Dear Editor In Chief
Homeopathy one of the allied branch of medical science which has shown several miracles in treating various rare cases, was originated from the Greek terminology “Homoios” which means “Similar” and “Pathos” means suffering or sickness(1). The basic law of homeopathy is the law of similar (2). Its basic tenets introduced by Paracelsus and Hippocrates, and codified into a medical science in 1789 by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician (3). Homeopathy is second largest system of medicine in today’s world recognised by the World Health Organization (4).
Uses of homeopathy within the dentistry
There are many conditions in Dentistry where homeopathy medicine is used, like for Ulcerations-natrummuriaticum drug is used which occurs due to cold sores and fever blisters, Lips and corners of mouth dry and cracked lips. Tooth eruption-calcareacarbonica - Use for a delayed eruption. Tooth-ache — Antimoniumcrudum - use for a toothache that is worse at night and is aggravated by heat, Temporo mandibular joint disorders, Neuralgia, Haemorrhage, Gingivitis, Periodontitis. Alveolitis-Arsenicum album - Use for unhealthy, bleeding gums etc. Abscess-Belladonna - Best used for early dental abscess accompanied by redness and throbbing. Apprehension- Aconite - Use for panic, fright, and general mental and physical restlessness, or sudden violent attacks. Bruxism-Belladonna - Use for grinding problem that causes painful teeth etc. No matter what combination of symptoms or chief complaints the individual is suffering at any given time they are all manifestation of a single disease that is unique to that individual. Homeopathy is not a substitute for good dietary practice and oral hygiene habits. Dental treatment can never be completely natural but utilising homeopathic principles can avoid some of the side effects and also make it more pleasant for the patients.
The use of homeopathy in dentistry is a thoughtful innovation that opens up several new clinical opportunities, particularly since many symptoms of systemic disease are first observed in the oral cavity. The dentist who has sufficient knowledge of homeopathy and its application has the opportunity to observe and examine patients, prescribe an appropriate homeopathic medicine and thereby benefitting the patient in whole.
We strongly believe that as more dentists discover the effectiveness of using complementary treatments, homeopathy will make an increasingly important contribution both to dental health and to the overall wellbeing of patients (4).
Acknowledgements
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
References
- Ullman D (1991). Homeopathy and Dentistry Keep You Smiling. Available from: www.homeopathic.com. [Google Scholar]
- Stay FP (1996). The Complete Book of Dental Remedies. 1st ed. Avery Publishing Group, pp: 78–101. [Google Scholar]
- Chopra P, Chopra P (2011). Homeopathy in dentistry: an overview. IJCD, 2(2): 105–109. [Google Scholar]
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