How to Drain a Tooth Abscess at Home – Removing the Pus
What if the abscess is getting worse and worse, and you don’t have dental insurance? How to drain a tooth abscess at home and get rid of the painful bump?
Before attempting any at-home remedy, it’s critical to consult with a dentist. You might be able to find one through a non-profit organization so you don’t have to pay for a consultation. They can assess the severity of the abscess and advise whether home treatment is safe for you.
Saltwater Rinse
If your dentist gives the go-ahead, one option is to use a warm salt water rinse. This can help reduce the swelling and possibly drain the abscess.
Massaging the Area
Another option is to gently massage the area with a clean finger or cotton swab. This pressure can help to push out the pus.
How NOT to Drain a Tooth Abscess at Home
If you’re wondering how to drain a tooth abscess at home, you may be tempted to puncture it with a needle or other sharp object. But this is extremely dangerous and can lead to further infection and complications. Even if you sterilize the object, it’s not worth the risk.
Other things not to do when draining a tooth abscess at home include:
- Squeezing or pressing hard on the abscess. Some people manage to squeeze out the pus, but this can actually cause more harm and spread the infection.
- Using a household object to try to remove the pus, such as tweezers, a safety pin or paperclip. Again, the risk of spreading infection is too high and you could end up causing further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
- Using oral health products not recommended by your dentist, such as concentrated hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. These harsh substances can irritate the already inflamed tissue.
Hopefully, we’ve talked you out of any dangerous at-home draining methods for your tooth abscess. But there’s no harm in trying some non-invasive remedies that might relieve the pain and swelling until you’re able to see a dentist. Keep reading for a few ideas.
Abscessed Tooth – Home Remedies
The safest remedies for an abscessed tooth are those that don’t involve draining the pus. The source of the abscess is a bacterial infection, so it’s important to keep the area clean. If you have an abscessed tooth, home remedies can also help alleviate pain and swelling as you seek treatment. Below, we’ll discuss 3 safe options.
Rinsing the Abscess With Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with one part water, and use it to rinse your mouth. This can help reduce bacteria and pain in the abscessed area. Never use a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, as this can severely irritate your oral tissue. Instead, stick to a diluted mixture.
Using a Baking Soda Paste on the Tooth
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. Apply it directly on the abscessed tooth, and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Baking soda can help neutralize acids in the mouth and reduce inflammation and pain.
Applying Fenugreek Tea to the Tooth
Another home remedy for a tooth infection and gum abscess is fenugreek tea. Soak a small gauze or clean cloth in the cooled tea and place it on the affected tooth for about 10 minutes. The antibacterial properties of fenugreek might help reduce swelling and pain.
Go to the Dentist as Soon as Possible
When asked how to drain a tooth abscess at home, most dentists would say: don’t do it at all! While some home remedies can offer temporary relief, they aren’t a replacement for professional treatment (such as a root canal). If you have an abscessed tooth, see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further infection and damage.
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