Homeopathy
Dental Support
Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.
For more information, see Homeopathy FAQs, "What Is Homeopathy?," and “Using Homeopathy with Professional Guidance” in Homeopathic Medicine.
Homeopathic medicines can be helpful in many ways, both before and after dental work—to ease anxiety before a visit, to reduce the tendency toward bruising and tissue damage during procedures, and to relieve discomfort afterward.
Arnica montana
This remedy relieves pain, bruising and swelling associated with trauma, surgery or overexertion.
Calendula
This remedy can help the body overcome inflammation, infection, and abscess. It can be taken internally in potentized form, or used as an herbal tincture. Applied to injured gums and areas around the teeth, the tincture can help reduce the chance of infection, and help the tissues heal after being cut or bruised.
Chamomilla
This remedy is often helpful when a person is hypersensitive to pain and the aftermath of dental work seems intolerable. Chamomilla sometimes works when pain medications have little or no effect, by helping the person’s nerve response become more balanced.
Coffea cruda
This remedy relieves tooth pain triggered by hot drinks and worse at night.
Gelsemium
This remedy can help to ease the apprehension and anxiety that often precede a visit to the dentist. The person may tremble and feel weak from dread, develop a headache (in the back of the head and the muscles of the neck), or feel mentally dull and lethargic.
Hypericum perforatum
This remedy relieves pain that seems to follow the nerve's path.
Mercurius solubilis
This helps relieve puffy and bleeding gums, and canker sores with a bad taste in the mouth.
Mercurius solubilis
A person with a tendency toward tender, bleeding, swollen gums and teeth that easily loosen and decay may benefit from this remedy. Offensive breath, excessive salivation, and swollen glands are other indications. Symptoms are worse at night, and the person is very sensitive to temperatures, both cold and hot.
Phosphorus
This remedy relieves minor bleeding (nose, gums) that tends to occur frequently.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the medicine that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that medicines be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the medicine work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient. If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different medicine.