Fact Check: Can we use Black Pepper to Relieve Toothache?

A post on Pinterest claims that black pepper can be used to relieve toothache. The claim is Mostly False.

Claim

A post shared on Pinterest titled "Black Pepper Health Benefits," claims that "black pepper can be used to relieve toothache."

In the post, Deena Barger claims, " Black pepper, one of the most ancient and prolifically traded of spices, having been employed for culinary and medicinal use, such as for, colds, nasal congestion, diarrhoea, anaemia, improve blood circulation, heart and lung tonic, halitosis and relieve toothache, indigestion remedy, anti-inflammatory, cholera and syphilis, mild to moderate stomach complaints, hoarseness of voice and sore throat, gingivitis, minor cuts and bruises, rinse for wounds, helps to prevent or delay food spoilage."

In addition to other claims, the post claims that black pepper can be used to relieve toothache.

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is Mostly False. Even though black pepper possesses multiple health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties,it is not a treatment for toothache and in fact can cause more discomfort, tissue irritation and burning sensation 

What is Toothache?

Toothache, also known as odontogenic pain refers to pain initiated from the teeth or their supporting structures, the mucosa, gingivae, maxilla, mandible or periodontal membrane.

The major causes of toothache include inflammation of the dental pulp due to tooth decay (dental caries), dentinal sensitivity to cold, sweet, or physical stimuli, apical periodontitis, dental abscesses, pain following dental treatments (iatrogenic), teeth grinding (bruxism), and tooth pain during root canal therapy or apicectomy.

Causes of Toothache

Toothache is typically acute, affects one side, and is confined to a specific area in the mouth. Pain due to inflamed dental pulp can be sharp or shooting and is typically brought on by exposure to cold, heat, or osmotic stimuli. As the inflammation worsens, leading to irreversible pulpitis, the pain may shift to a dull, throbbing sensation or become less localized. A cracked tooth or loose filling usually causes brief, sharp pain. Inflamed periodontal tissue surrounding the root apex or infected tooth leads to dull, throbbing pain, while a dental abscess causes a rapid onset of spontaneous, intense pain.

How to Manage Toothache?

For toothache management in dental clinical practice, a thorough patient history and clinical examination of the oral cavity are performed to differentiate between odontogenic pain (pain originating from dental structures) and non-odontogenic pain (pain originating from other anatomical structures in the orofacial region, such as the ear, nose, or throat).

Managing odontogenic pain focuses on relieving symptoms which usually involve, analgesics such as painkillers, NSAIDs, additionally, antibiotics are given if there are clinical signs of infection spreading either locally or systemically. If a root canal system is infected, then root canal therapy or extraction is performed.

Black Pepper: Benefits for Health and Wellness

Black pepper also known as Piper nigrum L., belongs to the Piperaceae family and is commonly known as peppermint, black pepper, kaali-mirch, and black gold. It is a valuable health-promoting food due to its antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, and gastro-protective effects. 

Black pepper, with piperine as its active compound, contains volatile oils, oleoresins, and several alkaloids. It also has antioxidant properties that are beneficial in combating inflammation, atherosclerosis, and aging, all of which are triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Black pepper stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which improves digestion by activating histamine H2 receptors. Additionally, it has diaphoretic effects, encouraging sweating, and diuretic effects, promoting urination.

Black pepper enhances the absorption and effectiveness of both drugs and specific phytochemicals, such as curcumin and catechins, by facilitating quicker absorption, protecting these compounds from chemical reactions in the gastrointestinal tract, and guarding them against oxidative damage. Moreover, Black pepper also exhibits neuroprotective potential, reduces lipid peroxidation, and enhances antioxidant levels.

The active agent of black pepper, piperine may lead to a dose-dependent reduction in mean arterial pressure. Furthermore, piperine at a dosage of 20 mg/kg/day has been shown to lower blood pressure caused by the blockage of voltage-dependent calcium channels.

Mentioning the benefits of black pepper, Dr Divya Tripathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana told medical dialogues that, "As a versatile spice, black pepper offers several nutritional benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, particularly piperine, which can help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. Black pepper also aids digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and enhances the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins B and C, selenium, and beta-carotene. Additionally, it has antimicrobial properties that can support immune function. Incorporating black pepper into your diet is an easy way to boost flavour and nutritional value." 

Can Black Pepper Be Used to Relieve Toothache?

While black pepper offers several health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, along with antibacterial effects against oral bacteria linked to cavities and analgesic properties, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that black pepper alone can relieve toothache. Additionally, its spiciness causes a burning and tingling sensation in the mouth, which may be uncomfortable.

A study published in the Innovare Journal of Health Sciences highlights black pepper as a useful ingredient in tooth powders, also it possesses analgesic properties.

The study conducted by Sweta V R et. al. demonstrated that clove and black pepper have very good antibacterial activity against S. mutans, bacteria responsible for dental caries.

Yet another article in the Fortune Journal of Health Sciences  that focused on Unani Medicines in Oro-Dental Disease highlighted that black pepper may be effective for toothache. However, consensus to this effect that black pepper can treat toothache is not supported by any scientific evidence in dental medicine or a medical consensus in the practice of modern dentistry 

Dr Prithvi Dani, BDS, Dental Surgeon, Dani Dental Care, Kawardha, C.G, told Medical Dialogues, "Usually in the Indian household people go for remedies like black pepper to relieve from toothache but tooache itself is a symptom that arises from underlying issue, such as cavities or infection, and it’s important to address the root cause in order to treat toothache. Additionally, the spiciness of black pepper can cause discomfort due to its burning and tingling sensation."

Adding to this Dr. Twinkale Parekh, Orthodontist, Sanjeevani Multispeciality Clinic, Kanika New Colony, Cuttak, said “We've all heard of black pepper being used in the kitchen, and some believe it could help with pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, while it might offer temporary relief, it's important to remember that a toothache often indicates a deeper issue, such as advanced cavities or possibly a gingival or periodontal problem. It's always best to consult a dentist for a proper diagnosis of the tooth pain.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Black pepper has various health benefits, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While it may be suggested as a remedy for toothache, it is essential to remember that tooth pain is often a sign of a more serious issue, such as cavities or gum problems. Relying solely on black pepper may offer temporary relief, but it won't address the underlying cause of the pain. Additionally, the spice’s strong, tingling sensation might cause discomfort for some individuals. Hence the claim can black pepper be used to relieve toothache is Mostly False.