TOOTHACHE
A TOOTHACHE CAN BE ONE OF THE worst pains you ever experience.
It's your tooth's way of telling you that something is very wrong and needs
attention. It is no exaggeration to say that toothache usually occurs when
the nerve of the tooth is either damaged or dying.
Since the bacteria that attack teeth can get into the bloodstream of the
body, it's important to get professional help for a toothache. Even if your
pain subsides - which may mean that the tooth's nerve is dead - the bacterial
infection might remain and infect other parts.
IF YOU CAN'T GET TO THE DENTIST
RIGHT AWAY
Most dentists don't make home visits, and yours may or may not be able to
see you just when a toothache strikes. Or you may be travelling when a tooth
decides to act up. In these cases, here's what to do until you can get to
see a dentist.
Stay away from the extremes. Do not eat very hot or very cold
foods. You can try a warm or cold pack applied to the outside of the mouth,
but, if the pain begins to increase, remove it immediately.
Do not eat hard foods. Sometimes a toothache results from a hairline fracture
in the tooth. Biting on something hard can increase the fracture and bring
the pain to a new level.
DRUG TREATMENT
Analgesics
Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol. Function: relieve toothache pain and (except paracetamol) inflammation. Aspirin side effects: heartburn, indigestion, stomach irritation, mild nausea or vomiting. Ibuprofen and naproxen side effects: continuous use may irritate the stomach lining; long-term high-dose use may damage the liver and kidneys. Paracetamol side effects: long-term use or high doses may damage the liver or kidneys.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
The essential oil of these fragrant buds is one of the best natural pain relievers. It's also antibacterial. Simply place some oil on a cotton swab. You should feel numbness fairly quickly, and it should last for at least an hour. In a pinch, when no other relief can be had, you can chew or crush whole cloves and apply them directly to the site of the pain.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Like clove, this common kitchen remedy is a powerful bacteria-fighter. Simply bruise a garlic clove and hold it next to the infected tooth. It may sting a little; remove it if it hurts too much.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Used in many natural tooth products, this bright yellow spice is a healing powerhouse; it's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, for starters. It also stimulates circulation, which helps bring more immune cells to the site of an infection. And in the middle of the night, when you have a tooth throbbing badly and you can't get to a chemist, you can mix a teaspoon of turmeric with enough water to make a paste and just dab it on the sore tooth.
Camomile (Matricaria recutita)
If you have an aching tooth, chances are your nerves are frayed as well. Camomile can help with both problems; it's used to treat mouth and gum irritations and is known worldwide as a gentle sedative. It also fights infection, promotes healing, and is one of the safest herbs known. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of cooled tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes).
TOOTH-PAIN PACK
This recipe combines the pain-fighting components in clove bud oil with the
infection-fighting ingredients in both camomile and goldenseal.
- 1 drop of clove bud essential oil
- 2 drops of German camomile 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 on to the affected area with a cotton bud. Apply not more than four times per day until you can see your dentist.
