Toothache is usually caused by a tooth decaying or as a result of a tooth fracturing. The ache can be caused by one or more of the teeth and sometimes the gums. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, which contains saliva, food and bacteria which all make up an acid that erodes away the surface of the tooth, until the nerve is exposed. Eating hot, cold or sweet food can all affect the sensitive nerve, triggering pain. Other dental problems may also develop, such as abscesses, bad breath or peritonitis, when the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth become inflamed.
What you can do
Toothache is often a sign that a tooth is already in an advanced stage of decay. The best way to prevent both toothache and decay is by making sure your children brush their teeth properly. One of the main culprits in the decay is sugar and the longer it sits in the mouth, the more harm it does. Try to restrict sweet food to mealtimes. Make sure children brush their teeth twice a day and rinse well to make sure all the toothpaste is removed. Dental floss should also be used regularly to clean in between the teeth, click to see the benefits of using it explained by an expert dentist.
Babies should not be left with bottles of milk or juice to fall asleep with, as this can stay in the mouth when the child drops off, leading to early decay. Try to encourage young children to brush their teeth from the earliest possible age. Children should be taken to the dentist for check-ups every six months from when they have their first full set of teeth. Dental procedures like teeth cleaning, braces, and dental implants are just some of the services a dentist offers which can help improve one’s overall dental health.
Treatment
Naturopathy
A naturopath will look for the cause of the toothache. It may be due to the child grinding their teeth, in which case stress factors will be looked at and supplements given, such as mineral salts, calcium and magnesium phosphate and vitamin B5. If decay is causing pain, your child’s diet will be looked at – too many refined foods and commercial juices high in sugar can lead to decay. A diet high in fresh organic foods with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables would be recommended, with water or home-made fruit juices to drink.
Bach Flower Remedies
Children who seek constant attention would need Chicory, while those who feel sorry for themselves would take Willow. Tiredness might be a problem if the toothache stops the child from sleeping properly and for this Olive may be indicated.
Homoeopathy
If the pain is on one side, and is aggravated by cold wind, a homoeopath may recommend Aconite. If the child is very irritable with the pain, which becomes worse at night, Chamomilla may help, or Silicea if the pain is also aggravated by hot or cold food. If the child has had a filling, Arnica may bring relief.
Traditional Chinese medicine
Apart from decay, TCM sees toothache as either heat in the stomach and large intestine’s channels or as an attack of wind cold in the stomach and spleen. A mouthwash containing Ginger, Cloves and Cinnamon with Sweet Flag may be given. For acute toothache, a paste of crushed garlic may be placed on the acupuncture point relating to the tooth, which is left on for two hours, although it is warned this can blister the skin.
Biochemic tissue salts
A homoeopath or other practitioner may also recommend the use of these salts. Calc. phos. may be advised for decaying teeth and also teething problems. Other therapies that may be beneficial: aromatherapy, reflexology.
