The pain caused by tooth infection can make you want to rip your teeth out of your head, but that’s not the solution—or even an option, unfortunately. Instead, there are many safe and effective non-prescription natural antibiotics for tooth infection that you can use to kick the ailment and get on with your life. To discover more about these options, keep reading!
1) Home Remedies
Everyone knows that popping a round of antibiotics is quick and easy, but that doesn’t make it smart. Yes, antibiotics work quickly, but they only kill bacteria – they don’t heal or prevent infection. For example, if you have an infection in your sinuses or throat caused by strep throat (strep pyogenes), which can lead to a condition called rheumatic fever, taking an antibiotic will cure you right away—but it won’t stop you from developing rheumatic fever later on down the road. This can be a problem if you are prone to heart disease and other complications of rheumatic fever because these complications tend to stay with you even after your initial infection has passed.
2) Probiotics
If you’re struggling with a tooth infection, then increasing your intake of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) is a natural home remedy worth trying. Probiotic benefits range from healthy digestion to pain relief, and even fighting diseases like cancer—and several studies suggest probiotic supplements are useful as natural antibiotics for tooth infection. The good news is that fermented foods like kefir and kimchi (which contain millions of probiotic bacteria) can easily be added to a balanced diet. If you can’t stomach eating fermented food or simply want more options, consider taking a probiotic supplement instead; many studies have shown them to be just as effective as naturally fermented foods in boosting your gut health.
3) Essential Oils
Some research has found that tea tree oil, a type of essential oil, effectively kills bacteria related to dental infections. One study suggests applying a mixture of equal parts tea tree oil and olive oil to your toothbrush before brushing your teeth, which may help prevent future infections. Additionally, eucalyptus oil is another natural antibiotic that has been shown to fight oral bacterial infection by inhibiting its growth. Other oils known to help relieve some symptoms of tooth pain include peppermint, clove and thyme oils. If you decide to use essential oils as natural antibiotics for tooth infection or toothache at home, be sure to consult with your dentist first in order to avoid any potential complications caused by interactions between natural antibiotics and your medication.
4) Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural home remedy that can help decrease tooth infection and alleviate symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness. Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste, apply it to your teeth, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. The baking soda helps relieve pain by acting as an antiseptic. You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and coconut oil to further soothe inflamed gums (and maybe even remove stubborn stains). Take care if you have sensitive teeth—even natural remedies can cause problems in some cases. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns before trying anything new.
5) Apple Cider Vinegar
Both naturally acidic and antibacterial, apple cider vinegar is a powerful natural antibiotic. For tooth infection home remedy, soak cotton balls in ACV and stick them on your swollen gum for at least 10 minutes. If you’re looking to speed up relief time, put 2 tablespoons of ACV in half a glass of water and gargle with it several times per day. Rinse your mouth afterwards so as not to damage your teeth or gums. Your pain should decrease significantly after just one use! If you are serious about curing tooth infections naturally, make sure to visit your dentist regularly and floss more often. Regular checkups help ensure that any tooth infection is caught as soon as possible before it becomes a bigger problem requiring antibiotics or other medication.
6) Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a compound that has been shown to kill bacteria and viruses. Lauric acid is also found in breast milk, which may help explain why breastfed babies tend to have fewer illnesses than formula-fed babies. To try coconut oil as an antibiotic tooth infection treatment at home, rub a little on your toothbrush before you brush (make sure it's not too hot; it should be cool or lukewarm). Rub some on your gum if you can't reach your teeth. Be aware that topical treatments are only meant to boost your natural immune system; they're not intended to cure an infection alone. Instead, use them alongside other remedies.
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