Getting a toothache while
backpacking can be more than just annoying and inconvenient.
It can end a good wilderness trip. Here are some tips for
preventing a toothache before you head down that trail, and
for treating it if you get one anyhow.
Wilderness Dental Care
First of all, don't ever go on a long backpacking
trip if you have an unresolved tooth problem, or even the
hint of a toothache starting. Go to your dentist and get it
taken care of. If there is lingering pain, be sure to also
get a prescription pain reliever to take with you.
Have dental work done far enough in advance
of your trip to be sure that it is completely done. Sometimes
a high spot on a new filling will start to cause severe pain
days after it is put in. Your dentist can easily solve this
by grinding it down, if you are not already in the middle
of the wilderness.
Avoid doing anything that can cause toothaches
or other dental problems while backpacking. I have almost
cracked a tooth on a hard corn nut while backpacking. I opt
for corn chips now instead. Popcorn, fortunately not a common
backpacking food, may be one of the worst foods for damaging
teeth.
A toothbrush and floss are a good idea on
any backpacking trip (floss can also be used as fish line
and to tie things together if need be). If you forget a toothbrush,
you can chew the end of a dogwood twig until it is brush-like,
and use that. This is about long-term care, of course. What
if you have a toothache that starts when you are days away
from your car?
Toothache Treatment
Hopefully you at least brought aspirin with
you. Tylenol #3 is even better for a severe toothache. An
antiseptic containing benzocaine, applied directly to the
irritated tooth and gum will temporarily relieve pain. Oil
of cloves (eugenol) will also may help. Don't apply aspirin
or other painkillers directly to gums, as they may burn your
gum tissue.
Some toothaches do not originate in the teeth
or gums, but in the sinus cavities. If your tooth pain is
hard to pin down to one spot and is felt deeply, it may be
a sinus infection putting pressure on the gums from above.
In these cases, you may need to eliminate the infection to
get relief. Use antibiotics if you are sure this is the cause.
You might get temporary relief if you can clear the sinuses
a bit by steaming (carefully) your face, or eating hot sauce.
If your teeth are temperature sensitive,
you should obviously avoid hot and cold drinks. Warm your
water bottle under your jacket if you have to. It can also
help to breath through your nose. Breathing through your mouth
can send cold air flowing over your teeth and cause a lot
of pain.
I have a tooth problem right now - the inspiration
for this article. A few days ago, I noticed that each time
we drove over a mountain pass here in Colorado, the pain intensified.
Coming back down below 8,000 feet seemed to always take the
pain away. Watch for this problem, and you might resolve some
of the pain by hiking down to a lower elevation.
Out of pain relievers? Get out your plant
identification guide. Try chewing on catnip leaves for relief.
You can also make tea out of the willow twigs or poplars leaf
buds. These both contain varying amounts of some compounds
that are similar to aspirin.
If a toothache has begun, you probably
shouldn't hike any further into the wilderness. If it has
become painful enough to suck the fun out of your backpacking
trip, you should head for the car. It is time to see a dentist.
About the Author: Copyright
Steve Gillman. Visit his website for ultralight backpacking
tips, photos, gear recommendations, a free book and a new
wilderness survival section:
Wilderness Survival Section : http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com
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