Individuals dealing with toothache sometimes seek alternative remedies to soothe their pain. It’s also essential to safeguard overall health while treating oral discomfort. Can the prolonged use of wellness supplements like kratom have side effects?
Whether using red Thai kratom or other variants to eliminate pain, understand the botanical’s impact on your body to make better decisions.
Read further to learn how using the herb for dental pain could affect your teeth.
Let’s dive in.
Types of tooth pain
The type of tooth pain you’re experiencing may affect the remedy you use. Many dental issues are a result of habits that are bad for your teeth.
There are four main types of tooth pain:
Dull and lingering
Dull and lingering aches are the most common type of tooth discomfort. They’re often caused by grinding, an abscess, or if something lodges in between the dentition and gums.
The condition is curable by treating the core issue, but pain management alleviates aches while waiting to see a doctor.
Sensitivity
While a sensitive tooth is common, it could have worrying underlying issues like decay or exposed roots. It’s best to alert your dentist about this type of pain if it lasts longer than 30 seconds.
Should you only experience mild discomfort for a few moments, consider using sensitivity toothpaste.
Sharp
A sharp or jabbing pain could be due to a fracture, loose filling, wear, or a cavity. Visit your dentist immediately to determine the source and alleviate your discomfort.
Severe and throbbing
See an emergency dentist if you experience any unbearable severe, throbbing pains.
If you have discolored or bleeding gums, or a strange taste in your mouth with these aches, seek prompt care.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree from Southeast Asia containing mind-altering psychotropic compounds. It’s often sold and consumed as an extract, capsule, or gum.
The leaves of the kratom tree taste bitter and herbal. Most people view their flavor as acquired, but it can be masked by adding this supplement to food or beverages. Consuming the herb could be an effective toothache solution.
There’s evidence that the main alkaloids found in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
These attributes could make the supplement effective at easing dental aches when consumed in the correct dose.
While it’s safe to use the botanical to treat acute pain, researchers have yet to study long-term kratom effects.
How to consume kratom
There are several ways to consume the botanical besides eating kratom raw. Popular options include capsules or brewing the powder into tea:
Toss-and-wash method
The toss-and-wash method is one of the simplest ways to consume kratom. Measure out your optimal dosage, put it on a spoon, and toss it to the back of your throat. Chase it down with water or any other non-carbonated beverage.
Ensure not to inhale any powder, as it won’t be pleasant. Put the spoon in your mouth and flip it over. Your dose falls onto your tongue for swallowing.
Beverages
Mixing the powder into a beverage is best when using kratom for your teeth. This method avoids the herbal taste and keeps your mouth clean.
Add the powder to fruit juices, milkshakes, or coffee but avoid blending it with alcohol.
Kratom tea may not be the best method for instant pain relief since it takes approximately 30 minutes to kick in.
Capsules
Capsules are another convenient way to consume kratom. The pills eliminate the plant’s taste and the chance of getting anything stuck between your teeth.
These options also contain pre-measured amounts of powder, making it simple to consume an accurate dose.
Potential health benefits
Users claim kratom’s health effects include pain relief, enhanced energy and moods, increased focus, and relaxation. These benefits depend on the dose you consume.
A few investigations report the herb is beneficial in treating the symptoms of diabetes and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The medical field requires further research to substantiate these claims.
Potential side effects
How much kratom for tooth pain is effective? To maximize your benefits from the supplement, ensure you consume the correct dose. Lower quantities of 1–5 grams are stimulating, while amounts of five grams or higher could cause sedation and pain relief.
It’s safe to consume the botanical for positive short-term effects. Frequent users could develop side effects, including the following oral conditions:
Tonsil stones
Food particles collecting at the back of the throat that harden over time are called tonsil stones. Their primary symptom is unpleasant breath.
Consuming kratom powder with the toss-and-wash method could contribute to the waste that calcifies and causes tonsil stones.
Possible tooth decay
Another potential problem when using the toss-and-wash method is that kratom powder could get stuck between your teeth. These particles might encourage bacteria to grow in your dentition and are more likely to lodge in your dentition if you ingest the supplement daily.
Microorganisms in the mouth increase the potential for infection and tooth decay. The sugary beverages consumers often drink with kratom could also lead to cavities.
Avoid these side effects by practicing proper dental hygiene and brushing your teeth after consuming kratom.
Make informed decisions about your dental health
This popular herb could be an effective alternative to opioid pain medications to treat toothache. Educate yourself about the possible kratom side effects to make the best decisions for your dental health.