Toothache
Description
A toothache, also called odontalgia or odontodynia, is any ache or pain in a tooth or the region surrounding a tooth. One particular type of toothache is odontalgia phantom, a pain felt in the region from which a tooth was pulled.
Treatments for a toothache include analgesics (until a dentist can be seen), antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, and a special diet since the tooth may be sensitive to temperature and pressure.
See also:
Dental caries
Causes
Primary Factors
The primary cause of a toothache is sensitivity of the nerve in the tooth, especially to pressure from the inflamed tooth blood vessels.
Predisposing Factors
Cavities
Pulpitis
Improperly inserted fillings
Abscess of the teeth
Disease of the nasal and paranasal sinuses
Coronary insufficiency
Signs & Symptoms
Dull throb in the gums or teeth
Sharp twinge in the gums or teeth
Periapical inflammation
Pain in the jaw and teeth, which maybe enhanced by:
Consumption of sweets
Consumption of cold foods, indicating that cavities, if the cause, have yet to reach the pulp
Consumption of hot foods, indicating that cavities, if the cause, have reached the pulp
Due to the relation of the nerve which innervates the teeth to other facial parts, the following symptoms may be noticed:
Tender eyeballs
Reddened conjunctivae
Tender ocular and temporal tissue
Due to secondary muscle contractions, the following symptoms may be noticed:
Pain behind the lower portion of the mastoid process
Pain in the occiput, neck, and shoulder muscles
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Beta-carotene | 5 - 10 mg | 2 - 5 mg |
| Bioflavonoids | 500 - 1,000 mg | 200 - 500 mg |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | 1,000 - 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 400 IU | 100 - 200 IU |
| Zinc | 5 - 10 mg | 5 - 10 mg |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
A Mechanical Soft Diet or a Full Liquid Diet will minimize the amount of mastication. The inflamed nerve in a toothache is sensitive to sudden changes of temperature and, therefore, hot foods/drinks should not be ingested with ice cold drinks/foods. Clove oil, a non-prescription anesthetic, can be placed on the sore area for temporary relief. This measure should not take the place of prompt dental treatment.
Homeopathic Remedy
1. Plantago major tinct. - 30C
2. Belladonna tinct. - 30C
3. Magnesia carbonica - 30C
Discussion :
Plantago Mother tincture may be applied topically.
If Plantago is ineffective, try Kreosote.
Advanced , by symptom:
1. Decay produces shooting pains - Coffea.
2. Decay produces unbearable pain - Chamomilla.
3. Infection causes throbbing pain - Belladonna.
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Calc. Sulf. | swelling (gums or cheeks); |
| Ferr. Phos. | swelling (gums or cheeks), toothache aggravated by hot liquids, relieved by cold applications; |
| Kali Mur. | swelling (gums or cheeks); |
| Kali Sulf. | toothache relieved in open air; |
| Mag. Phos. | facial neuralgia, shooting pains, nervous disposition, relieved by hot applications; |
| Nat. Mur. | watery: salivation and tears; |
| Silicea | deep-seated pain, ulceration; |
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
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Clove oil
Horsetail
White Willow Bark (Salix alba)
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Clove oil functions as a topical anesthetic, while White Willow Bark is a pain reliever, like aspirin.
Horsetail provides silica to help rebuild tooth enamel.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Chamomile Essence, | Clove Essence, |
| Coriander Essence, | Peppermint Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Abscess
Ache
Dental caries
Infection
Inflammation
Insufficient blood circulation
Pulpitis
References
Alfano, M.C. Controversies, Perspectives and Clinical Implications of Nutrition in Periodontal Disease. Dental Clinics N. Am, 20. 1976.
Beeson, P.B. & W. Mc Dermott, eds. 1975. Textbook Of Medicine. 14th ed. Saunders Pub. Co., Philadelphia. 1892 pp.
Berkow, R. 1977. The Merck Manual. Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories Pub., Rahway, New Jersey. 2165 pp.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. Keats, 1983.
Certosimo AJ & O'Connor RP: Oral electricity. Gen Dent, 1996 Jul-Aug, 44:4, 324-6.
Chicago Dietetic Assoc & the South Suburban Dietetic Assoc of Cook & Will Counties. 1981. Manual of Clinical Dietetics. W.B. Saunders Co., Phila.
Falace DA et al., The influence of deep (odontogenic) pain intensity, quality, and duration on the incidence and characteristics of referred orofacial pain. J Orofac Pain, 1996 Summer, 10:3, 232-9.
Gomes BP et al., Clinical significance of dental root canal microflora. J Dent, 1996 Jan-Mar, 24:1-2, 47-55.
Graff-Radford SB et al., Thermographic assessment of neuropathic facial pain. J Orofac Pain, 1995 Spring, 9:2, 138-46.
Gratt BM et al., A 6-year clinical assessment of electronic facial thermography. Dentomaxillofac Radiol, 1996 Nov, 25:5, 247-55.
Heinerman, John. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ. Hendrickson, P.H. Periodontal Disease and Calcium Deficiency. Acta Odontologica Scand., 26. 1968.
Heir GM: Differentiation of orofacial pain related to Lyme disease from other dental and facial pain disorders. Dent Clin North Am, 1997 Apr, 41:2, 243-58.
Kolb, E. Recent Knowledge Concerning the Biochemistry and Significance of Ascorbic Acid. Z. Gesamte Inn Med., 39. 1984.
Kloss, Jethro. Back To Eden. Coalmont, Tennessee: Longview Publ, 1939.
Kunz, J.R.M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Okeson JP & Falace DA: Nonodontogenic toothache. Dent Clin North Am, 1997 Apr, 41:2, 367-83.
Orchardson R: Toothache--the 'hell of all diseases'. Br Dent J, 1997 Jan 25, 182:2, 71-3.
Primosch RE et al., Risk factors associated with acute dental pain in children. ASDC J Dent Child, 1996 Jul-Aug, 63:4, 257-60.
Thomas, C.L. 1985. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Co. Pub., Philadelphia. 2170 pp.
van der Bijl P: Psychogenic pain in dentistry. Compendium, 1995 Jan, 16:1, 46, 48, 50-3; quiz 54.
Wickal, K.E. & P. Brusse. Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D on Alveolar Ridge Resorption. Journal Pros. Dentistry, 41. 1979.
Williamson R: Clinical management of galvanic current between gold and amalgam. Gen Dent, 1996 Jan-Feb, 44:1, 70-3.
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