There are a multitude of reasons for dental pain whether from a specific issue the patient is having or if it is directly from a dental procedure. Mouth pain is not one to shake a stick at as it makes it difficult to talk or eat, and can even be constant making it hard to focus on anything else. This pain is most often related to the nerves in the mouth which can be in one place or radiate to the head, other parts of the face, and even to the neck.
Dental work by nature can be painful as the mouth is sensitive which is why anesthetics are usually needed, but the way it is normally addressed is with over the counter pain medications. Thankfully, both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health recommend acupuncture for dental pain. Utilizing acupuncture treatment for dental pain is an alternative way of addressing the pain, and even address dental anxiety.
Conventional Procedures & Treatments for Dental Pain
As stated, dental pain is very common either waiting to go to the dentist or post procedure, and is managed with either NSAID medications or over the counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The trouble with these medications is they have a good deal of potential side effects, and can destroy the stomach lining. A visit to the dentist can be anxiety-inducing for many patients between the big chairs, the machines, and the sounds, it can be overwhelming. However, there are times it is a necessity, and even though some procedures may not seem like a big issue, there are some patients that have a particularly sensitive mouth and simple procedures can also cause pain.
Common Dental Procedures:
- Cleanings – vital for keeping up with oral health, but can cause patients teeth to feel heightened sensitivity afterward.
- Whitening – some patients may be sensitive to the whitening agents used by dentists.
- Tooth Extractions – anesthetics are usually used, but afterwards there is usually pretty intense soreness due to the vigor sometimes needed to extract a tooth.
- Fillings – cavities are a common reason for patients to experience pain prior to any dental treatment, and when filling it, anesthetics are also used. Due to this, there can be pressure or soreness after.
- Root Canal – before this procedure, the patient is usually feeling a lot of tooth pain due to the inflammation. Anesthetics are used for this procedure where they kill the nerve and remove the affected tissue, but after there can be some pain as well while healing.
- Crowns – this happens when the cavity is too large for a filling. Obviously, the cavity will cause pain because the tooth is essentially decayed.
- Braces/Invisalign – although Invisalign is less painful than traditional braces, there is still pain involved as the teeth are been shifted to correct them.
Essentially, for the most part, any variety of dental procedures as well as conditions can cause tooth sensitivity, mouth/gum soreness, jaw pain, ear pain, neck pain, and achiness in the treated area. There is also the possible issue of failed root canals, infections, or allergic reactions to dental materials/tools that can lead to intense oral pain.
Dental Pain is Often Due to:
- Gum disease
- Tooth cracks or fractures
- Teeth grinding
- Wisdom teeth coming in
- Dental abscess
- Tooth decay
The most important thing for patients to know and understand is that dental work is necessary for many issues, but the need for opioids or over the counter medications for dealing with oral pain is not. Dental visits are needed to address any underlying issues to provide the most relief in the long run. When it comes to dental pain and anxiety; this is where acupuncture treatment comes into play.
Acupuncture & Dental Pain
Acupuncture and herbal medicine do not replace dental visits or procedures, but utilized as an adjunct along with good and/or preventative oral hygiene encourages the management and development of strong teeth and healthy gums. In addition to helping with pain, acupuncture can be used for anxiety and gagging that often accompanies dental work.
Acupuncture Helps with Dental Work By:
- Reduced bleeding during dental work
- Decrease pain before and after dental work
- Decrease anxiety from dental visits
- Decrease a patient’s gag reflex
As far as Traditional Chinese Medicine mechanisms of action on dental pain, it involves the Kidneys. The kidney stimulates the production of bone marrow as well as the spinal marrow. Spinal marrow is vital for brain function and mental development, while bone marrow is a vital part of strong teeth and immunity. In TCM, dental issues show weak bone marrow function in the body, and these imbalances can lead to dental problems.
Acupuncture Points for Dental Pain:
- LI4
- ST44
- ST6
- GB2
- LI11
- SJ21
Even though dentists do have any methods of decreasing pain during and after dental procedures, the potential pain and anxiety that can follow is a turn-off for most patients. Acupuncture helps to relieve toothaches and block pain sensations in the body. In fact, according to a recent study in 2023, Acupuncture was shown to improve dental pain both during and after dental work in addition to increasing the efficacy of anesthesia. All in all, acupuncture for dental pain can be just the thing our patients need to take care of their oral health.