Finding Relief
It’s important to remember that home remedies for your abscessed tooth will not treat your abscess or address its underlying cause. Your abscess will not get better without treatment from a professional, and will likely worsen. However, there are options available that may help temporarily reduce your discomfort in the meantime, which can still offer tremendous relief.
While you wait for professional treatment, there are many options that can help provide relief for your discomfort from a dental abscess:
Over-the-Counter Medication
Medications can help to reduce your pain or swelling. If you decide to go this route, be sure to use these medications as instructed on the packaging. This may be effective in helping to reduce your discomfort, but don't let it prevent you from scheduling an appointment with your dental professional.
Cold Compress
You can use a store-bought icepack or make your own at home by freezing a washcloth or using a bag of ice or frozen veggies. Apply it to the affected area on the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes once an hour.
Antiseptic Mouthrinses
You can try three types of rinses to find relief.
- For a salt-water rinse, stir a few teaspoons of salt into warm (but not hot) water until it dissolves.
- Another option is to mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with water in a one-to-one ratio.
- If you're not the DIY type, you can purchase an over-the-counter antiseptic mouthrinse at your local pharmacy, grocery or convenience store.
Swish whatever mixture you choose around your mouth, or rinse with it after meals and spit it into the sink. Note that while this is a great habit in the early stages, it will not cure your abscess.
Helpful tip: While some dental conditions (such as gum problems) are reversible on your own with the help of proper dental care, dental abscesses will not heal on their own or through any methods you try at home. They require treatment and diagnosis from your dental professional and can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated.