Last Updated on March 8, 2023 by Team THIP
Quick Take
A YouTube video recommends using salt and baking soda as a home remedy for treating tooth abscesses. When we fact-checked this claim, we discovered that it was Mostly false.
The Claim
According to a widely shared YouTube video titled “How to Get Rid of an Abscess Tooth: Baking Soda and Salt”, there are many different home remedies for treating dental abscesses, but baking soda and saline rinses are particularly effective. The video further claims that baking soda balances pH, which naturally gets rid of oral bacteria that are invading the mouth.
Fact Check
What exactly is a tooth abscess?
Invasion of the dental pulp by bacteria results in a periapical tooth abscess. The tooth’s interior, or pulp, is where the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue are located. When bacteria enter through a dental cavity or a chip or crack in the tooth, they spread all the way to the tooth’s root, causing pulpal colonization. The most common causes of a dental abscess are dental caries, dental trauma, and poor oral hygiene. At the root’s tip, the bacterial infection may result in swelling and inflammation. As the infection spreads throughout the tooth’s constrained pulp cavity, it compresses the inner dentine walls and produces excruciating pain.
Can tooth abscesses be treated with baking soda and salt?
No, not really. There is no substantial evidence to support the use of salt as an effective home remedy for treating tooth abscesses. In addition to being a quick and safe way to temporarily relieve the pain associated with dental issues, salt water also promotes wound healing and healthy gums by preventing the formation of plaque. While baking soda has traditionally been thought of as a non-acidic alternative with antibacterial properties that helps to prevent plaque formation, and help with gum problems, we were unable to find any reliable research to back up its application for the treatment of tooth abscesses.
It is crucial to remember that treating tooth abscesses with salt or baking soda may neutralize the acidic nature of the abscess. While a tooth abscess should be treated by a dentist, these remedies can be used at home to reduce the discomfort the dental abscess causes.
When we asked our dental expert, Dr. Pooja Bhardwaj (BDS), she explained that a dental abscess is a collection of pus in the gums that is frequently painful. It could cause serious illness if left untreated. A common home remedy that combines salt and baking soda may be able to drain a superficial abscess, but there is insufficient evidence to confirm this. Additionally, a professional approach is required for deep rooted abscesses, including antibiotics, scaling, RCT, and drainage to prevent recurrence. It is, therefore, advised to seek professional dental treatment the moment you find yourself in such a situation.
How are dental abscesses supposed to be handled?
Root canal therapy is used once the pulpal invasion has been detected by the dentist because inflammation of the pulp and periapical tissues is the primary cause of tooth loss in patients worldwide. Abscess drainage, antibiotic support, pain management, and extraction of the infected tooth source are all parts of the treatment. Frequently, oral antibiotics are sufficient when combined with prompt dental care. Dental abscesses might not necessitate a hospital admission.
Please understand that tooth sensitivity, pain in the mouth, and trouble in chewing should not be ignored and should be reported to the dentist right away. Additionally, the severity of the notified condition typically influences the course of treatment. Most patients also need an initial drainage procedure in addition to antibiotics, which will be followed by a formal dental procedure later on. The prognosis is favourable for those patients who seek treatment right away. But postponing treatment can make the issue worse and even cause tooth loss.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: The conclusion is that home treatments for tooth abscesses, like salt and baking soda, are ineffective. Although they could be used for temporary pus drainage or even as a temporary pain reducer due to their antibacterial and antiplaque properties, relying on them to treat tooth abscesses can be harmful and cause serious complications. Therefore, the assertion is mostly false.
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