Can You Put Vicks On Your Tooth : Safe or Not?

In the world of home remedies and some distinctive uses of pain-relieving products, few ideas are trending these days for tooth-related problems like nerve pain and swelling. Several remedies can quickly help kill tooth pain nerves in 3 seconds permanently, but still, many myths are in buzz nowadays, which confuses people a lot. One rumor that often emerges is putting Vicks on a tooth.

Being a mentholated ointment, Vicks has been used for many years for its several benefits in relieving muscle pain and soothing congestion. But applying it to a tooth might seem an unconvincing concept. So, the question of many people, "Can you put Vicks on your tooth," holds any merit? In this article, let us discover its potential effectiveness and risks. Read on!

Can You Put Vicks Vaporub In Your Mouth?

There is a lot of hype surrounding whether it is safe to use Vicks VapoRub on teeth and gums. It is not recommended to put Vicks vapoRub for teeth or mouth. Its application is only for skin use. If you ingest turpentine oil and camphor present in Vicks, it can cause systemic toxicity. The FDA approves Camphorfor relieving pain and numbing the skin. But using Vicks, a camphor-containing ointment inside the mouth, is not recommended.

Camphor ingestion can lead to a burning sensation and irritation of the throat and mouth. It can cause vomiting and nausea within 5 to 15 minutes. The severe side effects of Vicks ingestion may include difficulty in breathing, seizures, and even death. Moreover, high amounts of turpentine oil ingestion can result in kidney failure, vomiting, stomach bleeding, loss of vision, and harsh coughing. According to a study, Vicks VapoRub is not recommended for internal use. Its packaging label also points to its external use only. The skin inside the mouth is more delicate, so introducing Vicks can be risky for your health.

Does Vicks Vaporub Work For Toothache?

Typically, Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated topical ointment rich in menthol, thymol, Camphor, turpentine oil, and many other essential oils. Each ingredient in it has an influential role. Menthol broadens peripheral blood vessels, helps relax the skin, and relieves irritation. Being an antiseptic, thymol prevents gum infection and promotes good oral health. Additionally, turpentine oil is a potent antiseptic and analgesic, effective in treating muscle soreness.

The most common use of Vicks is relieving symptoms of muscle aches, cough, and congestion. However, putting it in sensitive areas, like a tooth, needs careful consideration.

What Happens If I Use Vicks Vaporub and Toothpaste For Toothache?

Using Vicks VapoRub and toothpaste together for a toothache is not recommended and can potentially be harmful. Here is what you need to know:

• Toothpaste contains ingredients like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol which can further irritate the exposed nerves and dentin of your tooth. This will likely worsen the toothache.
• The camphor in VapoRub can also be irritating to the gums and tooth. There is no evidence that VapoRub helps relieve tooth pain.
• You may experience a burning or stinging sensation and increased inflammation from applying VapoRub and toothpaste topically to the affected tooth and gums.
• There is a risk of accidentally swallowing the toothpaste or VapoRub, which can cause digestive irritation, nausea or vomiting.
• The numbing effect from these products will only provide temporary, superficial relief from tooth pain. They cannot treat the underlying cause of the toothache.
• It is best to avoid home remedies like VapoRub and toothpaste for tooth pain.

Can You Use Vicks VapoRub On Teeth For Whitening?

Well, no scientifically-approved proof supports the safety and effectiveness of the Vicks VapoRub for teeth whitening. It is just a rumor on the internet! It is an ointment for topical application which can treat flu symptoms, cough, and cold. So, when looking for tooth whitening options, it is recommended to consult the dentist. You can also try at-home whitening gels and whitening toothpaste. These remedies are practical as well as safe. When considering oral solutions, seeking help from reliable sources and medical professionals is advisable.

Moreover, using Vicks vapoRub and toothpaste for tooth whitening is not advisable. It can be harmful to your gums and teeth because of the ingredients in them. Vick ingredients can cause chemical irritation in delicate gum tissues, leading to swelling, pain, and redness. On the other hand, when mixed with Vicks, toothpaste can't help promote good oral health.

Best Alternatives For Teeth Whitening

A wish to have a brighter, white smile has led to the massive use of teeth-whitening products in the past few years. With attractiveness, white teeth also boost confidence in social situations. So, instead of Vicks, opt for:

• The whitening toothpaste is the most straightforward approach you can quickly try at home every morning. Ingredients in whitening toothpaste effectively remove plaque and rough stains from the tooth surface.
• If you are looking for the instant and most effortless strategy for teeth whitening, at-home teeth whitening kits are best. This kit consists of whitening gel-filled pads applied to the affected teeth for some time.
• On the other hand, in-office teeth whitening is the most efficient treatment done by professionals. One research says that dentists use a whitening gel that consists of hydrogen peroxide, accompanied by light or laser. This, as a result, maximizes the whitening effect.

Also Read:Gingivitis Early-Stage Symptoms and Treatments

Can You Use Vicks VapoRub For Toothache?

Vicks VapoRub can help kill wisdom tooth pain caused by muscle soreness. Its application increases heat loss by boosting blood vessels and making the nerves less sensitive. Also, painful back teeth may impact the jaw muscles, leading to difficulty opening the mouth. Here, in this case, Vicks may give relief. But Vicks has few effects for tooth pain relief because it can not be put directly on the affected tooth. It can be rubbed on the skin's outer side adjacent to the painful tooth.

Does Vicks Work For A Toothache?

Typically, Vicks contain active ingredients named menthol, Camphor, turpentine oil, and eucalyptus oil. Menthol in Vicks VapoRub for toothache is very helpful. Its application to the affected skin side relieves minor pain and muscle soreness. Menthol works similarly to cold or ice therapy but is far more effective.

Moreover, menthol blocks nerve gates that induce pain response, thus reducing sensitivity. In addition, its anti-inflammatory effects help lower the production of substances that cause muscle inflammation. Regarding Camphor, its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties enormously relieve pain.

Note: Though Vicks tremendously affects toothache, putting it inside your mouth is not recommended. The Camphor in Vicks can cause systemic toxicity, affecting the entire body. Some effective home remedies can help in this case!

What Are The Safe Approaches For Toothache Relief

Here is the guide to the safe and effective remedies for toothache:

1. Use over-the-counter oral gels, which are particularly formulated for relieving toothache. They are safe and efficient to apply to sensitive oral tissues.
2. Applying a cold compress on the outer side of the face with the affected tooth can also numb the area and ease toothache.
3. Use clove oil as being naturally analgesic, it helps soothe the tooth pain temporarily and is the best toothache remedy. You must dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent gum irritation and then apply lightly.
4. You can also gargle using warm salt water, helping prevent inflammation. This is the best remedy for tooth nerve pain relief that will give temporary comfort.
5. Tea tree oil for toothache might also be helpful for some. Just put 1-2 drops of oil directly on the affected tooth.

However, if it is a nerve pain case that continues for many days, it is better to consult the dentist. With treatments like fillings, root canal therapy, and extraction, professionals can permanently help to treat nerve pain.

Potential Side Effects Of Using Vicks for Dental Care

Since Vicks has not been shown safe and effective for toothache, teeth whitening, and gums, it gives some health risks on ingestion:

1. Ingestion risk

The Vicks VapoRub ingredients are not suggested to be consumed for internal health benefits. Putting it directly into your tooth can accidentally lead to ingestion via saliva. When you swallow menthol and Camphor in large quantities, it can harm your health. You may feel breathlessness, fatigue, and sleepiness, thus affecting your overall well-being.

2. Tooth and oral mucosa issues

The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, such as cajeput oil and menthol, may cause damage to your teeth and oral mucosa. Applying this topical ointment to tooth or gum tissues can worsen tooth or gum sensitivity. Its direct application can lead to oral mucosal irritation, extreme discomfort, and other dental problems.

3. Irritation

When you apply the Vicks to the delicate gum tissues, the intense fragrance of its camphor and menthol ingredients can induce burning sensations or irritation. Vicks also contains different plant products such as turpentine, cedar leaf, and eucalyptus. All these types of oils found in Vicks have the potential to irritate or sensitize the inside skin of the mouth.

4. Toxicity

Camphor ingredient of Vicks VapoRub is toxic if ingested too much or swallowed in large quantities. Even a tiny amount can be risky for your overall health if it accidentally gets absorbed into the body through mucous membranes. Manufacturers suggest its use only for external benefits. They even warn not to use the Vicks for children under the age of 2 years. So, always read the instructions labeled on the packaging for correct use.

Summing Up

To conclude, no scientific proof supports Vicks VapoRub use on teeth. It can help relieve specific issues but is not recommended for use on teeth or inside the mouth. The potential risks include irritation, allergic reaction, and ingestion. If you want a reliable solution for toothache or teeth whitening, we recommend scheduling an appointment with trustworthy dental specialists.