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Hydrogen Peroxide for Tooth Abscess: Natural Infection Fighter

| Modified on Jun 26, 2026
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Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a common household item that can be an effective remedy for a tooth abscess. Known for its strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties, hydrogen peroxide can help reduce the infection, alleviate pain, and promote healing in the affected area. Below, we explain how to use hydrogen peroxide safely and effectively for a tooth abscess.

Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide for a Tooth Abscess

  • Antibacterial Properties: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antibacterial agent that can help kill the bacteria responsible for the infection in a tooth abscess. This helps prevent the infection from spreading and reduces the risk of complications.
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting: As an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide can clean the affected area by removing debris and pus, which helps to disinfect the abscess and promote faster healing.
  • Pain Relief: By reducing the bacterial load and cleansing the abscess, hydrogen peroxide can also help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with the infection.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for a Tooth Abscess

Here’s how to use hydrogen peroxide safely to treat a tooth abscess:

  1. Prepare the Solution: Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. This dilution ensures the solution is safe for oral use while effectively combating the infection.
  2. Mouth Rinse: Swish the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution around your mouth, focusing on the abscess area, for about 30 seconds. Spit out the solution after rinsing. Do not swallow the hydrogen peroxide.
  3. Repeat as Needed: You can repeat this mouth rinse 2-3 times a day until the abscess begins to heal and the pain subsides.
  4. Topical Application: Soak a cotton ball in the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution and gently apply it to the affected area. Hold it in place for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the abscess and kill the bacteria.

Precautions When Using Hydrogen Peroxide

While hydrogen peroxide can be effective in treating a tooth abscess, it's important to use it with caution:

  • Always dilute hydrogen peroxide before using it in your mouth to avoid irritation or damage to the oral tissues.
  • Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other adverse effects.
  • If you experience any irritation, increased pain, or other adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
  • Hydrogen peroxide should be used as a temporary remedy. A tooth abscess requires professional dental treatment to address the underlying infection fully.

Final Thoughts

Hydrogen peroxide is a versatile and effective remedy for managing tooth abscess symptoms, particularly in reducing infection and promoting healing. However, it is crucial to remember that while hydrogen peroxide can provide temporary relief, professional dental care is necessary to fully treat the abscess and prevent further complications.

Have you used hydrogen peroxide for a tooth abscess? Share your experiences and tips! Continue reading below for advice from Earth Clinic readers who have successfully used h202 for a tooth abscess.

Related Links:

Bill Munro’s Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation Method for Health
Hydrogen Peroxide Uses, Dosage & Safety
Re-Grow Tooth Enamel

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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33 User Reviews

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Posted by Darren (Espanola, Ontario, Canada) on 04/05/2026
 ★★★★★

I had an abcess tooth infection a few months ago, which swelled under my tooth, causing it to move a bit out of place, and making super sensitive and painful whenever chewing with that tooth.

I tried rinsing with peroxide but to no avail. I then tried putting some 3% using a dropper in my ear on the same side as the infection, laying down with my ear facing up, and the pain was reduced dramatically within minutes.

After a few minutes, I wiped the excess off using tissue.

Continued treatment as needed until completely gone.

This means that there must be a connection between ear drum and jawbone.

I also had a bad case of tinnitus and used same method and worked for me with just one treatment.

I have found that peroxide kills the bacteria causing cavities, and healed cavities that I had already.

I only brush once per day, and rarely floss.

I have not been to the dentist in over 30 years and my teeth are still cavity free!

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Adrienne (ID) on 04/27/2025

Darn! One of my molars broke off so I had to have the rest of it pulled out. The dentist said take Ibuprofen for pain relief. Well, since there was a little infection in the area where the root had been, and since it was still hurting after three days, I decided to swish some hydrogen peroxide in my mouth. I mixed it half and half with water and also put it on some cotton that I fit up into the space where the tooth had been. This morning I woke up with a swollen upper lip! I wondered if it was the Ibuprofen, and then I wondered if it was the hydrogen peroxide so I checked online and sure enough hydrogen peroxide can cause an allergic reaction that includes swelling of the lips. I expect the swelling to go down, but I sure wouldn't want to go anywhere looking like this! There goes the jam session!

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Dennis (MS) on 10/07/2022
 ★★★★★

I have really bad teeth in general and have used this remedy for years with straight 3% HP. Works beautifully and I highly recommend if you can't get to a dentist for proper treatment.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Vivian (Canada) on 07/11/2021
 ★★★★★

Not knowing much about hydrogen peroxide but wanting to get a tooth abscess under control I went to the health food store and bought 35% HP as I was dizzy and concerned. I diluted it according to directions, 1oz to 11oz of water and that would create a 3% HP solution. I swished it in my mouth and it foamed big time. Can't tell you exactly how long I swished for cause it was really strong so not for very long but instantly I felt so much better. No more dizziness. No more tooth discomfort.

I came upon this site because that was a couple years ago and I am having issues again and wanted to try the HP again so checking here for strength and dilutions again. I agree... teeth should be able to be healed. I have used calcium to recalcify a black cavity my daughter had in a new 6 yr molar. That took 4 months of double the amount of suggested calcium, but the cavity was completely gone. Most everything else in the body can be healed and restored, so why not teeth. I am avoiding a root canal cause I do not want the infection to be locked in the body and show up later somewhere else. Any other suggestions for healing teeth totally to the root, cracks included is so welcomed!

Replied by Jackie
(US)
09/02/2021

Vivian, what kind of calcium did you use for your daughter's black cavity? Did you take it internally, and how much? Thanks.

Replied by Joe
(Detroit)
02/28/2022

Just tried this. I have a badly decayed molar (cavity) that's been troubling me for a few weeks. W when it hurts I grind it, making it hurt more!

Been taking aleve for the pain, but it's been recurring. So I tried the peroxide hack, just put some in my mouth and let it soak the tender area. Foamed the first few times, but after a few swishes through the day, the pain seemed really reduced.

I presume it must be fighting the infection which was the cause of the pain. Hopefully the peroxide can kill the infection completely, but I'll need a few days to know. I recently took the aleve, so I won't know until morning if the pain is actually reduced.

But so far it seems promising!

Inga's granddaughter
(TX)
07/27/2024

Saturday, 7/27/24

Oil of Oregano is renowned for being stronger than many antibiotics. The most effective one I've ever used for myself and family is North American Herb & Spices Oreganol P73 Super Strength, the highest % of effective ingredients that I've ever found.

I have a repaired, cracked molar from night grinding (didn't know I did that) that is beginning to have a tiny sensation - but not pain. I'm swishing diluted H2O2 and taking the oil of oregano gelcaps until I can get into the dentist's office.

I hope this helps someone out there!

Replied by PEG
(Michigan)
05/28/2025

Hi did you apply the calcium to the tooth or did you take it internally. thank you for your answer. Peggy

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Bill M. (Philippines) on 08/21/2020
 ★★★★★

Peroxide is great, I use food grade also and dilute it appropriately, it's especially great for bacterial infections, but you have to get it to the source of infection, it even kills cancer if you can break through the viral cyst. But essential oil of clove is even better for impacted teeth, tooth pain, etc, and it penetrates much deeper than peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Lou (Canada) on 02/16/2020
 ★★★★☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I put hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and held it on my gum boil rubbed it a bit until it released the boil Today the gum boil returned. Did this once before. Gum boil returned. I was told it will keep coming back until I get root canal? Should I keep trying? Maybe I should pop it first? Also have an abcess on my gum. Don't want to pull teeth.

Replied by Sarah
(Kingston, NY)
03/19/2023

Try bentonite clay poultice in the gum.

Sam
(Miami)
03/20/2023

Hydrogen peroxide - rinse regularly.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by George (High Desert) on 01/31/2019
 ★★★★☆

I woke up with a bad sensitive back tooth this morning. I rushed to the store and got some HP. Did the 50/50 swish for about 2 minutes. My pain lessened right away. I can definitely feel the difference. I live in a place with nothing around but a general store. The walk in dentist clinic an hour away isn't very professional so I'd rather go this route for now. Thanks 😎

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Bev (Florida) on 12/18/2018
 ★★★★★

For tooth pain, I first tried the garlic remedy, but the pain-free effect only lasted for a short time. I saw the Earth Clinic editors' recommendations and tried the peroxide swish. (1 capful peroxide. Swish for 5 minutes) Pain gone! I repeat this about every month or so just to make sure there is no recurrence. Simple, cheap, fast, and effective. Thanks, Earth Clinic.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Jonathan (NSW) on 05/17/2018
 ★★★★★

I had a painful tooth that was throbbing last year. It's dangerous to let a dental infection fester, however I was not in an area where dental care was an option. I tipped a capful of peroxide in my mouth and tilted my head so it reached the infected tooth. I did NOT swish the peroxide around, just let it foam up. When the liquid was gone and only foam, I spit the peroxide out, rinsed my mouth out and proceeded to do it again with another capful. I did this 3 times. On the third time there was less bubbling up so I knew the peroxide treated the bacteria. Remarkably no pain the next day or thereafter but my tongue was sore from the peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Candis (Ohio) on 02/13/2018
 ★★★★☆

HP is awesome!

I have a partially erupted wisdom tooth, so a few days ago I developed pericoronitis from it. The pain sucked and kept me up at night. Tried several different remedies, garlic, saltwater, even some chlorhexadine and silver sulfadiazine I had on hand, but nothing seemed to work well. Yesterday I bought 3% hydrogen peroxide and used it undiluted, using a needle and syringe to spray the HP between my gum flap and tooth (not poking myself, just using it like a small water pick) I'd let it foam out, repeat a few times, then finish it with a dose of chlorhexadin to seal my gums. Went to bed and woke up with practically no pain, and not hardly any pain throughout the day. I've always been a huge fan of HP. Once when I was younger I developed a localized MRSA skin infection, lanced it and bandaged some HP soaked gauze over it and it was healed overnight as well. I'm only rating it 4 stars atm because I'm still not 100% healed yet, and I'm not sure if it was strictly the HP that fixed my pain or not, but it sure seemed like it. :)

Replied by Sarah
(Nairobi)
04/26/2018

having a terrible toothache on my upper molar. Used hydrogen peroxide for its magic and an hour later still having the bad pain. What am I not doing????in distressing pain.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
04/26/2018

Sarah, if you can get clay, apply it. First thing, it calms the pain. Then, it can help pull out the abscess.

Replied by Charity
(Faithville, Us)
04/26/2018

Alpha lipoic acid stops nerve pain ....then topical activated charcoal~in the mouth could absorb the toxins...and castor oil on the face over the tooth pain will penetrate and heal the throbbing pain. I know these ones first hand. Blessings, charity

Replied by Iveth
(Ok)
04/29/2018

How long did it take for it to completely go away?

Replied by Darrell
(Montreal)
05/10/2018

Buy some chili powder ( strong kind, like Indian chili powder) put a bit on your finger and apply to affected area, it essentially anesthetizes the pain area with small burning sensation. Turmeric mixed with pepper or also ginger root should be second choices.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Dody (Georgia) on 02/07/2018
 ★★★★★

I have a tooth that hurts maybe once a day, generally at night mostly, and sometimes during the day. I keep strong salt water nearby or plain water to swish my mouth out, the pain subsides within a few minutes. I may go several days without pain and if it does flair up I just put straight Himalayan pink salt there, swish it around the base of the tooth and the pain subsides within a minute or so. Use just a small amount. I also use garlic in the morning. Every time the pain starts, swish. I put peroxide or half vinegar and half alcohol mixed in my ear. The peroxide works best for me.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Laurie A. (Raleigh, Nc) on 01/12/2018 4 posts
 ★★★★★

I had a painful toothache from one of my top molars, the tooth had broken in half actually, and I was in a lot of pain. But that was almost 11 months ago :) Hydrogen peroxide works!! I brushed my teeth with baking soda, rinsed. Then swished a little HP for a few minutes (let it foam), then spit it out and rinsed with a little warm water. Again, that was 11 months ago, and I have absolutely no pain in that tooth, it's still there.

Replied by Bee
(Trenton)
02/25/2018

Thank yu so much for your review! The literal exact same thing happens to me, cracked in half and everything and I didn't know if I could use peroxide but after reading your review I know I can, again thanks again (:!

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Lanie (Boston) on 12/18/2017
 ★★★★★

I'll make this quick. Tooth abscess, not eating, not sleeping, and terrible pain. A tablespoon of 3% Peroxide mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Just let it sit in my mouth for about 30 seconds. Pain slowly started going away. About 10 minutes later I tasted something in my mouth. Grabbed a paper towel and there it was. Abscess blood and pus. Rinsed again and was instantly back to normal. Wow! It worked so quickly, wish I knew sooner.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Fancypants (Usa) on 05/27/2017
 ★★★★★

I used 50/50 water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Swished for 2 min, spat, rinsed, and repeated after about 5 min. (2 min because that's as much as I could take before it got too foamy.)

When I had a tooth infection a decade ago, a dentist gave me a prescription Hydrogen Peroxide mouthwash. I came upon this site trying to find a DIY version.

I have had a broken molar for years, but was able to keep it clean and happy with oil pulling and obsessive flossing until about 5 months ago. At that time, it started becoming very sensitive to cold and heat. This winter I couldn't open my mouth outdoors because the cold air would go right into my tooth and give me a blinding headache for hours. Eventually the gums around it became constantly swollen, tooth became painful to touch, and i'd get a massive tooth/headache every night. Advil/Tylenol did nothing. Was on antibiotics recently for something else, and that did nothing for my tooth. This past week I haven't been able to chew on that side of my mouth. I assumed this meant the broken tooth was finally dying.

This evening, in great pain, I finally tried the 50/50 peroxide water. Painful at first, but by the end of the swish it had improved about 10%. I thought that would be it, and that I'd just have to continue this regimen for a few days to see any major improvement. 2 hours later, it has improved 60%. The tooth is not painful to touch, the swelling has gone down massively, though it's still sensitive to cool air. No pus but my gums are steadily releasing something like salt water, and a tiny bit of some hard foreign substance has been ejected along with the liquid. Maybe popcorn kernel? broken piece of tooth? I might be up all night spitting out salt water, but I'm without pain for the first time in months. I'll take it!

Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Shanna (Brooklyn, Ny) on 03/21/2017
 ★★★★★

I drained my abscess with 3% hydrogen peroxide and paired it with antiseptic mouth wash and massaged the area with my thumb to push the pus up and out. I had the worst pain while doing this but I pushed through it. I was starting to get lock jaw so in order to fix this I actually killed two birds with one stone. Fast forward to two weeks ago I got my wisdom tooth pulled and a couple days later I noticed the taste in my mouth was funny, but there was that unpleasant taste of pus I couldn't mistake. So I started rinsing with peroxide and salt water until I was cleared to use mouthwash again. So far so good; the pain has somewhat gone away but the swelling in my gums is still there. I'll continue to use the peroxide until I go to my check up next week. Peroxide worked wonders.


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