How to Achieve Pain Relief for an Abscessed Tooth

An abscess is a localized collection of infection that
usually forms at the root of the tooth. Abscessed teeth are
usually caused by untreated tooth decay, a cracked or
broken tooth or filling,
or from a gum
infection, synonymous
with advanced gum
disease.
A toothache caused by
an abscessed tooth is
often very excruciating
to say the very least. At
the onset of pain from a
suspected abscessed
tooth, it is highly
recommended to see your dentist as soon as possible. A
root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
Failure to have an abscess treated promptly could result in
the advancement of the infection, which may invade further
into the bone and surrounding tissue. In rare cases, an
untreated abscessed tooth may cause a severe infection
that could result in death. A sad example of an abscessed
tooth causing death was the case of a young boy named
Deamonte Driver .
How to Relieve Pain from an Abscessed Tooth
Here are some ways to relieve toothache that is caused by
an abscessed tooth:
A toothache that is caused by an abscess may come and
go, but don't be fooled. The longer you wait to have the
abscess treated, more serious complications may arise. As
soon as you develop a toothache, see your dentist
immediately.

Avoid foods and beverages that are very cold or very
hot. Since the dentin layer of the tooth has likely been
invaded by tooth decay, extremes in temperature may
cause pain.
Avoid foods and beverages that are very high in sugar,
or are very acidic.
Use an over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Never
exceed the recommended dose, and check to make
sure you are able to take pain relief medications with
any of the other medications you may currently be on.
Generally speaking, a pain relief medication that is
intended to reduced inflammation works best for dental
pain, because most toothaches are caused by an
inflammation of the tissues or the inflammation of the
nerve. Never put pain relief medication on the tooth or
gum tissue, as this could burn the tissue.
Floss between the teeth that are painful. Removing the
food particles and plaque may help reduce the pain
from the toothache.
Use oil of cloves (eugenol). Eugenol, which can be
found in most health food stores, is used in various
dental materials because of its antiseptic and
anesthetic properties. Using eugenol at home may help
reduce pain from a toothache. Soak a small piece of
cotton in the oil, then blot the cotton on a piece of
tissue to remove the excess. Using a clean pair of
tweezers, hold the cotton on the painful tooth for 10
seconds, making sure you do not swallow any of the
oil.
Seal a hole in the tooth temporarily. Some pharmacies
have over-the counter temporary filling material that
may be used to seal the hole created by decay
temporarily.
Sleep with your head elevated. The inflammation of the
nerve of the tooth with an abscess is very painful, and
is often what causes the most uncomfortable pain. If
you elevate your head when resting, some of the
pressure in the area of the toothache may diminish.
Rinse with warm salt water. Rinsing with warm salt
water two to three times a day may help to relieve a
toothache caused by an abscess, if the toothache is
caused by a gum infection. Salt water works as an
antiseptic to remove bacteria from the infected area.
Readers Respond: Share the Story of Your Worst
Toothache Ever