Women and Beauty

Question for Dr. Leia: I have been having some sensitivity in my teeth and am scheduled for oral surgery to remove an impacted wisdom tooth. I know you are not a dentist, but do you know of some natural treatments for wisdom tooth pain relief? Would acupuncture or acupressure help give tooth pain relief or offer help after I have oral surgery? Also, while I am asking do you know of any natural herbal pain supplements that would help because I don't like taking narcotics or prescription pain medicines? Thanks for your expertise and thoughtful answers. Best, Stanley

Dr. Leia's Answer

Whole cloves and pure food grade clove oil has been recommended by herbalists for centuries to relieve tooth pain. It is an old tried-and-true folk remedy which really works. However, be forewarned that the pain relief is only temporary, and you should definitely keep your appointment with your oral surgeon. You might want to take a whole clove or two and place it directly on the tooth and between the gum, or near the area which is causing you pain. Be sure to chew on it slightly to bruise the clove, and then let it do its magic. The taste is strong, but can be tolerated if you are not sensitive or allergic to cloves.

Another suggestion would be to use aloe vera gel on the tooth, but I am not certain if this alone would be strong enough. You might want to experiment with aloe vera gel mixed with cloves or clove oil and see which combination will work best for you. The aloe vera gel might also dilute the strength of the clove oil if it is too strong for you to tolerate.

Acupuncture can temporarily relieve your pain while you are awaiting your dental appointment, and acupressure may also help temporarily. One powerful acupressure point includes LI4, which is located in the web space between the thumb and index finger at the highest part of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought close together. This point can be pressed gently but firmly and held continuously as needed. I recommend the book, "Acupressure Potent Points, A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments" by Michale Reed Gach, if you have a keen interest in learning more about self-help acupressure. Acupressure can also help relieve other forms of bodily pain, and this book show you how to do it yourself.

Thought field therapies such as EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, are also very effective in relieving different types of unwanted bodily aches and pains. EFT is an innovative form of acupressure combined with deep breathing, and affirmations, which work synergistically to alleviate unwanted conditions, both physical and emotional or mental.

Homeopathic remedies may also be effective in relieving your tooth pain until you visit your dentist. Commonly used homeopathics for you could include Calc. phos, or Arnica, two homeopathics which may assist in your toothache control. Since homeopathic remedies are individualized for each specific case, it is best to refer to a complete homeopathic textbook, or to visit a homeopathic doctor who will analyze your case. Homeopathic remedies are safe and do not have any side effects, so if the incorrect remedy is chosen, there will be no response.

There are many Chinese herbal formulas for pain relief, which can be obtained from your local acupuncturist or Chinatown herbal apothecary. Often times, the herbalist-acupuncturist will combine a unique formula based upon your pain symptoms, after taking a pulse diagnosis. This formula will be individualized especially for you. White willow bark is also a natural herb which is available at your health food store. Aspirin was originally developed based upon white willow bark's pain relieving ingredients and properties. However, if you opt to use the natural willow bark, beware that it can also have the same overdose side-effects as aspirin. Just because it is natural, does not mean that it is exempt from toxic side effects.

Other, non-herbal supplements which alleviate inflammation include: fish oil capsules, bromelain-quercitin complex, and pycnogenol. These natural supplements have moderate to strong anti-inflammatory effects without the side effects of chemical anti-pain medications.

If you want to go the route of over-the counter drugstore remedies, Orajel, which contains benzocaine anesthetic, is effective at temporarily relieving the pain of toothaches.

I hope that this helps you in your search for dental and tooth pain relief.