Garlic for a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection can be an extremely painful problem that can result from poor dental hygiene and lack of proper dental care. Typically, tooth infections are treated with prescription antibiotics and root canal procedures. Garlic may also be beneficial for relieving the symptoms associated with tooth infection. Untreated tooth infections may become severe and result in life-threatening illnesses. Seek immediate dental care if you have a tooth infection and before using garlic as an alternative treatment.

Cause

An infected tooth usually results from tooth decay that is caused by a deep cavity or broken tooth. This allows bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth and cause infection, which can be extremely painful. If left untreated, you may experience an abscess on your gums, which can result in bone damage, tooth loss and other severe complications as the infection spreads.

Treatments

Relief From Wisdom Tooth Pain

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Common treatment plans for tooth infections include antibiotics and pain relief medication. Dental professionals may also perform a root canal in an attempt to save the infected tooth. This procedure involves opening the tooth to remove the infected root and nerves. If these methods are unsuccessful in eliminating the infection, the entire tooth may be removed, and further surgery or medical care may be needed.

About Garlic

Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for many years for a wide variety of health conditions, including high blood pressure, colds and even cancer prevention. The active ingredient in garlic is a sulfur-containing amino acid called allicin, which gives garlic its strong smell and antimicrobial properties. The National Institutes of Health recommends that you stop taking large amounts of garlic two weeks before any surgical procedure, as it may increase or prolong bleeding.

Forms of Garlic

Antibiotics for an Infected Tooth

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Garlic is most potent in its natural clove form, which can be placed directly on the tooth for pain relief. Garlic also comes in other forms, including tablets, which may be crushed and placed on the dental injury, or liquids, which can be used to soak a cotton ball and fill a painful hole. Be careful when purchasing odorless garlic products. The same compound that gives garlic its smell also gives it its ability to treat infection.