In this section we cover some simple techniques for minor toothache. We also show you how to be calmer while in the dentist's chair.

Dental Pain


If the pain is in the upper jaw, press thumb into the area near where the jaw hinges, under the cheekbone. Explore with your thumb for the place that brings the most immediate relief.

Place the thumb of one hand where the thumb bone of the other hand meets the index finger bone. Rub in small circles for one minute, do as many times as needed on both hands.

For Incoming Wisdom Tooth Pain
* Chew gum, bite down on a hard pretzel or a baby's teething biscuit. This will help the tooth break through sooner than it normally would.
* If the pain is sharp and pulsing, then try applying cold packs to the face.
* Anytime it's a dull aching pain, try applying hot packs to the area.

For Sore Gum Relief
Put a teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water and swish some around in your mouth and spit out. Repeat every hour. If pain persists, see your dentist.

Reduce "Dental Anxiety"
First off, during your initial conversation with the dentist's receptionist, ask if they provide stereo headphones. If not, bring your own "walkman." Soothing music really works to calm you while the dentist is drilling away. It also tones down the associated unpleasant noises. Many medical professionals are now using music to reduce their patient's anxiety and pain.

Locate the most tender spot in the web of the right or left hand thumb, and squeeze firmly with the thumb on top and the forefinger on bottom for 30 seconds or as long as needed. Do the above before and during the dental treatment.

Hold the ring and little finger of either hand for 10-30 seconds or longer whenever you want to feel calmer.

ABOUT MERCURY Mercury fillings may be poisoning your system. According to the Huggins Diagnostic Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado, mercury toxicity affects the entire body by suppressing the immune system. Some of the symptoms include: depression, chronic fatigue, numbness in the extremities, forgetfulness, constipation, and chest pains; states Hal Huggins, D.D.S. Consider using composite (like white Epoxy) material fillings instead. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consider having your mercury fillings removed.

Do yourself a favor and read all of the information you can around the mercury controversy before your next dental visit! For more information, call the Mercury Assist Program at the Huggins Diagnostic Center at 1-800-331-2303. These people will help you find a dentist in your area trained in amalgam (silver, mercury and other metals) filling removal.