Don’t be a Victim to a Toothache this Holiday Season

One of the most awful feelings is that of a toothache. To make matters worse is a toothache during the holiday season. Not only does it inhibit your consumption of the delicious food that is the holidays but it can be difficult to get an appointment with a dentist. So today I'd like to provide some all natural ways to help you deal with a toothache.

Why do I have a toothache?

The likely source of a toothache is due to an infection or abscess. This happens when decay penetrate the hard exterior of the tooth and extends into the soft tissue, known as the pulp, in the center of the tooth. Bacteria then infiltrated the tooth causing inflammation and ultimately an infection. The pain that results can be deep, sharp and throbbing. Other common symptoms associated with a toothache include:

• Pain with chewing.
• Hot and cold Sensitivity that may persist after the stimuli is removed.
• Slight bleeding around the tooth or gums.
• Swelling around the tooth or jaw.

Other Reasons for a Toothache

Infection is the most common explanation as to why you have a toothache; however, there are other reasons for the pain. Other dental related issues including:

• Gum disease
• Tooth fractures
• Tooth extraction

For any of these issues a dentist appointment should clear things up. There are also more serious issues that can cause a toothache. If you experience any of the following issues, seek professional medical attention immediately:

• Issues of the ears, sinuses or throat.
• Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ: jaw pain that radiates giving the perception of a toothache.
• High fever or chills: may be an indication that the infection has spread.
• Recent head Injury: the tooth pain may be an indication of more serious issues.
• Facial rash.
• Jaw pain coupled with chest pain: the jaw pain may be referred pain from other areas and can be an indication of a heart attack.
• Trouble swallowing, extreme pain and bleeding from the gums: in individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes or have taken a regimen of steroids recently these symptoms may indicate the need for a more aggressive treatment.

Natural Remedies for a Toothache

The first thing to do when you have a toothache is to go to the dentist. Infection can spread quickly and it is important to get it under control. When you can't make it to the dentist because it is a night, weekend or holiday here are some suggestions.

• Address the infection: A Fever is an important sign that an infection is present. The western approach is to take antibiotics. If you choose this approach, be sure to take Probiotics to counteract the effects that the antibiotics have on your gut flora. If you choose an herbal approach to fighting the infection, antimicrobial herbs are invaluable. Blasting your system with a tincture of Echinacea and goldenseal can help get the infection under control, but this means taking several milliliters every couple of hours.
• Garlic: Garlic is another great antimicrobial herb that can be valuable for a toothache. You can take it internally (remember that the antimicrobial properties are destroyed by cooking) as food or place a slice of garlic on the tooth for 20 minutes to increase circulation and fight infection.
• Clove Essential Oil: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil is one of my go-to remedies for toothaches. Eugenol, one of the constituents in cloves, helps to anesthetize the pain and fight infection. I find the best way to apply clove essential oil is to put several drops on a cotton ball and apply it directly to the affected tooth. It doesn’t taste good and the salivary glands really kick into high gear when you use it but it helps with the pain tremendously! If you are using this for a child only use one drop of clove and soak the rest of the cotton ball with olive oil. If you are unable to obtain the oil you can crush or chew a whole clove and apply it to the site of the pain. Overuse of clove essential oil can cause gum damage so be sure to only use this in acute emergency situations.
• Salt Water Rinse: In a glass of warm water add 2-3 teaspoons of salt. Swish the salt water in your mouth several times before spiting it out. Do this with the entire glass. It will help to clean and disinfect the infected tooth and help to draw out fluid that may be causing swelling. For added antiseptic power, add 1-2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.
• Fresh Ginger: Cut a slice of fresh ginger and remove the skin. Place the chunk of ginger directly over the sore tooth and bite into it. It should take away the pain almost instantly. Replace with a fresh piece of ginger periodically.
• Turmeric: This bright yellow spice has amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and help to increase circulation to the infected tooth. Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of turmeric to make a paste and dab it on the sore tooth. To amplify this remedy, add a drop of clove and tea tree essential oil.  
• Green tea and Chamomile tea: Green tea contains constituents that can treat infection and reduce inflammation. It is also very easy to obtain from any grocery store, convenience store or restaurant. Drink 2 cups a day to help with a toothache. Chamomile tea will help to relax you and your nerves by gently sedating the nervous system. It can also help to fight the infection, and is safe for children to take. For an adult take up to 3 cups of tea daily (1/2 to 1 tsp of dried flower in 1 cup of hot water steeped for 10 minutes). For children follow the guidelines for using Herbal Remedies for Kids.
• Spilanthes: The leaves and flower heads of Spilanthes acmella, known as the toothache plant, are an amazing asset when you have a toothache. It’ analgesic property can numb the gums and relieve toothaches when the leaves or flowers are chewed. It is also a relative to echinacea, which is evident in its ability to stimulate wound healing, reduce swelling and treat bacterial, viral and fugal infections.  

Followup to the toothache

When using these herbal remedies, is not uncommon for the toothache to go away; however, it is still important to go to the dentist. If the infection persists, it can penetrate the root and then you run the risk of losing the tooth. Also, chronic dental infections are correlated to an increased risk in stroke. Plaque and bacteria can enter the blood stream through the mouth causing blood clots. So take care of your teeth.

Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Rosemary Gladstar's family herbal: a guide to living life with energy, health, and vitality. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books.

Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

Mars, B., & Fiedler, C. (2011). The country almanac of home remedies: time-tested & almost-forgotten wisdom for treating hundreds of common ailments, aches & pains quickly and naturally. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press.

White, L & Foster, S. (2000). The herbal Drugstore: the best natural alternatives to over-the-counter and prescription medications. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.

Wildwood, C. (1996). The encyclopedia of aromatherapy. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.

http://www.tbyil.com/Toothache.htm

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/toothache-home-remedy.php

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/toothache/article_em.htm

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/spilanthes.php

Herbal remedies for children's Ear Infections

Ear infections are an issue that many children encounter. The Eustachian tube, the tube that links the middle ear to the throat, does not fully develop till about 4 years of age. Until then its position and size doesn't allow for proper drainage and it easily becomes clogged. When the Eustachian tube becomes plugged up with excess mucus, moisture and bacteria build up leading to an ear infection. I'd like to talk a little bit about what we can do naturally and herbally to prevent and treat ear infections.

Antibiotics are the main treatment used by western medicine for ear infections. Although their intention is to rid the body of bacteria that is causing infection, they are often over used in the treatment of childhood illnesses. This causes strains of bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotics leading to the need for stronger and more frequent antibiotics. Antibiotics are strong and disrupt the delicate balance of kids bodies.


Prevention is the key when it comes to ear infections. If there is a case of reoccurring ear infections, you may wish to avoid mucus forming foods. These foods include dairy, wheat, sugar, eggs and processed foods. Not surprisingly, these are the foods that people most often have allergies to. An elimination diet should be done with your child to see if the chronic ear infections are the result of food allergies. In any case these foods should be avoided during the duration of the ear infection. Cold foods and eating fruit out of season can also contribute to cold and mucus in the body. Try to avoid cold fruit and fruit juice straight from the refrigerator in cases of infection.


A simple wool hat can be an amazing tool in the prevention of ear infections. A hat can block cold and wind from getting into the ear and causing an infection. Probiotics are especially important in the treatment and the prevention of ear infections. They help contribute to the body's natural defense system. They are especially important to give your child if they are taking antibiotics. Probiotics help replenish the natural healthy flora that antibiotics destroy.


In order to effectively treat ear infections naturally, it is important to start treatment at the first sign of infection. Colds, congestion and runny noses can easily lead to ear infections. Kids will often pull at their ear or rub their ears when an infection is present.


The most effective remedy for ear infections, that I've found, is garlic mullen ear oil. It helps to relieve the pain and treat the infection. This is something that can be purchased from the health food store or you can easily make it. In a jar add several tablespoons of chopped garlic and several tablespoons of mullen flowers. Cover the herbs with extra virgin olive oil and put the lid on. Let it set for a week, strain and place in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use it, let it warm to room temperature before placing several drops in the ear. Make sure that you use the oil in both ears, even if the infection is currently present in only one ear because the infection can spread to the other ear.


Echinacea tincture should be utilized during times of infection to help boost the immune system. Aviva Romm suggests 1 drop of tincture per 2 lbs of body weight taken 4 times a day. Chamomile tea can also be an asset helping to calm and soothe an upset and distressed child.


In Chinese Medicine the ear is the outlet of the kidneys. Chronic issues of the ears represent the distress of the kidneys. Nettle tea is very nourishing and helpful to issues of the kidneys. Also warm packs placed on the lower back (the kidney area) can help to increase circulation to the area. Warm packs on the ears can also help to bring circulation to the ears.


Rest is, perhaps, the most important part to the healing of illness in children and never underestimate the power of a little TLC. When the ear infection does not respond to home care or if it gets worse it is important to seek medical care.


Sources:

Gladstar, R. (2001). Family herbal: a guide to living with energy, health and vitality. North Adams, MA: Storey Books.

Romm, A. (2003). Naturally healthy babies and children: a commonsense guide to herbal remedies, nutrition and health. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.