Face and gum pain may be caused by numerous factors, including nerve problems, traumatic injury or infection, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. But in some cases, face and gum pain may manifest for no apparent reason. Speak with your doctor about the merits, drawbacks and limitations of dietary supplements before using these powerful natural healing agents.
Face and Gum Pain
Traumatic injuries may be one of the most common causes of face and gum pain. According to the Better Medicine website, traumatic face and gum injuries may be caused by motor vehicle accidents, physical assault or injuries incurred while playing sports. Traumatic face and gum injuries may cause decreased face sensation, breathing problems, swelling and inflammation, vision problems and problems consuming food or beverages. One of the most common gum-specific health problems is periodontal disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two types of gum diseases.
Useful Dietary Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may be useful in treating your face or gum pain. Beneficial supplements in treating your face pain may include MSM, SAMe, thyme, valerian root, St. John's wort, skullcap, kava kava, catnip, cayenne and chamomile, notes Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Useful supplements in treating your gum pain may include coenzyme Q10, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamins A and E, grape seed extract, quercetin and proteolytic enzymes. Some supplements historically used in treating face and gum pain require further research.
Cayenne
Cayenne may be a beneficial dietary supplement in treating your face and gum pain. Many supplements may treat one problem or the other, but few may be as helpful as cayenne in treating both these conditions. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," cayenne has long been used in treating various types of pain. This dietary supplement contains capsaicin, an active component that accounts for cayenne's ability to treat chronic pain. Cayenne has also historically been used in treating osteoarthritis, psoriasis, shingles and diabetes. A larger volume of scientific data is required to assess this dietary supplement's true efficacy in stopping face and gum pain.
Considerations
Since face and gum pain may be caused by numerous factors and underlying conditions, it's always wise to seek treatment from a licensed healthcare professional. Your doctor may recommend either conventional treatments or complementary alternative treatment measures to help address your condition, including dietary supplements. In most cases, dietary supplements should be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of these health problems. Avoid using supplements in lieu of other, more conventional treatment approaches. Advantages of using dietary supplements in treating your face and gum pain may include decreased risk of serious side effects and reduced risk for health complications, such as infections. Disadvantages of using supplements for this health purpose include the possibility of drug interactions and allergic reactions in some individuals.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Face Pain - Overview
- Better Medicine: Facial Pain
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
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