Ayurvedic Treatment for Tooth Root Nerve Damage : Symptoms, Diagnosis & Herbal Supplements

ABSTRACT

The tooth’s basic function is to cut, tear, crush, and grind food. The tooth also helps in speech and plays a major role in the smile. The tooth has three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The outermost layer is enamel, which is the protective layer. It is the hardest substance in the human body, as compared to the bones. The second layer is dentin, which is the hard layer that is made up of microscopic tubules that allow the sensation to carry it to the brain. The innermost layer is the pulp, which contains all the nerves, blood supply, and connective tissue. It is the living part of the tooth and is protected by enamel and dentin. In this article, we will be reading about the root nerve damage caused by various other causes.

INTRODUCTION

Tooth Root Nerve Damage can be defined as the injury or damage to the nerves located within the tooth found in the soft tissue called pulp which can cause numbness, pain, and sensitivity caused during the aggressive dental procedure or tooth decay or trauma. As a whole, it means that the nerve is no longer capable of functioning properly, and mainly the affected side is numb.

CAUSES

The nerve in the tooth is located in the center of the tooth i.e. pulp containing nerve and blood supply. There are two primary causes of tooth nerve pain (Toothache), which are:-

1. Internal causes

• Pulpal Sensitivity : This type of pain is caused by the nerve irritation of the tooth, which affects a single tooth. Some of the reasons for pulp sensitivity are chipped, cracked teeth, or tooth decay. This type of sensitivity is mainly due to prolonged teeth clenching and grinding.
• Dental Sensitivity : The other type of sensitivity is dental sensitivity, which affects more than a single tooth. This type of sensitivity occurs when the enamel of the tooth is damaged due to cracking or chipping of the enamel layer. This allows external stimuli to access the nerves, which is mainly caused by hot, cold, and acidic drinks, which can cause severe pain throughout the mouth. One of the common causes of dental sensitivity is overuse of teeth-whitening products, which can cause enamel irritation and tooth pain.

2. External causes

• Tooth Decay : In Deep Root Caries, the pulp of the tooth gets affected, which involves the pulp of the tooth and causes pain and infection.
• Dental Trauma : During dental procedures like tooth extraction, or procedures like tooth restoration, or root canal filling, may expose the nerves.
• Gum Disease : Severe Gum Diseases like gum recession, in which the root of the tooth gets exposed causing exposure of the nerve.
• Cracked Teeth : A crack in the teeth during any injury or trauma may lead to nerve exposure, causing pain that can occur during eating.
• Teeth Grinding : Some people have the habit of clenching and grinding during nighttime, which may wear off the enamel layer, exposing the dentin and pulp, leading to nerve exposure.
• Brushing Hard : Brushing too aggressively can cause wear and tear of the tooth which leads to exposure of dentin and pulp (Which have the nerve and blood supply) causing nerve exposure in chronic cases.
• Hot and Cold Things : People have the habit of drinking coffee, tea, or other acidic drinks causing pain sensations and rapid temperature change that reaches the pulp causing irritation.

SYMPTOMS

There can be the following symptoms, which are :

1. Pain: Pain that radiates throughout the mouth, which can be dull, sharp, or acute.
2. Temperature sensitivity: It can be experienced while drinking any hot, cold, or any other beverage which can change the temperature of the tooth.
3. Numbness or Tingling: Numbness in the lip, chin, gums, and tongue area which can be long-term or short-term as well depending upon the condition and severity.
4. Discoloration: The affected tooth is usually discolored because it shows that the tooth is dead.
5. Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy): Bell’s Palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscle on one side of the face. It’s caused by damage to the facial nerve during tooth extraction or any other dental procedure which is one of the reasons for the tooth nerve damage.
6. Certain Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that may cause nerve damage, often referred to as neuropathy. The damage can occur in different parts of the nervous system, and the severity can vary depending on the drug, the dosage, and the length of use. Like anti-seizure drugs, antibiotics, and cardiac drugs.
7. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to nerve damage such as diabetes, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s disease which can cause nerve damage.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose the nerve damage, the doctor can perform various tests, which may include:

1. Clinical Evaluation: A doctor can ask for numbness, tingling sensations, weakness, and pain in the affected area.
2. Nerve Conduction Study: This is the basic test done for conducting the nerve test where electrodes are placed on the skin to stimulate the nerve and measure how quickly the electrical signal travels through it.
3. Electromyography: An electrical electrode is inserted into the muscle to record its electrical activity and this provides information regarding the muscle activity.
4. Blood Tests: This may be done for underlying conditions like diabetes and other conditions that can lead to nerve damage.

TREATMENT

Treatment can be a non-surgical or surgical way for Tooth nerve damage

Non-surgical ways are :

1. Anti-inflammatory drugs, Anticonvulsants, and pain relievers.

2. Physical therapy can be done to strengthen the muscles.

3. Occupational therapy can also be done.

4. Acupuncture can also be done to get relief from the pain.

Surgical ways are :

1. Surgical ways are

2. Nerve Repair Surgery

3. Nerve Grafting

COMPLICATIONS

Some of the complications of Tooth Nerve Damage are :

1. Abscess Formation: If the nerve is severely damaged, then there can be bacterial infection around the affected tooth leading to an abscess formation.
2. Sensitivity: There can be increased sensitivity to hot and cold things.
3. Tooth Loss: In severe cases, there can be tooth loss if it is not treated properly or done on time.
4. Facial Swelling: There can be facial swelling depending upon the severity of the nerve damage.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TOOTH NERVE DAMAGE

1. Salt water Rinse

Ayurveda advocates the use of naturally occurring salts like sea salt and rock salt. It can be done at home due to its simplicity. We have to gargle for about 15-20 seconds and rinse properly around the teeth, gums, and tongue area. It has various benefits like reducing inflammation, maintaining pH, bad breath, and pain, and clearing nasal congestion. On the other hand, it has disadvantages: overuse can cause gum irritation, gum swelling, dehydration, and tooth erosion.

2. Clove Oil

Clove is known as Syzygium aromaticum. In Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, cloves have warming properties and the ability to balance the body energy called Doshas. Clove helps pacify kapha and vata and increase pitta. It has various benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, and analgesic. If we talk about dental-related problems, we use to relieve pain and bleeding gums as well by massaging clove oil for 15-20 minutes.

3. Peppermint Oil

According to Ayurveda, Peppermint leaf tends to have cooling power, which helps reduce the kapha and pitta doshas. While harmonizing vata doshas. Peppermint oil helps in releasing toxins and has a numbing effect. This oil can be used in mouthwash, toothpaste, and tea. Peppermint oil has various benefits in dental care, including antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, numbing, and freshening breath.

4. Eucaclptus Oil

In Ayurveda, Eucalyptus is known for its vata-pacifying properties as it has heating energy. If we talk about dental-related issues it prevents tooth cavities and gum diseases. Its oil can be used to kill Staphylococcus bacteria.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR TOOTH ROOT NERVE DAMAGE BY PLANET AYURVEDA

1. Gum Care Powder

This powder contains natural herbs like Sonthi (Zingiber Officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Mustak (Terminalia Chebula), Pong (Areca Catechu), and many other herbs. Ingredients like clove (rich in eugenol) provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, offering relief from nerve pain and sensitivity and strengthening the gums and surrounding tissues, potentially reducing pressure and irritation around the nerve roots.

Method of Application : This powder is gently massaged on teeth and gums with 3-6 grams.

2. Kaishore Guggul

This capsule contains many herbs like Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), Long Pepper (Piper Longum), Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia Ribes), Guduchi Herb (Tinospora Cordifolia), Red Physic Nut (Baliospermum Montanum), and Indian Jalap (Ipomoea Turpethum). It helps reduce inflammation around the tooth root and surrounding tissues, easing pain and swelling.

DOSAGE : Take 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

3. Irimedadi Oil

The ingredients can vary slightly depending on the specific recipe, but some common ingredients found in Irimedadi oil include Bala (Sida Cordifolia), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia), and Guduchi . This oil helps reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in the gums and tissues near the tooth root and soothes the nerve endings by nourishing oral tissues, which may reduce symptoms like sharp pain or sensitivity.

Method of Application : Apply it on the gums for 2-3 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

4. Neurogenie Capsules

These capsules are made up of herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and so on. These capsules are used for the treatment of neuropathic pain by modulating the calcium channel activity of the nerve cells. It helps to balance the vata doshas. It helps to manage the neuropathic pain by stabilizing the nerve activity and reducing the pain sensation.

DOSAGE : Take 1-2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

5. Hiora K Mouthwash

Hiora K Mouthwash includes a blend of ingredients designed for oral health. Its key ingredients are clove and potassium nitrate. It helps to control teeth sensitivity and prevent bad breath. This mouthwash helps to manage the sensitivity caused due to the exposed nerves by numbing the affected area.

Method of Application : Take 15 ml of mouthwash, rinse it in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it. Use it twice a day daily.

CONCLUSION

As a whole, we read about Tooth Root Nerve Damage, which is injury to the nerves of the pulp caused by dental trauma, tooth cavity, cracked tooth, certain medications, and brushing too hard. Its symptoms may include pain, sensitivity to hot and cold things, numbness, Bell’s palsy, and a burning sensation as well. It can be diagnosed by clinical examination and nerve conduction tests. At home, you can use peppermint oil, clove oil, salt water rinse, and eucalyptus oil. For more details, you can visit www.planetayurveda.com