A tooth abscess is an accumulation of pus from a bacterial infection within your tooth. MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health medical information website, states that a tooth abscess is caused by tooth decay or tooth damage. Once openings appear in your tooth, bacteria may enter and infect your tooth pulp. The infection can then spread from your root to the surrounding tissues, including your jaw bone. Herbal remedies have long been used in treating tooth abscesses, but you should always clear the use of herbs with your doctor first.
Abscessed Tooth
Numerous characteristic signs and symptoms are associated with a tooth abscess, including a painful toothache, notes the Drexel University College of Medicine. Other signs and symptoms associated with this oral health problem include a bitter taste in your mouth, bad breath, fever, pain with chewing, increased heat-cold sensitivity in your teeth, swollen neck glands, swollen upper or lower jaw, and a feeling of general discomfort. If your tooth abscess is not treated in a timely manner, it may lead to serious health complications.
Useful Herbal Remedies
Many herbs may be useful in treating your tooth abscess, but more scientific research evidence may be needed to justify these supplements' use for this health purpose. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the following herbal remedies may be helpful in treating abscesses and cleansing your blood: lobelia, slippery elm bark, milk thistle, cloves, tea tree oil, echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus, chamomile, red clover and burdock root.
Highlighted Remedy
Clove may be a useful herbal remedy and adjunct therapy in treating your tooth abscess. Naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that clove is well-known for its anesthetic properties and its ability to relieve tooth and gum pain. The plants' flower buds are used medicinally and contain several important active ingredients, including gallotannic acid, oleanolic acid, eugenin and vanillin. Only very small quantities -- or dilute solutions -- of this remedy should be used, notes Mitchell, as this remedy is very strong and may cause tissue irritation.
Additional Information
A tooth abscess is a serious health problem that may lead to several significant health complications if it is not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. If you are diagnosed with a tooth abscess, discuss all relevant treatment options with your primary care provider. Before using herbal remedies as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of this condition, review all herb-related topics -- dosage, procedures, side effects -- with your family physician.
References
- MedlinePlus: Tooth Abscess
- Drexel University College of Medicine: Tooth Abscess
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
