An abscessed tooth can be one of the most painful things your mouth will experience. It is caused by an infection either in your gums or the root of your tooth. In many cases, those who suffer from gingivitis are at the highest risk of getting an abscess in their mouth. If gone untreated, an abscessed tooth can lead to even further health risks.

Luckily, you don't have to wait until your next dental appointment to treat an abscessed tooth. There are several home remedies that you can make in order to help the tooth heal and to prevent it from reoccurring.

Garlic Cloves

Garlic is a go-to ingredient when it comes to toothache and abscess cures. Because garlic is a bacteria fighter, it will remove any harmful germs from your mouth that is causing the abscess, helping it to drain and heal naturally. Simply squeeze the juice from three fresh cloves and apply it directly to the abscess. You can do this once a day until the abscess is healed. The pain that is associated with abscesses, however, will subsided almost immediately.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas, like green and black tea, are considered an astringent. The tannin that is found in these teas contains natural anti-bacterial properties that remove toxins from the abscess and helps to clear up the infection. Herbal tea also helps with the symptoms of an abscess, such as pain, inflammation and swelling.

Make a pot of tea. Once the tea bag has cooled down to warm temperatures, place the bag on the infected area of your mouth and let the juices drain onto the tooth or gum. You can leave the tea bag in your mouth over night and simply rinse with a salt water solution in the morning.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant that will clear up an abscess. It will also reduce the amount of swelling that your abscess is causing. Use apple cider vinegar like mouthwash. Place a tablespoon of the ingredient in your mouth and swish it around for two to three minutes before spitting it out. Be careful not to swallow it.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is full of a chemical called eugenol which is a natural bacteria killer. It will also help take away the pain and swelling in your mouth. Soak a cotton ball in two tablespoons of olive oil and apply it directly to the abscess. Keep the cotton ball in place for five minutes. You can to do this every day until the infection is cleared.

You do not have to wait until your next dentist appointment to cure the abscess or the pain associated with this infection. With the ingredients listed above, you will be able to help cure the infection quickly and naturally. If these tips don't work, it is highly recommended that you visit a local dentist such as Stephen P. Cary, DMD.