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Having a toothache can be annoying and ruin your day. It doesn’t matter what’s causing it – whether it’s a cavity, gum disease, or something else to do with your mouth – it can still greatly impact your life.
When dealing with tooth pain, we usually turn to some OTC painkiller or antibiotics that our dentist gives us. But what if there was a simpler, more natural and cheaper way to eliminate that pain?
One that has been used for centuries but is still largely overlooked by modern medicine.
Enter iodine – a simple yet powerful element with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Although it might initially seem odd, iodine could be an effective remedy for tooth pain relief.
In this article, I will explore the science behind how iodine works to reduce tooth pain. And why it may be an excellent alternative treatment option for those looking for holistic remedies.
What is Iodine?
Iodine is a naturally occurring element that is important for many body processes.
It’s found in the sea, soil, and rocks and can be taken from those places to be used in different industries.
In medical fields, it’s been used as an antiseptic for a long time due to its power to kill bad bacteria and germs.
The Properties of Iodine:
Iodine is a non-metal that’s part of the halogen family. It’s got the number 53 on the periodic table, and its symbol is “I.”
If you heat it more than room temperature, it turns into shiny dark grayish-black crystals and gives off a violet vapor.
It’s special because it can dissolve in alcohol, which makes it great for treating cuts and wounds.
Plus, it’s got anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain.
The Role of Iodine in the Body:
Your body needs iodine to make the hormones needed to keep your metabolism going.
If you don’t get enough iodine, your thyroid gland can swell up (known as goiter) or not work properly (hypothyroidism).
Getting the right amount of iodine for your baby’s brain development is important if you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant. To make sure everyone can get enough iodine, we have iodized salt.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should get at least 150 micrograms of iodine daily, and pregnant women need different amounts for each trimester.
The problem is that some people still don’t have access to iodized salt, or their culture doesn’t allow it.
How does Iodine help with Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain can be awful and annoying. It makes it hard to do everyday tasks like eating, talking, and sleeping.
You can find plenty of painkillers over the counter, but they barely help and have side effects. But have you ever thought of using iodine?
This essential mineral has been proven to have some amazing properties that can help with tooth pain.
One of the key benefits is that it’s anti-inflammatory – when we get hurt or sick, that area gets red and swollen, and toothache is no exception.
Applying iodine to the affected area helps reduce swelling and so reduces the pain. Iodine also has antibacterial properties, which can help fight infection.
Bacteria are the main culprit behind a lot of infections, including tooth pain. Iodine is awesome at fighting bacteria, so why not try it?
Rinsing with iodine mouthwash can help keep bacteria away and stop future illnesses. There’s even more – iodine is great for treating thyroid, immunity, and wound healing.
Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal way to get rid of tooth pain. If you’re into natural remedies, iodine is a great option for toothache relief.
Different Forms of Iodine for Tooth Pain Relief:
Liquid iodine solutions for topical application:
Liquid iodine solutions are great if you prefer to directly apply your remedy. You can get small bottles with droppers at any drugstore or online.
Put a few drops of the solution onto a cotton swab, then lightly dab it onto your aching tooth or gums.
Lugol’s iodine is a popular option with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce tooth pain.
Watch out for high levels of elemental iodine, as ingesting too much could be dangerous. So only use a small amount and don’t swallow it!
Iodized salt for oral rinses and gargles:
Iodized salt is easy to get at most supermarkets. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of it with warm water and swish it around your mouth several times daily.
It’ll help reduce swelling, kill bacteria and soothe pain, plus it’s way cheaper than other iodine products.
Plus, you already have some in your cupboard! But don’t go overboard – too much salt can cause dehydration and other dental issues.
Iodine supplements for internal use:
Consider taking supplements if you’re looking for a more specific option to use iodine for tooth pain relief.
You can find iodine supplements in various forms, like capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
A common iodine supplement is kelp, a type of seaweed with a lot of iodine. You can easily buy this at health food stores or online.
Just stick to the suggested serving size and talk to your dentist before taking supplements. Too much iodine can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
Brush teeth with iodine:
If you want to try brushing your teeth with iodine, it’s important to do it right to avoid any risks.
Dilute the iodine in water to make a solution with a low concentration – 1% to 2%. To do this, mix 1 to 2 drops of 5% iodine solution with 1 ounce of water.
Then dip your toothbrush in the solution, brush your teeth like usual, and spit out the iodine solution. Finally, rinse your mouth with water.
Is iodine best to kill tooth nerves?
Using iodine to remove a tooth nerve isn’t a good idea. The nerve is called the pulp, and it’s nested between the dentin and enamel, which form the tooth’s structure.
If the pulp is damaged or infected, it can cause pain and sensitivity. To treat this, a root canal is often done to remove the pulp and clean the tooth.
Some people think iodine can kill the nerve and avoid a root canal, but it’s unsafe and can cause more harm than good.
Plus, there’s no proof that it works. High doses of iodine can be toxic and could damage the surrounding tissue.
