Most of us, at some point or other have experienced a bad tooth day in our lives. Despite meticulous brushing and oral care, the debilitating pain often strikes most unexpectedly, at the most inopportune moment with intense severity for reasons unknown, lasting for several days or months. On most occasions analgesics, that come along with unpleasant side effects don’t help.
Is poor dental hygiene the only cause for toothache?
Toothache occurs owing to number of other reasons other than poor dental hygiene. One of the main causes for the pain are cavities, apart from possibilities of a damaged filling, cap, cracked tooth, root exposure and vulnerability, teeth grinding, or sinusitis.
Can toothache cause further complications and risks?
Toothache is most commonly correlated to poor dental hygiene. However, when left untreated this leads to a possible risk of inflammation. Further, To add on to the woes, there occurs a possible risk of infection, that spreads to the sinus cavity and at times to the brain. Hence it is extremely crucial not to neglect any kind of oral or dental aches and problems.
Is it possible to understand the underlying cause based on the intensity of the pain?
The nature and intensity of the pain often helps identify the hidden cause.
A decayed/ cracked tooth, damaged or disrupted filling often has a tendency to cause sharp pain when biting on food which indicate infection, that requires treatment.
Root exposure and vulnerability, mild tooth decay, gum recession are the other reasons that cause discomfort and palpable pain when consuming extremely hot or cold food/drinks.
Inflammation and infection in the dental or oral cavities result in persistent pain in specific areas of the mouth.
Tooth abscess and infection happens to be the major cause for a swollen face and acute and constant toothache. This condition requires immediate medical attention for preventing formation of pus.
Do essential oils help relieve toothache?
Essential oils in general prove more effective compared to over the counter pain relievers. This is because of the natural healing substances that exist in most oils that ways both ways as a preventive and restorative cure for dental pain and inflammation.
What are the best essential oils for relieving toothache?
1. Clove essential oil
Clove oil, a very common and popular remedy is used for centuries to treat toothaches effectively. A potent antioxidant offering natural disinfectant effects, the oil has the ability to ward off bacterial growth from the oral cavities and helps promote dental health. Besides, eugenol, a substance present in cloves imparts anti inflammatory anaesthetic antiseptic effects. Therefore it proves as effective as benzocaine, in suppressing pain.
2. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint oil renowned for its versatility contains an active component, menthol with antimicrobial elements. This helps combat oral bacteria such as anaerobic strains, the main culprits for occurrences of periodontal diseases. Moreover, it prevents bad breath (halitosis) and keeps the oral and dental cavities free of infection and pain.
[Read more: How to Use Peppermint Essential Oil for Toothache]
3. Cinnamon essential oil
Cinnamon oil is another excellent option for pain relief on the gums and teeth. This is primarily because of the strong antifungal and antibacterial substances that protects from oral thrush, gingivitis, gum diseases and other periodontal problem. The oil, in addition proves effectual against streptococcus mutans, one of the main causes for tooth decay. Above all, the phytocompounds in the oil provide anti inflammatory effects that inhibit pain and give respite.
4. Myrrh essential oil
The anti inflammatory and antimicrobial substances in myrrh oil ease inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity caused by mouth ulcers and gingivitis. Besides, the oil freshens breath, fights cavities and prevents gum diseases.
5. Frankincense essential oil
The antiseptic and anti inflammatory components in frankincense oil protects from mouth sores, bad breath, tooth infection, aches and battle cavities.
How to use essential oils for toothache relief?
Essential Oil blends for toothache relief
Clove oil – 4 drops
Cinnamon oil -3 drops
Coconut oil -1 teaspoon
Combining the above oils and placing a couple of drops on cavities or infected tooth alleviates pain. However, it is imperative not to swallow the oil for a few minutes.
Paste for toothache and inflammation
Clove oil – 5 drops
Coconut oil -1 teaspoon
Garlic Clove -1
Asafoetida -½ teaspoon
Combine peeled and crushed garlic paste with the rest of the ingredients. Apply this mixture on the infected tooth without swallowing the paste. After ten minutes gargle the mouth with water.
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