Teeth – Toothache

Tooth decay is the primary cause of toothaches for most children and adults. Bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of your teeth. Build up of plaque causes gum disease. Dental plaque is a biofilm produced by the bacteria that coats the gums and teeth. Bad dental hygiene increases the risk of gum disease (gingivitis) which may lead to periodontal disease. The implications of periodontal disease and the inflammatory toxins created by this bacteria are known to cause heart disease, diabetes and even miscarriage.

Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can eat through the hard, white coating on the outside of your teeth (enamel), creating a cavity. The first sign of decay may be a sensation of pain when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot.

We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information.

• Good dental hygiene and regular 6 months visits to your dentist are important for prevention.
• Electric oscillating toothbrushes (soft bristle) are twice as an effective reducing plaque as the traditional handheld brushes.
• Do not introduce sugars into your babies diet and keep all sugar out of your child's diet. It is toxic and a poison!
• Do not eat white processed bread or any sugary drinks (soda, cordial etc). The research is abundant to the destructive effects on not only your teeth but health in general. Stick to a natural whole food diet.
• Acidic foods can erode the enamel of your teeth. Use a straw to help avoid the acids when drinking a fresh homemade orange or lemon juice for example and rinse your mouth out after consuming.
• Vitamin C rich foods should be eaten abundantly and every day! Berries, Kiwi, Citrus fruit, broccoli, capsicum etc.
• Coconut oil(organic) – used to swish around in your mouth (pulling) is excellent antibacterial and healing for your gums.
• Foods like celery with its rough texture, lightly cleaning the tooth’s surface while you chew. Carrots, cucumbers and other crunchy vegetables also do the trick. Chia seeds are excellent for producing saliva to help with digestion. They boost energy and high in Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A & fibre. I use mine in my breakfast chia/seed/kefir/oat puddings! Yum
• CoQ10, a coenzyme for improving oxygenation to all cells (excellent also for anti-aging), is an important treatment for gum disease and prevention of periodontal disease. 2 capsules (50mg) is recommended initially and then as a preventative 1 per day. You can rub the contents of the capsule directly on your gums.
• Herbal remedies for a toothache – dapped onto cotton wool 1 – 2 drops – clove oil, echinacea, myrrh may help relieve the pain.
• Herbal toothpaste – natural, healing and strengthening. May contain thyme, echinacea, sage, calendula etc.
• Activated charcoal toothpaste made from coconut not only whitens your teeth but beneficial to killing the bacteria.
• Propolis mouthwash – a natural antiseptic and slightly anaesthetic may be used a couple of times per day until issue resolved.
• Green Tea: contain polyphenols and are effective against the bacteria found in your mouth that produces plaque and gum disease. Drink 2 – 3 cups a day.
• Xylitol – natural occurring compound, antibacterial properties effective again the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Chewing xylitol gum for a few minutes may help and also reduce gingivitis (gum disease) and bad breathe (halitosis).