Toothache is an extremely troublesome problem, which interferes drastically with the normal activities of the person. Sometimes the pain in the teeth gets to be so excruciating that the person may feel that the entire tooth be uprooted from the gums. However, there are many ways in Ayurveda to prevent and treat toothaches.
The mouth is the place of the kapha dosha. Hence when the kapha dosha gets vitiated, there are oral and dental problems, including toothache. Ayurveda takes care of toothache by pacifying the kapha dosha. This is achieved by using a wide variety of herbs that can be used as tooth powders, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
There are also a number of potent oils that can be applied on the affected teeth to get the pain relieved. Even dentists all over the world use and prescribe remedies that have originated in Ayurveda, such as the use of the clove oil in allaying toothaches.
Therefore, it is a good idea to use Ayurvedic techniques to maintain lifelong hygiene of the teeth.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Toothache
Asafetida (Ferula fetida)
Asafetida is an excellent and fast-acting remedy for toothache problems. Its rich mineral and vitamin contents increase the strength of the teeth and enable them to bear the pain.
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Clove has the best astringent and antiseptic properties among all teeth remedies. Clove oil reduces the pain greatly and also fights against the germs in cavities. Clove oil is an important ingredient in many toothpastes. Even dentists apply a material with clove oil as a vital ingredient when filling cavities.
Onion (Allium cepa)
Onion may give bad odor temporarily, but in the long run it is very beneficial to dental hygiene. Onion can fight against the germs that accumulate on the teeth and hence prevent future problems with the teeth. People chomping on one raw onion a day are protected from toothache, apart from various other health benefits.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Toothache
Since dental problems are due to imbalances of the kapha dosha, it is necessary to bring the kapha back to normal. To do this, the following points must be obeyed: –
– Sweet foods must be strictly avoided. These will increase kapha in the mouth, which will help the breeding of microorganisms. This causes cavities in the mouth, leading to toothache.
– Do not consume chocolates and sugary foods at night. Their particles will remain in the interspaces of the teeth even if you think you have brushed properly.
– Foods that have bitter, pungent and astringent tastes are good for keeping toothaches in check. These foods can kill the microorganisms settled in the cavities.
– Foods that have good vitamin C content are also good for the teeth. Thus amalaki, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits must be included in the diet.
– Dental hygiene is a must. You must gargle after every meal and also floss before retiring to bed. Use a toothpick to remove any embedded food particles from the cavities.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Toothache
In case of toothache, a paste of several beneficial herbs is prepared. This is used as a tooth powder and used instead of toothpaste.
The Irimedadi taila is also used for application on the teeth. Regular use of this oil solves most dental problems.
In case the toothache is accompanied with gingivitis, then the following medications are prescribed:-
– A decoction of Triphala and Cyprus is used for gargling.
– A mixture of licorice is prepared in ghee and honey. This is applied on the teeth.
– Tablets of guduchi and mauktik kamadugha are prescribed twice a day for fifteen days.
(4) Home Remedies for Toothache
1. Asafetida is ground into a paste in lemon juice. This is then slightly warmed. A cotton pad is dabbed in the solution and applied on the tooth cavity. This is a very quick method to relieve the ache.
2. A very simple remedy to allay toothache is to mix some pepper powder with common salt and rub this mixture onto the teeth. Doing this daily will also prevent any toothache problems as well as dental cavities.
3. Mix a pinch of pepper in clove oil. Put this oil directly into the cavity to stop toothache.
4. Prepare a paste of the bark of bay berry in vinegar. Apply this on the teeth. This relieves toothache and also helps in strengthening gums in the long run.
5. Chew a root of the East Indian Rosebay. This helps in reducing toothache with immediate effects.
6. If nothing seems to work for the time-being, then applying an ice pack on the tooth from the outside can provide temporary relief.
7. Munching on green leafy vegetables is also a good way of solving toothache problems. If done daily, then this will prevent any tooth cavities in the future.
The Author:
Ayushveda_com – The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia