Bacteria in your mouth react to sugars and starches in a way that causes cavities. Plaque forms over the teeth when the bacteria break down these foods. This plaque gets filled with acid and begins to damage the enamel as a result. If it is not cleaned regularly, it forms tartar, which in turn can contribute to cavities. What is more, tartar is hard to remove. If you don’t take measures even then, cavities continue to eat away at the tooth. Eventually, they reach the pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth, and inflame it. Needless to say, pain accompanies this entire process. Here are some effective tooth and gum pain remedies from the experts at Manus Dental.
Most Effective Pain Remedies
One highly effective remedy involves a mix of water and peroxide rinse. If you decide to apply it, follow instructions very carefully. It’s not dangerous when done properly. You need warm water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Mix them in a 50:50 ratio, swishing the solution around your mouth for 10 seconds, and spit it out. We recommend doing this after every meal to destroy organisms that may be causing tooth or gum pain.
Our second remedy is a combination of ginger and cayenne pepper. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory agent. Cayenne pepper’s elevated vitamin C content also helps reduce inflammation. They generate heat when combined, which relieves pain. Again, mix ground ginger and cayenne pepper spice in a 50:50 ratio. Add enough water to make a homogenous paste.
Swab a cotton ball into the paste and place it on the painful spot. Avoid contact with the gums and tongue because the mixture burns. Leave it on until you feel relief. If the mix is too hot, you can try the two ingredients separately. Cayenne pepper will definitely work on its own because it contains a lot of capsaicin, which impedes pain signals from reaching the brain.
Myrrh – Powerful Relief for Millennia
Myrrh is a sap-like substance and one of the essential oils with the strongest healing properties in the world. It was one of the gifts the three Wise Men brought to Jesus! Make a myrrh tincture by simmering one teaspoon of powdered myrrh in two cups of water for 20 minutes. Strain, cool to room temperature, and rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of the mix in water until you feel relief.
Peppermint oil – Tasty and Healthful
Peppermint essential oil can numb toothache. It is one of the main ingredients in OTC pain relief creams, gels, and sprays. It works because it contains ligand. This molecule binds to the k-opioid receptors, keeping pain signals from reaching the brain. Mix 20 drops of pure peppermint essential oil in one tablespoon of olive oil. Dilute the oil first to avoid irritation. Dab a cotton ball or swab in the mix and press it on the painful spot. Repeat as often as needed.
Preventing Cavities
It’s important to go for regular checkups with your dentist in Lake Zurich or wherever you’re located to make sure plaque is not building up and leading to cavities. If left untreated, cavities cause periodontal disease, which dentists cannot cure. You might need a root canal if you get an infection to keep it from spreading.
Cutting down on snacks can help minimize the risk of developing oral conditions. Most snacks contain a lot of starches and sugar. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Always use the same amount of toothpaste and moisten the brush before applying it. It will help to buy brushes the same size. Make sure you replace your toothbrush once every three or four months. This will ensure you need pain remedies less and less often.
Manus Dental can help prevent cavities. For more information, call one of our offices in Yorkville, Lake Zurich, or our Hyde Park dental office.