Sitting at the dentist’s waiting room, one will most of the time hear at least one person saying that they would rather have a headache or a stomach ache that get a toothache. Toothache happens when the tissues inside or around the tooth have problems, such as tooth decay, fracture, or abscess, or gum infection. The type of pain described by those affected with toothache is sharp and throbbing, and it is almost always relentless, the reason why it is extremely bothersome. But aside from the pain, there will also be swelling of the gums around the tooth. Other individuals will also experience headache since the pain will readily radiate to the areas all over the head and neck. Fever is also possible since the body reacts to the process of inflammation. Moreover, if the tooth is infected, there will be foul smell and it would seem like having an offensive taste. The solution in this case is really to visit the dentist in order to have the tooth extracted or to have the tooth cavity filled. But there are other solution which may alleviate the pain and the discomfort felt during the toothache. Several studies were made regarding herbs that may be beneficial to the pain and inflammation experienced during these episodes. Below are seven of the herbs who have shown to offer relief during toothache.

1. Cloves

   Cloves are being used as spices in several dishes. Cloves are being used to enhance the taste of several foods, such as pumpkin pie, ginger bread, bean soups, baked beans and chili. Just 2 teaspoons of cloves can already provide the body with 63 percent of the daily requirement of manganese. It also has considerable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin K and C, magnesium and calcium. But what make cloves excellent for toothaches are its anti-inflammatory activities. The volatile oil of cloves has the substance called eugenol, which works as an anti-inflammatory agent. Aside from eugenol, there is also rhamnetin and kaempferol, which can also contribute to the relief of anti-inflammatory symptoms in toothache.

2. Ginger

   For centuries, the world has already known about the medicinal properties of ginger. Although not abundant in vitamins and minerals, ginger is important in health because of gingerols. Studies have revealed that gingerols are potent anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, it is being used by several sufferers of arthritis, since it has exhibited high reduction of pain. In laboratory experiments, a variety of gingerol called 6-gingerol can actually stop nitric oxide from being produced. Increase nitric oxide in the body alarms the inflammatory system, which then results to massive pain, especially in the teeth, and all other symptoms of inflammation.

3. Cayenne

   Just the idea of eating cayenne, makes others flee because of its hot and spicy flavor and the fiery heat it creates in the body. But cayenne must be considered by toothache sufferers for relief. This is because of capsaicin, the substance that creates the shocking taste. Capsaicin has been studied and it showed that it is perfect for fighting inflammation because it inhibits the neuropeptide substance P, which causes the inflammatory cascade. In fact, capsaicin in cayenne is considered a natural pain reliever, especially for toothache. But aside from this, just 2 teaspoons of capsaicin added in the food can already provide a person with his daily requirement of vitamin A, E and C, as well as fiber and manganese.

4. Meadowsweet

   Meadowsweet is popular in the garden because of its distinctive smell. But it became more popular when the dried meadowsweet leaves were once used to produce what is now the prototype for pain reliever, the aspirin. History has shown how meadowsweet can help relieve headache and any types of pain, especially toothaches. Fresh leaves of meadowsweet can be added to drinks or steeped to make a tea. The salicylic acid of the herb is potent in relieving all types of aches and discomfort.

5. Echinacea

   It is not quite clear how Echinacea relieve any toothaches. However, there are studies showing that those with inflammation caused by bacterial infections are relieved after taking the extract of Echinacea. Echinacea is sometimes called the purple cornflower. It is popular are cold remedy. But its health benefits have expanded towards fighting infections and therefore lowering the development of inflammatory symptoms, such as pain, swelling, redness and fever. Since many of the tooth problems are due to bacterial infection. And since Echinacea can fight specific bacteria that infected the mouth, then Echinacea therefore is a beneficial herb for relieving toothache.

6. Garlic

   It is stinky and pungent, yet it helps provide relief of the toothache. Garlic is one of the top actors in the Allium family, together with leeks and onion. This is because it is highly rich in thiosulfinate, a compound that contains the powerful sulfur. The well-known compound of thiosulfinate is allicin. Aside from thiosulfiante, there are also sulfoxides and dithiins. Alliin and ajoene are their well-studied compounds, respectively. All of these compounds actually provide the body with several health benefits, especially in lowering the risk of inflammation of the tooth, which can eventually relieve the pain felt during tooth inflammation. But garlic is not anti-inflammatory, it is also anti-bacterial. If there is tooth infection, which caused the toothache, the compounds found in garlic can actually fight the bacteria that intensified the pain and inflammation.

7. Aloe Vera

   Aloe vera has, for centuries proven of its health benefits. For toothaches, researches have been made regarding its benefits towards relieving the pain. Several dental hygiene companies nowadays are already promoting toothpaste made of aloe vera. This is because of aloe vera’s natural anti-inflammatory action. Topical solutions are being processed and marketed to be applied on the affected tooth area. Aloe will seep into the tissues and help in alleviating the discomfort caused by tooth and gum problems. When using solutions made of aloe vera, remember not to over use the product because aloe vera can actually cause diarrhea and other gastric discomfort.

Sources
livestrong.com
naturalremediesbase.com
whfoods.org
livestrong.com
livestrong.com
herbcompanion.com