Epsom salt derives its name from a place, Epsom, in England, where it was supposedly first discovered. It is a chemical compound of magnesium and sulfate and has been in use for many practical purposes. It has been traditionally used with bath water and also as foot soaks. There are plenty of claims about the ways it benefits, but many of them are still debatable. On one hand, many people believe that it is a wonderful home remedy for lot of ailments; while on the other hand, there are people who just wave it away as an old wive's tale. Despite the debates, however, there are some usages of Epsom salt that are more or less accepted. An Epsom salt bath, for example, is considered soothing and relaxing for the body. The magnesium in Epsom salt is known to improve blood circulation, regulate electrolyte and enzyme level in the body, improve nerve and muscle functions. The sulfates in Epsom salt are known to be helpful in flushing out toxins, help absorption of nutrients, and ease migraine pains. Epsom salt has also been used to soothe cuts, bruises, insect bites, muscle pains and so on.
Tooth infection is a condition when the tooth pulp is infected by bacteria. The infected pulp collected pus and can give severe throbbing toothache, along with bad breath. If untreated, it may cause permanent damage, and may result in extraction of the tooth. Epsom salt has been in use to treat tooth infection, but its effectiveness is quite debatable. While gargling your mouth with Epsom salt in lukewarm water can sooth the pain temporarily, it is not known how effective it is in treating the actual cause of pain - the bacterial infection, that is. Epsom salt is not known to be too much of an antibacterial. So, going by your question, the suggestion would be to give it a try. But do take the tooth-infection-cure claim with a pinch of salt (no pun intended). Gurgling with Epsom salt water may reduce inflammation and pain for minor toothache, but do not depend on it heavily and expect your tooth infection to go away merely by gurgling with it. Tooth infection can be a serious thing and it is always advisable to consult a dentist and undergo proper medical treatment. It is also recommended that Epsom salt water gurgling is done in consultation with a medical practitioner, since there may be health conditions where Epsom salt needs to be avoided.
answered by G R