Infections are common in teeth that have been severely damaged, especially those affected by cavities. Fortunately, this infection can be treated with a root canal procedure and natural antibiotics.

Not every damaged tooth gets an infection. However, a tooth is likely to get infected when damaged so severely that its dental pulp dies without adequate treatment.

In these cases, the infection can be controlled and decreased with the help of natural antibiotics. Some natural substances have a powerful antibacterial effect that can improve the condition and contain microorganisms.

In this article, we'll talk about the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infections and why they are so effective.

Are antibiotics always necessary?

Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to treat infections. Moreover, they are often the first treatment option in most infection cases. They are highly reliable and provide predictable results when used correctly.

However, antibiotics are not always necessary in the case of tooth infections. This happens because a tooth infection is often caused by a dead dental pulp. As long as the pulp is not removed through a root canal treatment, bacteria continue to spread and infect the tissues around the tooth.

As a result, taking antibiotics can improve the patient's condition but won't stop the infection entirely. As a result, dentists nowadays tend to prescribe antibiotics only when there is a fever and facial swelling caused by the infection.

However, some natural substances, foods, and products possess antibacterial properties. These prescription-free substances can help reduce the infection while waiting for the root canal treatment.

Strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection

The following natural antibiotics are among the most outstanding home remedies for tooth infections.

1. Clove

Clove possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that have been widely studied and proven. Moreover, it is an active ingredient in dental eugenol. This substance is used during root canal treatments.

Clove oil can be used at home to reduce the infection and its symptoms. To use it, the person should gently rub clove oil over the infected area using a clean swab or piece of cloth. Additionally, some people have experienced improvement by chewing clove as it releases its oils over the affected area.

2. Garlic

Garlic also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. This is caused by the allicin it contains.

Allicin is a natural oil found in garlic. Furthermore, this yellow liquid is responsible for its odor and flavor. However, it also provides a strong antibacterial effect that helps reduce tooth infections.

It can be crushed and applied directly on top of the infected area. Nonetheless, there are also garlic concentrates available at the stores. These concentrates act as healthy supplements to treat infections. However, it is vital not to take a higher dose than recommended, as it can cause internal bleeding.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a common spice used in many kitchens. It is a relative of ginger and adds flavor and color to the food.

However, turmeric is also widely famous due to its antibiotic properties. Moreover, it even provides an analgesic effect.

Additionally, turmeric must be mixed with water to create an antibiotic paste to achieve its therapeutic effect. It only takes a tablespoon of turmeric mixed with two tablespoons of water. Once the paste looks even, apply it to the infected area and leave it to act for a few minutes. Afterward, rinse it with water to remove the paste entirely.

This can be done several times throughout the day.

4. Warm salt water rinses

Warm water with salt is a traditional home remedy recommended by most dentists. Saltwater offers a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the gums and helps destroy harmful bacteria. Moreover, it improves the healing process.

Dentists recommend mixing half tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Afterward, rinse typically for around a minute.

These rinses also help clean the mouth and remove anything that harmful bacteria could use as food to reproduce. This cleaning effect can also be improved by using a water flosser before rinsing. The Oclean W10 water flosser helps to remove food and plaque between teeth. Afterward, the warm salt water rinse can wash away everything left while helping treat the infection.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another popular spice with an antibiotic effect. In this case, the therapeutic effect is caused by the glycerol within it.

Glycerol can prevent the growth and reproduction of certain harmful bacteria. Therefore, it helps the body fight back the infection.

Ginger can be used in different ways to reduce tooth infections. It can be crushed and applied as a paste on the infected area. This can be done using a swab. Additionally, it is possible to chew a piece of ginger to release its glycerol content directly in the mouth near the infected tooth. Lastly, ginger can also be consumed as an infusion to achieve its therapeutic effect.

The takeaway 

Antibiotics play a crucial role in infection cases. Although they are not always necessary for tooth infections, they can help improve the person's condition.

Only a root canal treatment is capable of completely getting rid of a dental infection. However, it is possible to take specific food and substances that act as natural antibiotics.

Clove, garlic, and ginger are among the most popular spices that also act as natural antibiotics. They possess different mechanisms to achieve a therapeutic effect. Nonetheless, all of them are equally effective when treating tooth infections. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory effects provide additional benefits to improve the person's condition and well-being.