A dental abscess is a buildup of pus -- a combination of dead tissue, white blood cells and bacteria -- that manifest in your teeth or gums. Dental abscesses are caused by bacterial infections. Bacteria are found in plaque, and that plaque may, over time, infect the tissue within your tooth or gums, causing an abscess. Before using herbal remedies to treat your dental abscess, meet with your health care provider.
Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses, reports the National Center for Emergency Medicine Information, may cause numerous signs and symptoms, including unremitting and dull facial or dental pain, facial swelling, increased tooth movement when pressure to the tooth is applied, and cellulitis. In some cases, a person with dental abscesses may also have dental cavities. If your affected tooth is percussed, you may experience intense pain. Due to a rotting of the tissues within your tooth, your tooth may no longer be able to sense hot and cold.
Useful Herbal Remedies
There are several herbal remedies that may be useful in treating dental abscesses. According to naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," one of the most commonly used herbs in treating abscesses is burdock. Other helpful herbal remedies for this oral condition include chamomile and echinacea, which is best consumed as a tea when treating dental abscesses. Tea tree oil may also be helpful. Scientific studies may not yet have been conducted to examine these herbs and their potential health benefits.
Featured Remedy
Echinacea is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating dental abscesses. Echinacea may be most efficacious in the treatment of infections, low immune function and the common cold, states naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert Michael T. Murray, author of "The Healing Power of Herbs." Murray notes that echinacea has a long history of effective use in both internal and external bacterial infections and that this herbal remedy possesses strong immune-potentiating actions.
Considerations
Dental abscesses should always be treated by a qualified health care professional. Avoid self-treating your dental abscess using herbal remedies, as herbal remedies should always be used under the care and supervision of an herbal medicine expert. If your dental abscess is not treated in a timely manner, you may experience complications associated with this condition, including an infection that spreads to the bone near your affected area. Review all possible treatments and their risks with your primary care provider.
References
- National Health Service: Dental Abscess
- National Center for Emergency Medicine Informations: Dental Abscess
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "The Healing Power of Herbs"; Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 1995
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