6 Natural Toothache Treatment

Aching or pain in a tooth is generally a result of tooth decay (or “caries”). When the hard enamel of the tooth is damaged, this allows infecting organisms to enter the tooth, which results in inflammation and pain. If a tooth is sensitive to heat, cold, or sweet things, or gives pain lasting for more than a few minutes, nerves in the tooth may be inflamed due to advanced decay. If pain is absent, except when you bite, your tooth or filling may be broken. In either case, it is recommended that you see your dentist within 48 hours. Toothache after a filling is not unusual, on contact with cold air or drinks.

Dental caries is a bacterially caused destruction of the enamel and dentine of the tooth. If untreated, it leads to an infection of the dental pulp and an abscess of the apex of the tooth. The bacteria produce both acid and enzymes to break down the tooth. Sweet foods that stick to the tooth increase the activity of the bacteria. Saliva tends to protect against caries, so decreased saliva flow usually increases caries. Tooth shape and hereditary factors also determine susceptibility to the disease.

TREATMENT

Ayurveda 
Crush a clove of garlic and apply to the tooth. Dip a small cotton ball into cinnamon oil and apply to the affected area.

Chinese Herbalism 
Treatment would address Heat in the Stomach, and decayed or damaged teeth. Gypsum and ginseng might be used to relieve heat.

Herbalism 
A herbalist might recommend tinctures of echinacea or myrrh to encourage healing and reduce the risk of infection. Cayenne can act as a local anesthetic for painful teeth and gums. Fennel may be applied to the cheek in the form of a poultice, which will reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.

Aromatherapy 
Peppermint or clove oils can be applied directly to the area to act as a natural analgesic. Oil of coriander will reduce inflammation and pain. Rub a little lavender oil on to the face and jaw to ease pain and distress.

Homeopathy 
Chamomilla, when there is unbearable pain, made worse by cold air, or warm food and drinks. Mercurius, for tender spongy gums which bleed easily, and when there is great thirst and shooting pains. Apis, when gums feel tight and swollen, and the toothache burns and stings. Staphisagria, for severe toothache made worse by cold air, food, and pressure, and where the cheeks are red and swollen. Plantago, for nervy teeth, aggravated by cold air and pressure, but which are better on eating. Belladonna, for throbbing pain and a dry mouth. Aconite, when pain comes on quickly. Arnica, for pain after a filling or an extraction.

Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence can be applied to the affected area, and taken internally to reduce pain and encourage healing.

CAUTION
Toothache is an indication of an underlying problem, which should be investigated by a dentist immediately.