Torbram Dental weighs in on common home remedies for a tooth abscess (infection). (Source: Healthline, 10 Remedies for a Tooth Abscess, Written by Kitty Jay, medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS, July 31, 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-abscess-tooth.)
A tooth abscess is a buildup of pus in the tooth cavity, often caused by bacterial infection. People often mistakenly dismiss toothaches and associated symptoms as harmless in the initial stages, and medical attention is rarely sought. Instead, they resort to quick fixes in the name of home remedies to alleviate their pain. Torbram Dental reviews the common home remedies used and their effectiveness.
Salt water rinse
Torbram Dental explains, “Salt water is an isotonic solution that has disinfectant properties. Therefore, making it desirable to reduce bacteria in the mouth. The healing properties are the reason salt water gargling is often recommended after certain medical procedures. We advise you to limit the number of rinses to 3-4 per week as too much salt water can erode the teeth enamel, cause bleeding or irritate your gums.”
Baking soda
Torbram Dental says, “Baking soda is commonly misused as a home remedy rather than its namesake. Patients must be warned that baking soda is an abrasive compound that can erode your teeth’ enamel and cause teeth sensitivity. The damaged enamel can further lead to cavities making it a poor choice for treating tooth abscesses. Also, baking soda can weaken dental fixtures and the adhesives of braces. Patients are recommended not to use baking soda as a remedy.”
Oregano/ Clove/ Thyme essential oil
Torbram Dental expresses, “Oil and water do not mix. This is a known fact. Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil or solution. Although an essential oil is the natural extraction of a plant, it should never be applied neat on any area. Keep in mind that once digested, the oil will most likely coat or leave a residue on the esophagus lining or stomach. This could cause irritation and can potentially burn the digestive tract. Suppose you are interested in trying this particular at-home treatment. In that case, it is best to consult with your dentist or a herbalist who specializes in essential oils. We think it is best to use essential oils for other purposes like diffusing, cleaning solutions, or self-care products like creams and lotions. We offer the same advice regarding the other essential oils (clove and thyme) mentioned in the article.”
Cold compress
Torbram Dental recommends, “Cold compress is the best solution for teeth abscess since it helps reduce inflammation. Never use heat as it can draw out the infection. A cold compress will also help subside the pain until you seek medical intervention.”
Fenugreek tea
Torbram Dental advises that “Fenugreek is usually harmless, explaining its widespread use in Indian cuisines. But in large doses could prove harmful as it can cause congenital disabilities, making it dangerous for pregnant women. Some people have reported severe allergic reactions and skin irritation. Fenugreek may also cause indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, and unpleasant urine odor.”
Hydrogen peroxide
Torbram Dental warns, “Gargling with Hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous as it can cause serious gastrointestinal issues if swallowed. Swallowing hydrogen peroxide up to 3% concentration is harmless. Still, the food-grade hydrogen peroxide has a concentration of 35%, making it an ill-advised option, especially for children. A report found that patients developed gastrointestinal issues after using a 3% hydrogen peroxide mouthwash during a medical procedure”.
Oil pulling
Torbram Dental states, “Oil pulling is relatively harmless when done the right way. But inhalation of oily substances or accidental swallowing of the oil can contaminate your air passages with toxins and oral pathogens. This has been reported as a cause of lipoid pneumonia. Also, the rigorous motion of oil pulling can cause jaw discomfort and make you nauseous.”
Garlic
Torbram Dental suggests, “Garlic is a popular ingredient with multiple health benefits. It can also temporarily alleviate toothache, but consuming raw garlic can cause bad breath, body odor, stomach upset, heartburn, or acid reflux. It is also known to cause an allergic reaction in some people.”
In conclusion, Torbram Dental advises you to consider the side effects of home remedies before using them. Also, Torbram Dental recommends seeking medical intervention as soon as possible for effective and timely treatment.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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