If you have recently had a root canal performed you may wonder if there is anything you can do along with your prescribed treatment to relieve the pain and help prevent an abscess, or tooth infection. If so, use one or more of the following natural home remedies using ingredients found in supermarkets and pharmacies.
Use a Cotton Ball Saturated with Olive Oil
This first simple home remedy involves applying olive oil to your tooth using a cotton ball. The oil has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the swelling of your gums and kill any germs around the procedure site.
Place a cotton ball in the center of a small dish. Then, pour the olive oil directly onto the cotton, saturating it. Place it on your affected tooth and leave it on for about five minutes. Once the time is up, remove the cotton ball. Then, either rinse your mouth with cool water or the mouthwash discussed in the third section.
Apply a Cucumber Slice Soaked in Peppermint Oil
This next home remedy combines the cooling, soothing characteristics of a cucumber slice with the antiseptic properties of peppermint oil. While the cucumber juice reduces gum inflammation, the peppermint oil relieves your pain by numbing the gums. You will also need two to three tablespoons of water and a small bowl for this remedy.
In the bowl, combine the water with 10 drops of peppermint oil. Then, submerge a quarter-of-an-inch slice of cucumber in the liquid. Place the bowl in your refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes to cool the contents.
Once the cucmber slice is cool, remove it from the liquid and shake it a couple of times to remove the excess. Then place it between your teeth on the affected side of your mouth and bite down gently. Leave it in place for about three to five minutes, then remove it. You can rinse your mouth with cool water, if desired, or use the mouthwash described below.
Rinse Your Mouth with a Mouthwash Made with Tea Tree Oil and Sea Salt
This home remedy involves rinsing your mouth with a homemade mouthwash containing water, tea tree oil, and sea salt. The tea tree oil provides a powerful antimicrobial effect that is capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The sea salt also kills germs around the root canal site, helps reduce the swelling of the gums surrounding it, and minimizes any bleeding you may have by speeding up your healing time.
To make the mouthwash, you will need a half of a cup of cold water, seven drops of tea tree oil, and two tablespoons of sea salt. You will also need a small glass or cup as a container and your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Pour the water into the container, then stir in the sea salt. Let it dissolve for about five minutes. Then, mix in the tea tree oil.
Gently brush your teeth first to remove any food particles from your affected tooth. Then, rinse your mouth with cold water. Once this is done, rinse with the mouthwash for one to two minutes. If you are unable to use the entire contents of your glass or cup to rinse your mouth, repeat with the remaining liquid.
Using the above remedies can help alleviate your pain and keep your tooth from becoming infected. However, if you see no relief from your symptoms or suspect you may have an abscess, call the dentist who performed your root canal as soon as possible to discuss further treatment options. For further advice, contact a representative from an establishment like Grace Dental.
Share19 April 2016
