Painful, Broken Tooth

[Michelle KochStudent]

The client: 23 year old female, single parent, uninsured, lives 50 miles from nearest dental clinic.

She has a fractured tooth which very painful. Though the gums do not look red and inflamed yet, she has been taking large doses of ibuprofen for the pain. Of course my greatest concern is infection and abscess, which requires immediate care from a qualified dentist. So supposing YOU were in a similar situation (or you were hiding in the mountains from the apocalypse) what herbs besides yarrow would you use to buy yourself some time? And what means of application?

[IdahoHerbalist]

For the pain: yarrow root and/or cloves.

Any of the antimicrobials to fight off infection: yarrow flower/leaf, Oregon grape, garlic, gumweed….. there are lots of them.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

First, herbalists don’t have patients, they have clients. 🙂

I have used a tea of Calendula, Cleavers and Echinacea on a number of tooth abscess cases (diagnosed by dentists) with good success. Have them swish the tea around the mouth for a long time and then swallow.

Lots of other herb combinations would work as well (See Steven’s list above).

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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janet grenleski

[Michelle KochStudentTopic Author]

Just for follow up, my friend told me the dried yarrow I gave her helped! :yahoo: I had recommended she merely tuck a pinch between the cheek and gum, and not directly into the fractured tooth (as it could get trapped in there and make it worse) and it worked. The pain, inflammation, and swelling went down.

In another case, I had given some yarrow to some relatives for other general use. A friend of theirs visited with a bad tooth. My relatives gave him a pinch of yarrow, and it helped him get through an entire shift at his work. Later, after having the tooth extracted by a qualified dentist, he returned for more yarrow to help with the residual pain from the extraction.

It’s neat to know I can help people with my knowledge of herbs! 🙂

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Looky there! You’ve become an herbalist! 🙂

Good for you for being willing and able to help.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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