Four years ago, Meghana Dabholkar, now 30, from Goa, experienced severe toothache while having a glass of cold water. It was unbearable and the area was so sensitive that she could barely eat anything.
She rushed to Dr Subhash Rao of Subhash’s Homeopathy, Vasco da Gama, Goa, who told her that the toothache was due to tooth caries. He then prescribed medications that relieved Dabholkar’s toothache.
Moreover, he suggested herbal toothpastes to maintain tooth health.
“Wherever dental procedure is necessary, it needs to be done as suggested by the dentist. Additionally, homeopathic medicines can help in many other aspects such as relieving pain, swelling, and preventing the recurrence of the condition,” says Dr Rao.
Dabholkar says that she is yet to consult a dentist for her dental caries, however, the homeopathic medicines have certainly helped her curb the pain.
How is tooth cavity formed?
The main cause of toothache is dental caries. When one eats food containing sugar, the bacteria present in the mouth produce acid that breaks down the layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin) and causes cavity. However, this happens when one does not maintain oral hygiene.
A study published by the Indian Journal of Pediatrics in 2018, shows that tooth decay is the most prevalent condition in 50 per cent of children worldwide. If the cavity is not diagnosed and managed at an early stage, it may affect functions such as chewing and speech due to pain, swelling, and infection. It also leads to psychological disturbance as children might become conscious of their smile.
“The pain occurs when the cavity reaches beneath the tooth and meets the nerve ending. It can be a continuous pain or triggered when we eat sweet, hot, or cold beverages,” says Dr Saranya P, dentist from Karur, Tamil Nadu. Even drinking water or chewing can cause pain, she adds.
The other causes can stem from the improper management of dental caries. There is a high risk of caries recurring and damaging the pulp (nerve bundle present inside the tooth), if one does not take care of oral health even after restoration (a procedure to remove caries and fill them with cement).
Moreover, long-term tooth decay, if left untreated, can lead to a severe infection called tooth abscess, says Dr Saranya. One may have fever, sensitivity, or headache due to the infection.
Also, read : Dental pain – symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatment.
Other causes of toothache
- Any injury to the tooth, such as in sports, can result in colour change and pain which needs to be managed immediately to save the tooth.
- Infection or inflammation of the gums around the wisdom tooth during its eruption can cause pain.
X-rays are taken to assess the depth of the cavity and the extent of the infection, says Dr Saranya.
Where homeopathy can help
Homeopathic medicines can be complemented with dental procedure suggested by the dentist, says Dr Rao. Medicines such as Mercurius solibus, Atropa belladonna, and Coffea cruda are often used to relieve toothache. However, consulting a homeopath is a must.
Choosing the remedy depends on the cause of the toothache and the varying symptoms, he says. The character of the pain (throbbing, dull or sharp) and its frequency are also taken into consideration while prescribing medicines.
Moreover, homeopaths can help to reduce inflammation after a dental procedure.
Experts list out ways to maintain tooth hygiene
- Brush your teeth twice a day. Cover all the sides of the teeth while brushing.
- Replace your brush every three to four months.
- Use mouthwash to control bacteria and bad breath.
- Cut down on sugary foods and drinks. The Australian Dental Association recommends eating no more than six teaspoons of added sugars per day. Instead, one can have snacks like fruits, vegetable salads, and nuts.
- Gargling with warm saline water reduces infection and removes the accumulated food particles.
- Reach out to a dentist if you have any dental issues.
Read more: Oral health benefits of mouthwash
