Toothache and oral issues
If you’ve ever had toothache you will know how painful it can be! Anything that is sore or painful in the mouth can really get you down.
Here are 5 main oral issues and what to do about them:
- Toothache:
This is no longer covered by GP appointments and must be managed by your pharmacist or dentist. 25% of UK adults will suffer at some point in their lives. Toothache is defined as pain in and around the teeth and jaws, which is often worse for hot or cold drinks. Causes include tooth decay, and infection.
Conventional treatments are painkillers, antibiotics and possibly fillings.
Homeopathic remedies which can help with pain and infections are Belladonna (red and throbbing), Hypericum (nerve pain), and Hepar sulph (helps to draw out pus).
- Tooth extraction:
Most dentists will numb the area with anesthetic before removing a tooth. Homeopathic remedy Emerald can make for a very easy extraction with minimal force needed. Arnica, hypericum and phosphorus taken after the extraction can help with bruising, shock, pain and bleeding.
- Teething:
Difficult dentition can affect babies as well as adults if wisdom teeth are coming through. Read more about teething and which remedy will help here.
- Mouth ulcers:
These are painful sores which appear in the mouth on the gums, tongue or inside the cheek area. Eating/drinking or talking can be uncomfortable and sore. 66% of UK adults have suffered with a mouth ulcer at some point in their lives. Causes are biting the inside of your cheek, badly fitting dentures, rough fillings, or being run down.
Homeopathic remedies which can help are Merc viv, Nat mur, and Ars alb. If you suffer regularly you may want to consider supplementing with Vit B complex, Vit D and magnesium (transdermally).
- Temporomandibular joint issues (TMJ):
This is pain in the joint which joins the lower jaw to the skull. This can be an extremely painful condition as the masseter muscle is very strong. It presents as pain when chewing which can spread to the face and neck. The jaw can also be very stiff, or there may be painful clicking or popping upon opening/closing the mouth.
Causes can be teeth grinding especially at night, wear and tear of the joint, stress, or a blow to the head. Homeopathic remedies to help here are Rhus tox, Causticum and Scutellaria. Magnesium cream massaged into the muscle can help to ease some of the tension too.
