Toothaches may result from a crack in the tooth, a gum infection or tooth decay. They can also be the result of orthodontic treatment or a normal reaction to dental treatment. This is your body's way telling you to get to a dentist as soon as you can!
Occasionally a toothache is not really a toothache, but a pain in the tissue between the teeth. This is usually seen with a piece of trapped food. It can be corrected by simply rinsing with warm water to loosen and remove the trapped particle.
The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay that has spread to the nerve. If your pain is pulsating or a dull throbbing that continues throughout the night, it is usually nerve pain and should be dealt with by a professional as quickly as possible.
Pressure and/or pain when biting accompanied by sensitivity to hot and /or cold can be caused by a cracked tooth. This can start as a weak pain which gets stronger as time goes by.
Sometimes an infection in the gums can be felt as a toothache. If you have a history of gum disease and are bleeding or swollen, seek immediate treatment.
Another cause of toothaches isn’t from the teeth at all, but from the sinus cavity. Patients complaining of pain in their upper back teeth (usually the molars) are usually surprised to learn that it can be due to a sinus infection, which can be alleviated by treating it as such.
Natural Remedies for Toothache
Homeopathic
Calcarea carbonica 6x (take 1 tab every 30 min): helps relieve pain from hot and cold
Rhus tox 30x (1 tablet every hour as needed)
Herbal Medicine
Clove Oil: contains eugenol and flavonoids, including astrogalin and isoquercitrin. Place on a piece of cotton and apply directly to area
Garlic Propolis: effective combination containing alliin (alkylcysteine sulfoxides) which is antibacterial and antimycotic. Use as a rinse.
Cinquefoil: contains flavonoids, including kaempferol and is considered antimicrobial.
Licorice: there is evidence that glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, inhibits plaque growth and is effective against Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria associated with tooth cavity development.
Lemon Balm: 1 cup water with 4 teaspoons powder
White oak and goldenseal: use equal amounts as a rinse
Tooth Pain Pack
This recipe combines the pain-fighting components in clove bud oil with the infection-fighting ingredients in both chamomile and goldenseal.
– 1 drop of clove bud essential oil
– 2 drops of German chamomile essential oil
– 1/2 teaspoon goldenseal powder
– Mix the goldenseal and essential oils with a few drops of water until a thick paste forms. Dab onto the affected area with a cotton-tipped swab. Apply no more than four times per day until you can see your dentist.
Acupressure
Activate your HoKoo point: this is an acupuncture point located between the base of the thumb and forefinger basically at the tip of the v formed when you spread those two fingers apart. Apply pressure to the hand on the side associated with the toothache (ie. right to right). You will know you are on the correct spot because this spot will be sensitive or tender. Message this spot and apply constant pressure, and generally you will start to feel relief quickly. (It's also good for headaches as well!)
Herbal Medicine to Reduce Tooth Decay
The following help to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity: Alfalfa, Dandelion & Horsetail Chickweed, Spiderwort, Plantain, Mugwort, and Seaweed. They are rich in calcium, potassium, and trace minerals.
Source: Dr. Victor Zeines (DDS, MS, FAGD), www.natdent.com, www.periohealthplus.com, www.vitalboost.com
