Toothache and its treatment

In medical term toothache is called as odontalgia which is pain in and around the tooth and jaw. Toothache is so common from children to elderly. The most common reason for toothache is dental cavities or dental infections. Toothache is a most discomforting and painful condition and it is necessary to visit the dentist or physician immediately if toothache is not reduced within certain time as it may get worse as the time passes.

Causes of Toothache

• Dental problems like tooth decay due to poor dental hygiene .
• Tooth abscess - Formation of pus in and around the tooth and gums can cause pain in tooth. Pus can be formed due to any injury to the tooth or has gum diseases which is the factor for pus formation.
• Earache - Pain in the ear can radiate to the tooth or jaw. Earache is common when a person has wax in the ear and sinusitis. In sinusitis due to blockage of sinuses, pain radiate to the ear and tooth.
• Heart attack - In heart attack usually patient get pain in jaw, tooth, neck along with chest pain.

Symptoms of toothache

• The symptoms of toothache may vary depending on the cause for toothache.
• The pain in the teeth increases gradually and may get severe.
• Usually the pain is of throbbing type which increases at the certain time if day and while lying down.
• If the tooth is infected or broken then pain may increase while chewing the food.
• If the toothache is due to sinusitis or earache then the pain is radiated from ear to tooth and hence the treatment varies.

Treatment

• Immediate pain killer is necessary to take if the pain is sever as it may increase more.
• If there is tooth infection or tooth abscess then root canal and antibiotic therapy is recommended.
• It is necessary to maintain the oral hygiene like brushing the teeth twice a day, flossing regularly and regular dental cleaning.

Home Remedies for toothache

• Cloves or clove oil compression - Mix 2 drops of clove oil with 1 tsp of olive oil. With the help of cotton apply this mixture and keep that cotton besides the teeth with mild compression. Always dilute the clove oil with olive oil otherwise it may cause vomiting. If clove oil is not available you can place the cloves near the affected part. The toothache will start reducing. Cloves has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and hence it is more useful for toothache due to infection or tooth abscess.
• Garlic - Garlic is another remedy for toothache. Garlic has strong pain relieving and antibacterial properties. Place the piece of garlic besides the tooth till the pain is reduced.

Homeopathy for toothache
Here are some of the homeopathic remedies for toothache that can be used in case of
emergencies or till you are waiting in queue at dentist.

• Chamomilla - It is the most commonly used remedy for toothache. Chamomilla 30 or 200c can be used in babies who has painful dentition, useful in adults during the appearance of wisdom tooth .
• Map Phos - Mag Phos6x or 30c is to be taken in warm water when you have toothache and feels better by pressure.
• Belladona -It is indicated when the pain is throbbing type with much redness around the tooth (Infected tooth).
• Arnica - Tt can be used as pain killer in case of prior and after dental surgeries or tooth extraction. Arnica can be taken in 200 c form.
• Coffea cruda - It is best indicated when toothache is severe and only better by holding cold water or ice in mouth.