- TOP 4 HERBS TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION
We have ALL been afflicted by a sore tooth or gums at one point in our lives which causes intolerable pain! However, individuals with autoimmune diseases such as Lupus have even more complicated and frequent oral health issues. A 2019 study showed that people with lupus have a lot of disease-causing bacteria in their mouths and on their gums. These bacteria cause poor oral health. The disease simultaneously with its treatments lowers the body’s ability to fight off bacteria which makes it easier to cause infections and mouth problems. A newly published meta-analysis shows that lupus is significantly associated with periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontitis is a serious infection characterized by inflammation of the gums, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
There are several natural remedies for toothaches that are just as effective as over-the-counter medicines when treating pain.
- Ginger – Gum pain and toothaches caused by swelling or infection may be relieved with ginger due to its antibacterial compounds. To use: peel fresh ginger and put one slice into your mouth, then bite down with the affected tooth for 3-5 minutes. If you can tolerate it, chew the piece slowly. Then spit the chewed ginger into a tissue and dispose of it. Do this every few hours.
- Coriander – Fresh leaves of the coriander (cilantro) are abundant in vitamin C which helps speed up the time usually taken to heal severe mouth injuries. The antiseptic properties make it ideal for mouth infections to cleanse and start healing. To use: chop fresh cilantro leaves finely and then grind the leaves into a paste using a mortar and pestle. Add a few teaspoons of ice water to create a creamier texture. Use a cotton ball to dip into the paste to apply to the affected area. If you’re suffering from open oral sores, boil one teaspoon of crushed coriander seeds with one cup of water. Let cool to warm temperature and gargle 3-4 times daily. Its anti-bacterial components make it perfect for cleaning out and initiating healing for mouth ulcers and infections.
- Garlic – works by destroying the bacteria in the mouth that may be an underlying cause of soreness. To use: Crush 1 peeled fresh garlic clove with teaspoon rock salt (I prefer Himalayan pink salt) to a paste. Put inside a thin gauze and place it on the aching spot. Garlic is highly effective due to the antibiotic and antiseptic properties that it contains.
- Sage – is a popular remedy that counters plaque-causing bacteria and repairs tooth decay damage. To use: Boiling a cup of sage tea and rinsing your mouth with it is a simple, quick way to keep your mouth clean and can help clean up oral sores.
- Cloves – is a natural analgesic and antiseptic because of a component known as eugenol. It is also a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral. Its oil can be a quick home remedy you need if you can’t get to your dentist right away. It contains an active ingredient that numbs the nerves in your mouth, offering temporary relief for an abscessed tooth. To use: Put two drops on a piece of gauze or cotton swab and wipe it on the affected area. You can also use whole cloves to relieve toothache if clove oil is not available. Grind a few whole cloves in a mortar and pestle, add 1 tablespoon of honey. Spoon into your mouth and let the mixture sit for long as you can. More direct treatment is to chew a clove and move the crushed clove as close to the sore tooth as possible.
Did you know clove oil is also used by dentists?
They often use the oil as a temporary filling combined with zinc oxide to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Peppermint – is a common ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpaste so you are probably familiar with its flavor. When we brush our teeth, the “freshness” sensation is the aftertaste of the peppermint component. This herb can relieve the pain of a mild toothache and lessens sensitivity to hot or cold. To use: You can either use peppermint oil or a fresh peppermint leaf. If using peppermint oil, dab it onto the sore area using a cotton ball. If fresh peppermint leaves are used, chew one to two leaves and press the chewed leaves to the mouth’s painful area with your tongue. Boiling the leaves and sipping them as tea is also effective to alleviate pain.
- Cinnamon – helps to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and offers its odor-fighting ability when used regularly. To Use: Mix one teaspoon of ground cinnamon to 2 tablespoons of raw honey. You take a small amount of this mix and rub it onto your affected tooth. The second is as simple as steeping cinnamon sticks in warm water and drinking it.
- Nutmeg – contains the same eugenol as cloves and cinnamon, so it works against plaque and bad breath. In addition, eugenol can ease swollen gums or tender teeth. Toothache: Rub nutmeg oil on the sore area or grate some nutmeg into a cup of warm green (great for sore gums and toothache too) tea and drink every few hours.
- Myrrh – Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, myrrh can help relieve inflammation of the mouth and gums caused by diseases such as gingivitis and mouth ulcers. It can also be used as a mouth rinse to prevent gum disease. Freshen your breath and is commonly used as an ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste. To use: Add myrrh oil or rock to warm water and let sit for few hours. Use it as a mouth rinse is the best way to alleviate bacteria and maintain good dental hygiene.
This ancient spice has been used historically for a lot of medicinal purposes such as inflamed or loosening gums, canker sores, throat and nasal infections, and breathing issues.
Last but not least… Salt Water Gargle
A salt-water mouth rinse is useful for several different reasons. The salt water gargle will break up any food stuck in between teeth and kill any bacteria that may be causing damage. It is also a great way to ease pain and reduce inflammation from infection of the gums. It’s a great option for anyone who has a sore throat, gum sores or recently underwent dental procedures. The salt water will break up any food stuck in between teeth and kill any bacteria that may be causing damage. It is also a great way to ease pain and reduce inflammation from infection of the gums. It doesn’t take the place of modern dental hygiene but is used as a supportive measure for adults and children alike.
How does a saltwater mouth rinse work to reduce dental bacteria?
- It temporarily increases the pH balance of your mouth, creating an alkaline environment in which bacteria struggle to survive because they prefer an acidic environment.
- Using the rinse often enough can also make difficult for bacteria to breed.
- The use of salt also promotes healing, so it’s ideal to use it 24 hours after minor dental surgery to help your mouth recover.
- It’s an isotonic solution, which means it contains the same salts and minerals our bodies do in equal concentrations. For this reason, it doesn’t irritate the mucous membranes as a medicinal or commercial mouthwash might, which is why many dentists recommend it as a gentle healing aid after a procedure.
- I prefer to use Himalayan Pink Salt to make my gargle. It is less salty and has more trace elements of nutrients compared to over processed table salt and mild flavor compared to rock salt.
It’s important to remember that to successfully relieve the pain, you must first consider the source of your toothache, swollen gums, mouth sores, or any other oral condition to make sure that it is not due to infection, or any underlying conditions related to your Lupus.
However, if you don’t see improvement over the next 48 hours it may be a severe condition that causes the pain and requires a dentist! Immediately make an appointment with your dentist as these home remedies are only to try at home for temporary relief. It is also important to take maintain good and constant oral hygiene practices such as flossing and brushing to avoid potential dental issues.
OF COURSE, I WOULDNT BE ME IF I DIDN’T ADD …
“YES TO ANY OF THE ABOVE HOME REMEDIES YOU CAN LEVEL UP BY ADDING TURMERIC WHICH IS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTI-BACTERIAL, PROMOTES HEALING, ANTISEPTIC, AND CAN EASE PAIN!”
Love more and Laugh a lot. Eat well and Move Around. Life is a Blessing so Live it right!
XoXo Patty The Spice Coach and fellow Lupus Warrior
