Dental caries (tooth decay) are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on the food particles lodged in the teeth dents and gaps, especially processed sugary and starchy products.
These bacteria, in the presence of saliva, change these food particles into acids. The acid generated by these bacteria is the foundation of plaque formation on teeth and gum root. With time the plaque advances to tartar and its acid begins to create cavities or holes in the teeth. When this process is not checked, it can lead to tooth abscess and corresponding severe pain characterizing toothache.
Cavities referred to as caries are holes in the two outer layers of the tooth; i.e. the enamel, (outermost white hard surface) and the dentin (the yellow layer just beneath the enamel). These layers protect the inner tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside.
In general, small cavities don’t cause pain, but larger cavities may cause a toothache due to irritation from accumulated food, bacterial toxins, sensitivity from hot or cold foods and from sour or sweet foods.
Good oral hygiene is an effective means of preventing cavities. Reduction in the consumption processed sugar, particularly in children and adolescents is also an additional good preventive measure.
There are provisions from nature that are within reach, with proven efficacy, for dental care. By using a mixture of charcoal, table salt and chew sticks to clean the teeth regularly, many can prevent toothache. Science has now validated the importance of charcoal as one of the nature’s finest antacids. Since tooth decay is initiated by acids produced by a class of bacteria, the connection becomes obvious.
Herbal chewing sticks that are widely recommended by medical herbalists and whose therapeutic actions have been scientifically established to have among other properties antibacterial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties include Massularia acuminata (Pako Ijebu in Yoruba), Fagara xanthoxyloides roots (Orinata in Yoruba) and bitter leaf stem known botanically as Vernonia amygdalina (Onugbu in Igbo, Ewuro in Yoruba).
When tooth decay progresses to a certain stage that it causes severe toothache and gum inflammation, experienced naturopath may recommend the topical application of clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) soaked in cotton wool directly to the teeth cavities. Cloves contain a vital healing phytochemical known as eugenol that is known for its strong antimicrobial, analgesic, sedative and anti-inflammatory actions.
Another useful method that I have found to be very beneficial and effective to the treatment and management of toothache is the combination of few grains of Aframomun melegueta known as ataare in Yoruba, Ose-oji in Igbo, ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome, white clay or Calabar chalk (Efun in Yoruba, Nzu in Igbo) and table salt. A little quantity of water is added to the mixture to thicken the paste (approximating the consistency of ready-to-eat ‘eba’). This paste is generously applied to the region of the affected teeth and gum. As the paste gradually dissolves the patient should gradually swallow the solution. No deliberate effort should be made to lick it off. The longer it stays in the affected area the better. This application can be repeated three times daily till the pain and inflammation subside. If the tooth decay has not become so advanced, the patient can still manage to save himself from tooth extraction.
Please note that herbal remedies are best prescribed by trained and licensed medical herbalists or naturopaths.
