How to reduce tooth infection
A tooth infection is reduced by treating its source, such as infected pulp, a gum pocket, or an abscess, with dental care.
The short answer
A tooth infection is reduced by treating its source, usually by draining infected material and repairing, disinfecting, or removing the affected tooth.
Where can a tooth infection develop around a tooth?
An infection may involve the pulp inside a tooth, the tissues around its root, or the gum and supporting bone. Rinses and pain medicines may ease symptoms, but they do not remove infected pulp, a pocket of pus, or a trapped food source.
What should I avoid doing to a suspected tooth infection?
Do not squeeze a swelling or place aspirin, alcohol, or concentrated chemicals on the gum. Brush gently, clean between teeth if it does not worsen pain, drink fluids, and use only medicines suitable for you according to their label or a clinician’s instructions.
When does a tooth infection need urgent assessment?
A dentist examines the tooth and gums, tests the pulp, taps or bites the tooth, and may take dental radiographs. Treatment can include a filling, root canal treatment, incision and drainage, periodontal cleaning, or extraction, depending on the source and whether the tooth can be restored.
What should I ask about treating the infected tooth?
Arrange urgent dental assessment for facial swelling, fever, worsening pain, pus, difficulty opening the mouth, or a bad taste with swelling. Go to emergency medical care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing, or spreads toward the eye or neck.
Frequently asked questions
Can antibiotics cure the tooth?
Antibiotics can be used when infection is spreading or systemic symptoms are present, but they do not replace dental treatment that removes the source.
Can salt water remove an abscess?
A warm salt-water rinse may soothe irritated tissue, but it cannot drain or eliminate an abscess inside a tooth or deep gum tissue.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.