What Is The Strongest Natural Antibiotic For Tooth Infection?

Find the 10 best home remedies, including the strongest natural antibiotic, for tooth infection in this article.
What is a tooth infection?
A tooth infection (or dental infection) is an infection that originates in the tooth or its supporting structure1.
Tooth infections usually occur when bacteria invade the dental pulp and spread to surrounding tissues1.
Dental caries, trauma, or dental procedures commonly cause tooth infections1.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection?
The symptoms of a tooth infection include2:
- Pain
- Fever
- Inability to fully open one’s mouth
- Swelling
- Redness
Which bacteria cause tooth infection?
Dental plaque (a biofilm) contains microorganisms and occurs naturally on the teeth after eating1.
However, a microorganism imbalance can lead to enamel demineralization and tooth infection1.
Although most tooth infections involve several types of microbes, the primary cause of dental caries is Streptococcus mutans1,3.
This bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures1.
What are natural antibiotics?
An antibiotic is an agent that kills bacteria or prevents their growth4.
We will use the words “natural antibiotics” to designate any herb that has antibacterial effects.
Unlike synthetic antibiotics, natural antibiotics do not cause resistance and toxicity5.
They boost your immune system, owing to their rich content of antioxidants5.
10 Strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection
Here are the 10 best home remedies, including the strongest natural antibiotic, for tooth infection:
1. Coconut oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient ayurvedic practice for maintaining oral hygiene6,7.
It consists in swishing virgin coconut oil around the mouth and then spitting it out6.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid and monolaurin, two compounds with antimicrobial properties6,8.
As such, coconut oil has natural antibiotic effects against numerous bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans6,7.
Studies have shown that coconut oil pulling prevents tooth infection by reducing dental plaque6,7.
How to practice oil pulling
- Swish a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil around the mouth before brushing your teeth for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the coconut oil and wash your mouth thoroughly with tap water.
- It is best not to spit the oil into the sink as it can clog the pipes.
Related: 7 Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Oil On An Empty Stomach
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is an herbaceous plant native to South Asia.
Its root is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a phenolic pigment with strong antibacterial activity9.
Curcumin kills multiple bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans10,11.
How to use turmeric for tooth infection
- Dissolve a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of distilled water.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the turmeric mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.
Related: 17 Health Benefits Of Turmeric
3. Garlic
Garlic is a plant that grows from a bulb consisting of several cloves.
Humans have cultivated garlic since ancient times for its usage as a food ingredient and in traditional medicine12.

Garlic cloves are natural antibiotics that can be used for tooth infections.
The antibacterial activity of garlic is attributed to sulfur compounds, such as allicin and ajoenes13.
Furthermore, researchers have shown that garlic mouthwash is effective against Streptococcus mutans bacteria14.
Related: 13 Best Foods That Kill Parasites In Humans
How to use garlic for tooth infection
- Grate 1/2 of a peeled garlic clove
- Mix it with 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the garlic mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.
4. Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a Mediterranean herb commonly used as a spice and medicinal herb.
It is well-known for treating conditions associated with winters, such as colds, flues, and other respiratory illnesses.

Thanks to its content of thymol and carvacrol, thyme is one of the strongest natural antibiotics15.
Moreover, thyme mouthwash kills Streptococcus mutans bacteria involved in tooth infections16.
How to use thyme for tooth infection
- Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
- Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of thyme leaves in the water for 1 hour.
- Remove the leaves using a sieve.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is a flowering plant native to North America.
This medicinal herb enhances the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells17.

Echinacea also has prominent natural antibiotic properties against various bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans18.
The main bioactive compounds present in Echinacea angustifolia are alkyl amides and caffeic acid19,20.
How to use echinacea for tooth infection
- Mix 20 drops of Echinacea tincture in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.
6. Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an evergreen shrub with purple flowers native to the Mediterranean region.
It has a long history as both a culinary and medicinal herb.

Sage has natural antibiotic attributes against numerous bacteria21,22.
Moreover, sage extract mouthwash reduces Streptococcus mutans dental plaque bacteria23.
The major bioactive compounds are camphor, thujone, and cineole24,25.
How to use sage for tooth infection
- Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
- Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of sage leaves in the water for 1 hour.
- Remove the leaves using a sieve.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a flowering shrub with needle-like leaves native to the Mediterranean region.
It is used in cooking and traditional medicine.

Rosemary has natural antibiotic activity against numerous bacteria21.
It also eliminates Streptococcus mutans, the primary cause of tooth infection26.
The antibacterial activity of rosemary is mainly attributed to monoterpenes, such as cineol and camphor27.
How to use rosemary for tooth infection
- Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
- Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of rosemary in the water for 1 hour.
- Remove the leaves using a sieve.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
8. Goldenseal
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herbaceous plant native to North America.
It has natural antibiotic effects against a variety of bacteria28.

Goldenseal is high in berberine, an alkaloid with antibacterial properties29.
Berberine shows antimicrobial activity against tooth infection-inducing bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans30.
How to use goldenseal for tooth infection
- Mix 20 drops of goldenseal tincture in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.
Related: How To Get Rid Of Liver Flukes Naturally
9. Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region.
It is a medicinal and culinary herb.

Oregano has natural antibiotic activities against a wide range of bacteria31.
In particular, oregano has anti-biofilm and antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans bacteria involved in tooth infection32.
Limonene and myrcene are the most effective constituents of oregano oil32.
How to use oregano for tooth infection
- Boil 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water, then remove from heat.
- Soak 40 grams (1/2 cup) of oregano in the water for 1 hour.
- Remove the leaves using a sieve.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
Related: 10 Strongest Candida Killer Supplements
10. Neem
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a fast-growing tree native to India and Africa.
Different parts of the plant have been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for millennia33.

Neem is also utilized as a natural pesticide and fertilizer33.
Besides, it has antimicrobial attributes against multiple bacteria33.
Also, neem has natural antibiotic and anti-biofilm actions against bacteria causing tooth infection, including Streptococcus mutans33,34.
The most abundant bioactive compound found within neem is azadirachtin, a limonoid33.
How to use neem for tooth infection
- Mix 20 drops of neem seed oil in 3.5 oz (100 ml) of water.
- Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for about 20 minutes.
- Spit out the mouthwash and wash your mouth thoroughly with water.
Related: What Kills Viruses Naturally? Top 5 Antiviral Herbs
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection?
Goldenseal is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection.
Thanks to its high content of berberine, it prevents bacteria from pumping toxins out of their cells and become resistant35,36.
How long can a tooth infection go untreated?
Severe tooth infections can lead to complications, such as respiratory distress, difficulty in swallowing, or sepsis1.
Therefore, it is important to consult a dentist when suffering from a tooth infection.
The natural antibiotics mentioned above are remedies to prevent caries or to be taken while waiting to see your dentist.
Related: 7 Strongest Natural Antibiotics
Summary: What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection
The primary cause of tooth infections is the bacteria Streptococcus mutans.
Natural antibiotics eliminate bacteria by boosting the immune system.
As such, they do not cause resistance or toxicity.
Here are the 10 strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infection:
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Echinacea
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Goldenseal
- Oregano
- Neem
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? Goldenseal is the best home remedy for tooth infection.