What Exactly is Toothache?
Toothache is also known as Dant ka Dard (Hindi/Urdu), Dat Dukhi (Marathi), Palvali (Tamil), Panti noppi (Telugu), Palluvedana (Malayalam), Yatong (Chinese), Dolor de muelas (Spanish), dor de dente (Portuguese), Dantashul (Bengali), Zubnaya bol’ (Russian), Sakit Gigi (Indonesian). Toothache may be caused by receding gums, cavities, sensitivity due to hyperacidity, or infection. If high acidity is the problem, the person will tend to get heartburn and acid indigestion in addition to toothache. When the teeth have cavities or the gums are receding, the roots of the teeth may become exposed. These nerve areas become sensitive to cold or heat. Don’t just settle for getting rid of the pain, however. If you have a cavity, be sure to get it taken care of. And to avoid future problems, follow the recommendations for healthy teeth and gums. Also toothache can be caused by untreated tooth decay or gum disease, a broken or cracked tooth, a missing cap, or a lost filling. Cure odontalgia toothache and tooth decay naturally. Professional care is required as soon as possible, either from your dentist or a medical doctor. But if toothache strikes late at night or over a weekend and you can’t get an appointment right away, these simple steps can help ease the pain temporarily.
Root Causes of Tooth Ache
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.
Toothache Pain Relief Home Remedies
Check out the best home remedies that offer immediate relief from the severe pain caused by toothache. Toothache remedies with clove, peppermint tea bags, salt water, hydrogen peroxide and vanilla extract that really work.
- Odontalgia Home Remedy: An even older and somewhat unusual remedy for toothache is to inhale a pinch of powdered chalk into the nostril on the same side as the pain. As crazy as it sounds, it is really supposed to work. No one knows why.
- Alternate Treatment That Works: A compress of Ginger and Red Pepper. Mix the powdered spices in enough water to form a paste. Use a small cotton ball to dip in the paste then apply the cotton directly to the tooth without letting it touch the gum. If it is too hot, rinse your mouth and try a different remedy.
- Relieve Toothache Naturally: A small piece of natural, edible camphor (not the synthetic kind, which is poisonous) can be placed next to the painful tooth. The saliva will mix with the camphor and will relieve the toothache.
- Effective Mouthwash: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3 drops pure clove essential oil to about 6 ounces of warm water in a glass. Stir until the salt dissolves. Swish small mouthfuls of this mixture around the painful tooth. Spit; don’t swallow. Repeat as needed. OR Apply 3 drops of clove oil to the affected tooth.
- Homemade Toothpaste Herbal Formula: 1 pinch powdered Sage, 1 ounce powdered Myrrh, 1 pound powdered Arrow Root, 20 drops Oil of Clover, 12 drops Oil of Bergamot, 1/2 ounce powdered chalk, 3 ounces powdered Oris Root, 4 teaspoons tincture of Vanilla, 15 drops Oil of Rose Geranium.
- Quick Relief Compress: Fill a bowl with hot water and add 4 – 5 drops of chamomile oil. Soak a clean face cloth or folded piece of clean cotton in the bowl, and wring it out. Apply the compress to the affected area until it has cooled or warmed to body temperature.
- Gum Cleaning and Care: For general cleaning of the teeth and caring for the gums, Ayurvedic dentistry recommends the use of certain bitter and astringent herbs, particularly neem, which is bitter, and lodhra, kushtha, and bilva, which are all astringent. You can make an excellent cleanser for brushing your teeth by mixing the powdered form of these herbs. You can use neem plus any one of the other three, mixed in equal proportions. Rinsing your mouth with a tea made from these herbs is also beneficial.
- Mouthwash to Clean Teeth: Make a cup of peppermint tea. Swish small mouthfuls of the liquid gently around the affected tooth.
- Ease with Cold: Place an ice pack on your cheek (with a paper towel or thin, soft cloth in between to protect your skin) over the painful tooth. Apply for 5 minutes every hour.
- Herb for Painful Tooth: Dip a small cotton ball into cinnamon oil and apply to the affected area.
Tips for Permanent Healthy Teeth
- Brush your teeth after every meal. If you can’t brush after a meal, drink water, swish, and spit to remove residual food particles.
- Floss at least once a day, preferably twice, before you brush.
- Replace your toothbrush every two to three months.
- Keep up with regular dental checkups, including cleanings. Ask your dentist how often you should come.