tissue around it, creating an abscess.

Gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets. If food builds up in one of these pockets, bacteria can grow, and an abscess can form. Over time an abscess can cause the bone around the tooth to dissolve.

How can you prevent an abscessed tooth

You can prevent an abscessed tooth by preventing bacterial infections in your mouth. The best way to do that is to take good care of your teeth and gums:

1.    Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and at night, with fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association.

2.    Use dental floss to clean between your teeth every day.

3.    See your dentist for regular dental cleanings and checkups.

4.    Eat a healthy diet, and limit between-meal snacks.

Home Remedies for Tooth Abscess

1.    You can place an ice cube inside the mouth. Placing the ice cube will numb that area, thus you will not experience pain.

2.    Put 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and place it on the affected area.

3.    Another tooth abscess home treatment is applying salt. Applying salt helps in killing the germs, thus giving tooth pain relief.

4.    The simplest tooth abscess home treatment is washing and brushing your teeth with tooth abscess antibiotics. Read more on tooth infection antibiotics.

5.    Place warm or cold teabag in your mouth. This is also an effective remedy. Keep this in your mouth for 15 minutes and then gargle your mouth with baking soda or peroxide solution.

6.    Grape fruit seed extract has antibiotic effect and hence, it can also be used for healing tooth abscess.

7.    Garlic is also, one of the best remedy available for tooth abscess.

8.    In some cases, dry mouth may be a reason for tooth abscess. In such cases, increasing the consumption of water might help.