Last Updated on: 4th December 2024, 11:38 am
What Is the Strongest Natural Antibiotic For Tooth Infection?
When bacteria enter the mouth and treatments are not provided to remove them or control their growth, they can enter the root of the tooth through tartar, cavities or fissures, or the gum through from a canker sore or ulcer that has been going on for a long time and has not had adequate care and hygiene. It can cause long-term serious infections, a periapical abscess, and periodontal disease, which can lead to losing the tooth.
A mouth ulcer or canker sore can disappear after a few days with necessary care and adequate oral hygiene; however, dental infections do not go away independently. Therefore, it is important to go to the dentist, since, if not treated promptly, it can spread to other parts of the body, becoming more serious and even compromising the patient’s life.
What is a Natural Antibiotic?
The antibiotics that doctors and dentists prescribe are produced by the pharmaceutical industry. They serve to attack all kinds of bacteria and sometimes other microorganisms that are necessary to protect the body from disease. However, when the human body cannot fight them and it affects health and life, medications must be used to preserve well-being.
In ancient times, this type of medicine did not exist, so all kinds of extracts, dressings, and ointments of natural origin were used, mainly derived from plants and seeds. They allowed the body to combat any pathogen that affected health.
Being natural products, they minimize the risk of presenting digestive problems. They also fight the infection while you can visit a health professional who will indicate the most appropriate form of management. If you’re interested in checking our complete list, here are all the natural antibiotics you can try to use for your tooth infection.
What strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most powerful natural resources because it has a great number of substances laden with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also contains a large amount of allicin, which can reduce or eliminate the infection. If you want to learn about garlic toothache remedy, you can check out our article.
It must be cleaned well before use to avoid introducing more bacteria to the infected area. It is recommended to crush it and make a dressing to apply with a cotton swab to the affected area. Its use is not recommended in patients taking anticoagulants since it may generate a greater risk.
2. Natural honey
Honey is a natural product with different uses within the diet; however, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibiotic properties, it is sometimes applied to a wound – and in oral health to the site of the infection. This forms a sticky and humid covering, which prevents the wound from coming into contact with contaminants. Honey prevents bacteria from adhering to the skin or generating a biofilm that allows them to colonize, grow, and generate an infection. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide in its composition which lowers pH levels, preventing bacterial proliferation.
Sometimes it is possible to apply honey directly to the affected area; however, its use in dressings is suggested for surgical wounds. Of note, its use is not recommended in children under two, since toxins could cause botulism.
3. Echinacea
This has been a widely used medicinal plant for several centuries, but only 10 species are suitable for human consumption. It grows naturally in North America.
It has different properties, among them the strengthening of the immune system. It can be effective in promoting topical healing in wounds, while it helps to fight different types of infections as an antibiotic and antimicrobial agent. It is not suitable for consumption by children under 12 years of age, and treatment should not be extended for more than 6 weeks. For dental infections, drops, mouth patches, or an infusion with fresh leaves are recommended. As a rinse, swish it around in the mouth for a few minutes.
Its use is not recommended in people with autoimmune disorders or severe infections.
4. Propolis
This product is a substance made by bees from the buds and bark of trees such as poplars. Propolis is used by bees to seal small cracks, strengthen the honeycomb, and embalm the bodies of dead animals in the hive. They do this to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
In some studies, the antimicrobial activity of this natural product in an alcoholic extract has been identified. When diluted in water, it can be used as a mouthwash and held in the mouth for a few minutes. It also favors the wound healing process, which is why it is also considered to help relieve canker sores, mouth sores, or denture burns. In an oral spray formulation, it helps fight gingivitis.
5. Goldenseal
Golden seal is a plant native to North America that has been greatly reduced by excessive harvesting due to the many benefits associated with its use for various health conditions. It is mainly used for bacterial infections due to the high content of berberine in digestive, respiratory, and urinary problems. It can be used as an infusion to consume orally or rinsed in the mouth. It is also possible to get it in capsule form to strengthen the immune system.
There are possible interactions with some medications; therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming them. It is not recommended for children or pregnant women.
6. Andrographis
This is a medicinal plant native to South Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka. Studies indicate that the extract of the leaf and root is used for different treatments. Its main effect is based on the stimulation of the immune system, improving the body’s response. In some studies carried out for dental infections and abscesses, it has been identified that when administered in conjunction with dental treatments, the result is more favorable.
Andrographis has been commonly used by adults in doses of 90-600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. It is also available in combination products, for example, a gel for oral application. It is essential to check with your doctor or pharmacist when taking Andrographis since it interacts with some drugs, increasing their side effects or making them less effective.
Precautions: Although there are still studies in progress, the safety of its long-term use in children is not clear nor during pregnancy and lactation. There is no information, so it is suggested not to consume it. may affect fertility, and is not recommended in patients with autoimmune diseases since it increases the immune response, exacerbating symptoms of diseases such as lupus, arthritis, etc. Consumption is not recommended in anticoagulating patients since it can interfere with blood coagulation, and in patients with hypotension, it can further lower blood pressure.
7. Ginger
This rhizome or root is widely used as a spice, however; its high glycerol content gives it many other properties, including antibiotics since it can inhibit the growth of various types of bacteria. It has proven to be very effective against bacteria related to gingivitis and periodontitis (gum diseases). It can be applied as a dressing, chewed, or taken as an infusion 4 or more times a day.
Risks of using the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection
Not every product that claims to be of natural origin is safe. This is because the amount, concentration of the components, and presentation of each product will vary from one brand to another.
It is important to carefully read the labels and contraindications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the natural products you want to consume or have consumed; sometimes they interact with other pharmacological treatments and either decrease their effect or increase the side effects.
The use of these products is not recommended in general in adults with renal or hepatic insufficiency or the elderly nor in children and pregnant or lactating women. You should always consult with the treating physician or specialist.
Presently, numerous investigations are being conducted on natural products; however, further research is necessary to ascertain their safety and efficacy, particularly when considering the topic of the best antibiotics for treating tooth infections.
Remember that the dentist is the right person to advise you on the habits you must maintain, so do not hesitate to visit your dentist’s office frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil, a potent antimicrobial essential oil, combats bacteria that cause cavities and gum diseases. It is often used in combination with other natural herbs such as rosemary, chamomile, echinacea, aloe, and fresh mint. Vitamin K strengthens the teeth.
The effectiveness and mechanisms of action for many natural antibacterials have not been fully confirmed through research. Nevertheless, certain natural antibiotics have shown effectiveness in specific situations. If you are considering using them, it is important to discuss any symptoms that may be related to bacterial infections with your doctor.
The findings from both experiments indicate that certain natural antibiotics are just as effective as their pharmaceutical counterparts in inhibiting bacterial growth. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, natural antibiotics do not lead to the development of drug resistance.
Antibiotics are necessary for treating specific infections caused by bacteria, but it’s worth noting that certain bacterial infections can improve without the use of antibiotics. While antibiotics are crucial for managing severe and life-threatening conditions like pneumonia and sepsis, which is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection, there are instances where the body’s natural defenses can effectively fight off bacterial infections.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about natural antibiotics for tooth infection or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Islands Family Dental as well as our page on Facebook. We look forward to your visit and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you toward the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.
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