Dr. Ankit Mathur

Toothache is one of the common ailments that occur frequently to individuals of all ages. Tooth pain ranges from mild to severe and can be caused by a wide variety of factors pertaining to oral health and dental decay. The pain hightens during or post the consumption of food items that are either too hot or too cold as the tooth becomes increasingly sensitive to changes in temperature.

In Ayurveda, tooth pains are known as daantshool. Ayurveda can provide an effective remedy to tooth pains both chronic and acute. Ayurvedic treatment provides relief from the pain by dealing with the root cause of the problem in a natural and holistic manner without any side effect. It also eliminates the chances of any relapse.

Some of the most common and effective Ayurvedic remedies for sharp tooth pain are as follows:

1. Garlic and clove oil: Ayurvedic plants such as garlic and clove are known all over the world for their medicinal properties and healing qualities. Clove oil and garlic can be applied to the affected area of the teeth to ease the pain and improve dental health. This remedy will surely show benefits in the form of stronger teeth that are free of any pain.
2. Lime and asafoetida: The vitamin C content in citrus fruits is an effective disinfectant that heals teeth which experience sensitivity due to decay and the formation of cavities. Limes can cure sharp tooth pains as well as bleeding gums and loose teeth. A mixture of asafoetida, also known as hing, and lime juice should be slightly heated and applied on the affected for pain relief.
3. Neem and babool: Extracts of neem and babool are well known for their ability to heal tooth pains and related oral problems. These Ayurvedic herbs are good anti septic disinfectants that remove dental decay and provide relief from pain by healing and strengthening the teeth and gums.
4. Pepper and rock salt: Pepper, known as maricha in Ayurveda, is highly effective in treating sensitive teeth. When pepper dust is mixed with rock salt and applied on the aching tooth, it alleviates the pain and reduces sensitivity. This mixture will improve oral health and hygiene and it can also be used along with clove oil.
5. Bayberry bark: The bark of the bayberry tree is a useful Ayurvedic remedy for treating tooth pains. A paste made from the bark and a vinegar base can be applied on the tooth for getting relief from the pain.

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‘Smoking is injurious to health’, is a caption that is flashed on all cigarette packets. However, what is not told about is their adverse effects on the mouth.  The mouth with the lips, teeth, and gums are not just the first points of contact for a cigarette but also one of the majorly affected parts.

Listed below are how smoking affects the teeth and the mouth at large.

1. Bad breath (halitosis)

2. Tooth discoloration (brown to black spotting)

3. Tobacco deposits on the teeth leading to irritation of the gums

4. Increased formation of plaque and tartar on the teeth, leading to significant gum disease

5. Gum disease leads to tooth loss

6. Increased jaw bone loss

7. Lower success rate of dental implant procedures

8. Delayed healing after any oral procedure including extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery

9. Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth, which is a precursor to oral cancer

10. Increased risk of developing oral cancer

11. Reduces blood flow to the gums, thereby affecting healing

The tiny tobacco deposits sit on the tooth surface and with time, produce brownish stains. These are a constant source of irritation for the gums, causing gum disease. Unlike the regular plaque caused by food, this is much harder and more abrasive on the gums. This leads to damage of the periodontal tissue, which are connecting fibers between the teeth and the gums.  This leads to gradual tooth mobility and eventually loss.

Correlation:  If you are a smoker,

1. You are at risk for gum disease twice compared to a nonsmoker.

2. More cigarettes you smoke, greater the risk for gum disease.

3. More number of years you smoke, greater the risk for gum disease.

4. Poor response to regular treatment for gum disease.

Management:  The gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.  Therefore, the gums need to be protected at all cost to maintain oral health.  Some things to do are listed below, starting from the seemingly innocuous to the severe infections.

1. Regular cleanings at your dentist's office once in 6 months

2. Daily brushing and flossing to manage early gum disease

3. Deep cleaning below the gum line and prescription mouth rinses if there is already existing gum inflammation

4. Surgery to remove deeply seated plaque and tartar.

5. Surgery with bone graft to replace the bone lost to periodontitis.

6. Most important of all, quitting smoking.  This will produce remarkable benefits when the above are followed.

However, if the above are done with continued smoking, the effects will not last long.

Cigarette smoking is one habit, which has way too many effects on way too many working’s of the body and therefore kicking the habit is the best way to manage, not just your teeth, but your overall health.