Peppermint Blend For Toothache
Whilst we may all experience some mild discomfort from our teeth from time to time, often if we eat something cold or too hot. This is often to do with having sensitive teeth rather than toothache although you should still get it checked out by a dentist as it could be a sign of a small area of decay or if it’s a tooth with an existing filling, it could have started to come loose. However the most common reason for this type of discomfort is often due to the tooth root becoming exposed due to gingivitis which leads to receding gums leaving the roots of the tooth exposed.
Toothache often starts off as a mild to moderate throbbing pain, it can be hard to detect exactly where the pain is coming from because the nerves in a tooth form a network of nerves that interconnect within the jaw. If left untreated this mild to moderate throbbing will intensify as the decay and infection sets in leading to an abscess forming.
An abscess is a pus-filled infection that forms in the roots of the tooth that develops as a result of the decay. This throbbing pain is not only excruciating but it won’t go away on it’s own. Not only is toothache incredibly painful but it can cause fever, your face could start swelling, particularly on the side where the tooth is. You may also experience swollen lymph nodes as the infection takes hold.
Abscesses can rupture leaving a foul tasting discharge in your mouth, which initially may seem like a good thing as the pain may start to ease but this does not mean the end of the problem as the decay is still present and can spread to other teeth.
As anyone who has ever experienced toothache will tell you, can be incredibly painful. There are ways you can ease the pain of toothache naturally and fight the infection that may be present in the case of tooth abscesses reducing the need for a course of antibiotics. However, it should be noted that once a tooth has reached this stage you will need to see a dentist to get the tooth filled or extracted. Try using essential oil blends such as this Clove essential oil blend can help soothe the pain caused by toothache.
THE SYMPTOMS OF TOOTHACHE
Sensitivity to hot and cold.
Sensitivity when chewing or biting.
Throbbing pain can be difficult to identify exact tooth causing pain.
Fever.
Swollen lymph nodes around the jaw and neck.
Swelling to the face.
Foul taste.
THE FOLLOWING OILS ARE PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL
Sage - Sage has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties making it a must have essential oil for fighting the infection and relieving the pain of an infected tooth.
Peppermint - with both antispasmodic and analgesic properties peppermint is effective in relieving the throbbing pain associated with toothache.
HOW TO USE
If you have an empty essential oil bottle you can clean it out and make a blend to use when needed or you can add them individually in the following ratio.
Peppermint – 3 drops
Sage – 3 drops
WAYS TO USE
GARGLE
When very diluted this blend of Peppermint and Sage can be used to soothe infections of the mouth such as gingivitis, mouth ulcers and relieve the pain associated with toothache.
Add 1 – 3 drops of the essential oil blend (3 drops each of Peppermint and Sage) to a glass of water and gargle, ensuring not to swallow. Repeat as needed.
OINTMENT
Mix with some carrier oil such as almond oil olive oil and rub over directly over the gums.
Mix 1 to 2 drops of the essential oil blend (3 drops each of Peppermint and Sage) to a tablespoon of carrier oil, apply to a cotton bud and rub over the affected area. Repeat hourly if needed.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Peppermint should not be used before bedtime as it can lead to insomnia. High dosages can irritate the skin. Peppermint should not be used with Homeopathic remedies.
Sage is known to stimulate the contraction of smooth muscles and should therefore not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room.