The tooth fairy myth is something we stop believing in once we’ve lost our milk teeth or after we catch the ‘tooth fairy,’ in action. But there are some myths that we cling on to even when we are old enough to know better, and one of them is toothache remedies. From whisky to cloves, it’s amazing what toothache sufferers will try to elevate their pain.
A shot of whisky a day keeps the dentist away
The idea that whisky or a strong spirit will ease toothache is a myth; while alcohol can ease the mind and dull the senses, it’s not an anaesthetic. Whisky does very little to kill the bacteria causing toothache and will not numb the pain.
Putting aspirin next to a sore tooth
It’s strongly recommended that you do not put aspirin on the gum next to the sore tooth as you may burn the soft tissue in your mouth.
If I am no longer in pain, then there is no problem
Many people think that once the pain goes away, whatever was causing their toothache has gone too. The vast majority of times this is not true as pain is a symptom, not a cause. It is understandable that those who suffer from toothache are preoccupied with treating the pain. As mentioned previously, pain is one of the first signs that there is an issue and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Oil of cloves
The oil extracted from cloves (a dried exotic flower head) has been hailed as a cure for toothache for centuries, placed on the offending tooth it is thought to offer temporary relief from the pain. However like painkillers it won’t cure the cause of the tooth ache. Clove Oil can cause painful side effects if placed directly onto gums as it can cause ulcers and soft tissue damage.
Using the above remedies is not recommended. If you are suffering from toothache the best and only option is to make an appointment with your dentist and take it from there.
If you have been caused unnecessary pain due to dental treatment and need to talk to a solicitor, call the Dental Law Partnership today on 0808 231 8838.