A dental abscess is a collection of pus in the tooth, in the gum or in the bone that holds the tooth in place. It is caused by an infection, which means a bacteria is the apparent cause of it. An abscess in the gum is a periodontal abscess, and an abscess in the root of the tooth is a periapical abscess.
The oral cavity is no different from any other body cavity in that there have always been, and always will be, bacteria populating it. Some people succumb to infection because their immunity to some bacteria, either inherited or acquired, is poor. Homeopathy offers safe and natural acute help to heal the symptoms of an acute abscess. However, if abscesses become recurrent, then a deeper homeopathic approach may well be necessary to look at providing deeper healing.
SYMPTOMS OF AN ABSCESS
- Intense throbbing pain in the tooth or gum, though pain is not always present.
- The pain can spread to the ear, jaw, neck on the same side as the affected tooth.
- Red, shiny, swollen gums.
- Swelling in the face and gums.
- Sensitivity to hot/cold food and drink.
- The mouth may have an unpleasant taste or smell bad.
- You may have fever and malaise.
There are many remedies that can be useful for teeth abscesses. Here are a few that I have picked. You might have tried others – if so, please do share what worked for you.
SILICA
One of the first remedies to think of for an abscess in the tooth. Swollen gums. Pus is thin, white and offensive. Silica will bring the pus to a head. Sensitivity to cold water. Stinging pain. Very sweaty, sour smelling sweat. One sided swelling of the tongue.
Worse: cold, damp, lying on left side.
Better: heat, wrapping up.
HEPAR SULPH
Good for when the abscess has not yet opened up/discharging. Pus is thick and yellow. Pains are splinter like and sharp. Salivation profuse. Offensive breath. Fever with pain and swelling.
Worse: drafts, cold, touch, eating/drinking cold things, night
Better: being well wrapped up
MYRISTICA
A remedy known for often acting more powerfully than Silica or Hep-sulph! Lancinating and throbbing pains. Bitter taste in mouth. Myristica matures abscesses, hastens suppuration and shortens its duration and builds an outlet for the drainage.
PYROGENIUM
All discharges are extremely offensive. The abscess is very painful, with burning pains. Pus. Bone pains. The mouth will feel bruised and achy. Offensive breath. Tongue fiery red.
Worse: cold, damp, sitting
Better: heat, hot drinks, pressure, motion.
BELLADONNA
This remedy is associated with sudden onset, throbbing pain, right sided complaints. Dry mouth, thirstless. Painful swelling of gums.
Worse: heat, light, noise, touch, 3pm
Better: lying down
MERC-SOL
Increased saliva, foul, metallic taste in mouth, smelly breath. Intense, extreme thirst. Swollen, bleeding gums. Teeth hollow and black. Abscess in the alveolar bone, one of the 3 tissues that support the tooth. Pus is yellow-green, slimy and bloody, and can burn and sting.
Worse: cold, heat, lying down
Better: moderate temperature, rest
HECLA LAVA
Mainly affects the bones of the jaw and mouth. The trigger could be injury to the bone. Abscess remaining after a tooth extraction or trauma to the jaw bone. Gum abscess, toothache, swelling around the jaw. Neuralgic pain. Right sided.
Worse: pressure, touch
GENERAL ADVICE
Wash your mouth with a salt water rinse.
If you have Plantago tincture, you can dilute this in water, 20 drops in 250 ml water and rinse your mouth with it for pain relief.
To support healthy teeth and encourage remineralisation, consider taking the following cell/tissue salts:
Calc-phos (for matrix inside tooth), Calc-fluor (for supporting tooth enamel and tissue elasticity) and Mag-phos (for supporting muscles and nerves).
If you feel you are ready to consider homeopathic treatment, you are welcome to arrange a free 20 minute zoom call with me here
Thank you for reading my blog, and I hope you find it useful.