A Recently, panel member and dentist Hal Huggins, who has written extensively about the dangers of root canals, has done some further research in this area. According to Dr Huggins, a successful root canal needs to have a fully sterilised canal, to have all canals adequately filled and to make sure the tooth is solid and pain-free. However, in some cases, root-canal teeth don t measure up to these standards, according to the American Endodontic Society.

Writing in the Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients (July 1997), Dr Huggins says that some recent research has examined the difference between root-canal teeth and healthy teeth. The researchers compared teeth with abscesses or root canals to recently removed healthy third molars which had had no fillings, cavities or infection.

The researchers found that although the extracted third molars had no proteins or toxic chemicals around them, unless the tooth had had a periodontal infection at the time of extraction, more than half of the periodontal ligaments of abscessed or root-filled teeth contained unhealthy chemicals. Once they were isolated with a special procedure called gel electrophoresis, the researchers found certain protein patterns which seemed to correlate with the diseases the patients had symptoms of. Upon further investigation into these chemicals, the researchers discovered that these chemicals were exotoxins from the bacteria trapped in the dentinal tubules of the root-filled teeth, and that the exotoxins somehow had migrated to the periodontal ligament, usually from the lateral canals of the tooth. From there, the infection can travel into the surrounding bony socket of the jaw, into the blood supply and then all over the body.

In the studies examined by Huggins, once abscessed or root-filled teeth were removed, the patients experienced improvements in health – so long as the periodontal ligaments were surgically removed from the tooth socket after it was extracted. However, once the tooth is removed, the problem may not end there.

‘Chemicals, of course, are not subject to control by antibiotics,’ Huggins points out. ‘If these chemicals are not physically removed, the top of the socket heals over with 2 to 3 mm of bone, and the root space remains somewhat intact in form, but lined with the chemicals and bacteria that produce them.’

In the study, 95 per cent of these air pockets within bone, called cavitations, were found to contain unhealthy chemicals.

Researchers have also taken extracts of these chemicals and introduced them to several of the important enzymes of the body. The study found that more than one chemical was involved and that they could destroy essential enzymes, leading eventually to a breakdown in some function of the body and, eventually, disease, if the person’s genetic constitution isn’t strong enough to withstand the assault.

Some of the most common problems from infected root canals include aching joints and muscles, rheumatoid problems like arthritis, and even chronic fatigue syndrome, according to Dr George Meinig, dentist and author of Root Canal Coverup. Dr Meinig has discovered that root-canal materials shrink by as much as 2 per cent, which means that space is then left for bacteria to get in and multiply. Meinig also finds that many lateral canals – that is, the small canals that lead out from the root of the tooth, and not right at the end – are those that carry the infection throughout the body.

Dr Jerry Eboco, head of oral pathology at the University of West Virginia who has been researching this for several years, has formed a research group called the North America NICO (Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis) Research Group. Dr Eboco’s research has made the connection between such problems as trigeminal neuralgia, atypical fascial pain, chronic migraine headaches and the presence of cavitations.

Astonishing as it may seem, Dr Meinig says that most patients improve within a day or two once the cavitations are cleaned out, even those suffering with illnesses like arthritis. ‘I’ve had them call and tell me that they can now do their mile jogging and walking that they couldn’t do yesterday when they had that tooth in their mouth,’ he says. In Dr Eboco’s studies, some 70 per cent of people with trigeminal neuralgia had their pain entirely disappear once the cavitations were removed.

Because the relief is so dramatic, many dentists like Dr Meinig believe that something more is involved other than simple infection – an electrical transference problem through, say, the acupuncture meridians of the body.

In their research, NICO has discovered evidence of ‘fibrin sludging’ – a blood clot formed from blood which was there when the tooth was pulled, blocking circulation and eventually causing progressive bone death in the jaw – or as Dr Michael LaMarche, a Washington dentist and one of 30 dentists in the US, Canada and Europe selected to participate in NICO, puts it, ‘bone death, cell by cell’.

Of 150 root-canal teeth that have been extracted, NICO has documented ischaemic osteonecrosis (bone death from reduced blood flow) around the tooth. However, since a third to a half of the bone must be destroyed before it shows up on X-ray, diagnosis by X-ray is very difficult.

Dr LaMarche finds that patients with multiple sclerosis have a high level of antibodies to the myelin sheath, or the nerve wiring’s ‘insulation’. The enzymes, which begin breaking down bone in cavitations, begin to dissolve the myelin sheath, eventually causing the body to begin developing antibodies to it, as though mounting a defence to a foreign invader. Although there is no evidence of this as a cause of MS, he believes there may be in the near future.

If you do need to have a root-canal tooth extracted, it’s vital to follow a certain protocol to reduce the possibility that the extraction site becomes a cavitation. In America, the Price-Pottenger Foundation has a list of dentists who follow the root-canal extraction protocol.

After the tooth is extracted, this includes having the dentist use a slow-moving drill to remove the periodontal membrane and about 1 mm of the bony socket in order to prevent infection in the bone, according to Dr LaMarche. This procedure is recommended even when healthy wisdom teeth are extracted since even they can develop cavitations.

To remove cavitations, a dentist opens the skin from the healed site of an extracted tooth, drills out the necrotic bone, has it biopsied to confirm the presence of dead bone and bacteria, and allows it to heal over. Without the presence of bacteria, the bone will fill in naturally without pockets of infection.

Many root canals are unnecessary, says Dr LaMarche. In many cases, people complain of pain in the jaw in the area of a tooth that sits in front of a missing tooth. Although it was recommended that they have a root canal in that tooth, Dr La Marche’s tests show that the tooth is healthy and that the pain is actually coming from the bone and extraction site of the former tooth.

This is because the jawbone, the only bone in the body with sensory nerve endings, contains some 12,000 to 15,000 nerve fibres per tooth. When osteonecrosis occurs, the enzymes breaking down the bone increase the pressure within the bone by four times that of normal teeth, says Dr LaMarche. This is why patients so often have immediate relief from pain after a cavitation is cleaned out and this pressure lifted.

Dr Huggins says that there are blood and other tests now available to find out whether these chemicals are present in the periodontal ligament or the tooth while it is still in your mouth.
This means that we may able to determine which root-canal teeth are safe to remain in and which are doing us harm. Important clues can come from general blood tests to measure the bands, or immature lymphocytes, or white blood cells in the body. These are in high supply in people who have a major, ongoing infection in the body because the body is attempting to release lymphocytes in the body too quickly in an attempt to counteract the infection. In LaMarche’s experience, patients with 3-5 per cent of lymphocytes as bands have problems with cavitation. Once the cavitations are removed, this high percentage of bands disappears.

WDDTY panel member Jack Levenson emphasises that, if you have root canals, you shouldn’t rush to get them removed, unless you are experiencing major health problems. If you do wish to investigate, you can find out about the appropriate tests from the British Society for Mercury-free Dentistry. BSMD will also provide a list of UK dentists who follow the correct root-canal extraction protocol. (Write to BSMD, 225 Brompton Rd, London SW5 OEA, enclosing SAE and two first-class stamps.) For a list of US dentists, write to PO Box 3010, Bellevue, WA 98009, USA.

Here is a list of drugs and other things you should keep at home for self-care. Store them in a handy, dry place, but out of children’s reach. Check the expiration date often. Throw away and replace ones that are outdated.

Medications	Use
Acetaminophen ex: Aspirin-Free Anacin, Tylenol	Pain relief, reduces fever
Activated charcoal (binds certain chemicals when swallowed) [NOTE: Call Poison Control Center first]	Oral Poisoning for some poisons
Antacids (liquid or tablets) ex: Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, Amphojel	Stomach upset, heartburn
Antibiotic cream or ointment ex: Neosporin	Minor skin infection, wounds
Anti-diarrheal medicine ex: Kaopectate, Immodium A-D, Donnagel	Diarrhea
Antifungal preparations ex: Tinactin	Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
Antihistamines ex: Dristan, Triaminic, Benadryl	Allergies, cold symptom relief
Anti-motion sickness ex: Dramamine	Motion sickness
Antiseptic preparation ex: Betadine	Abrasions, cuts
Aspirin* ex: Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Cough medicine with expectorant (look for one with Guaifenison) ex: Robitussin	Cough with mucus
Cough suppressant without expectorant(look for one with Dextromethorphan ex: Robitussin DM	Dry cough without mucus
Decongestant (tablets, nose spray, etc.) ex: Dristan Nasal Spray, Sudafed, Dimetapp	Stuffy and runny nose, post-nasal drip from colds, allergies
Ear wax dissolver ex: Debrox	Ear wax
Eye drops and artificial tears ex: Murine, Visine	Minor eye irritations
Hemorrhoid preparations ex: Hemorid	Hemorrhoids
Hydrocortisone cream ex: Cortaid, Lanacort	Minor skin irritations, itching and rashes
Ibuprofen (adult) ex: Advil	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Laxatives ex: Ex-Lax, Correctol, Milk of Magnesia	Constipation
Moisturizer ex: Jergens Lotion	Dry skin
Naproxen Sodium (adult) ex: Aleve	Pain relief, reduces fever and swelling
Petroleum jelly ex: Vaseline	Chafing, dry skin
Rubbing alcohol	Topical antiseptic, clean thermometer
Sanitary napkins, tampons	Menstruation
Sunscreen – look for one with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more	Prevent sunburn, protect against skin cancer
Syrup of Ipecac (NOTE: Call Poison Control Center first)	To induce vomiting for some poisons
Throat anesthetic preparations ex: Sucret throat lozenges, Chloraseptic spray	Minor sore throat
Toothache – relief preparation ex. Anbesol	Toothache
Supplies	Use
Adhesive bandages	Minor wounds
Adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads, roll of sterile gauze and scissors	To dress minor wounds
Cotton balls, cotton tipped applicators	Minor wounds
Elastic bandages and clips	Minor strains and sprains
Heating pad/hot water bottle	Minor pains, strains, menstrual cramps
Humidifier, vaporizer (cool mist)	Add moisture to the air
Ice pack/Heat pack	Minor pain and injuries
Thermometer (mercury-containing, digital, etc.) Basal thermometer if using natural family planning method for birth control.	Fever
Tongue depressor, flashlight	Check for redness or infection in throat
Tweezers	Remove splinters

The History of Acupressure

Because acupressure evolved from acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing practice, the history of this form of treatment begins with traditional Chinese philosophy as it applies to the healing arts. The fundamental principle of Chinese philosophy is the concept of yin and yang. The yin and yang are two opposite, yet complementary, forever-entwined forces that underlie all aspects of life. Yin-yang is depicted as the subtly curved light and dark halves of a circle. Both proceed from the t’ai chi (the Supreme Ultimate). According to this philosophical system, the human body, like all matter, is made up of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element corresponds to an aspect of the body, such as the organs, senses, tissues, and emotions, as well as to aspects of nature, such as direction, season, color, and climate. The five-element theory, combined with the principle of yin and yang, forms the basis of the Chinese concept of balance. The intention is to balance yin and yang and to balance the energies of the five elements.

Yin is earthy, female, dark, passive, receptive, and absorbing. It is represented by the moon, the tiger, the color orange, a broken line, and the shady side of a hill. Yin is cool, inward, still, and soft.

Yang is represented by the sun, the dragon, the color blue, an unbroken line, and the sunny side of a hill. Yang is hot, outward, moving, aggressive, and bright.

Because yin and yang are intertwined halves of the same whole, all things, and all people, contain elements of both, although at any one time, one or the other will be predominant. Thus, a baby or young child is more yin; an older child more yang. When your child asserts herself, it is her yang that is coming to the fore.

The sun is yang, the moon is yin. We awaken in the morning and greet the sun. It is natural to be active and moving throughout the daylight. As twilight descends into night, we become more passive and quiet. Nighttime expresses the qualities of yin.

Chinese medical theory teaches that the two branches of the body’s nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympa-thetic, correspond to the two halves of the yin-yang circle. The sympathetic branch is the part of the nervous system that mobilizes our bodies to respond to stress. It initiates the fight-or-flight re-sponse, a more yang part of the cycle. The parasympathetic branch replen-ishes and supports the body during rest, the yin part of the cycle. These two branches oppose and balance each other to create stability and health. When the yin and yang are balanced within the body, all the body’s functions are healthy. Illness is caused by an imbalance between yin and yang.

Conventional Western medicine typically pinpoints and directly treats only the affected part of the body. Chinese medical philosophy encompasses the entire universe. Everything that affects the patient is considered, including emotion, environment, and diet.

Chinese philosophy proposes a way of life based on living in accordance with the laws of nature. This profound connection with nature is reflected in the language used to describe illness. For example, a patient may be diagnosed with a “wind invasion” or “excess
heat.” Acupuncture (or acupressure) points may be chosen to “disperse wind,” “remove summer damp,” or “disperse rising fire.”

In traditional Chinese medicine, every aspect of health is described in terms of a balance between yin and yang. For example, yin illnesses are caused by excessive expansion (overweight as a result of eating too much sugar, for example), while yang illnesses are caused by excessive contraction (sunstroke or fever). An imbalance of yin and yang factors can be demonstrated by showing how red blood cells respond to different substances. When red blood cells are placed in water (yin), they absorb the water, expand, and finally burst. When red blood cells are placed in a concentrated saline (salt) solution (yang), they contract, shrink, and shrivel. In a solution of normal saline (0.9 percent salt), the yin and yang are perfectly balanced and the cells remain virtually unchanged. An example of how the ancient yin-yang theory can be used to describe concepts in conventional medicine can be found in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer: Female hormones (yin) help control prostate cancer (yang); male hormones (yang) help control breast cancer (yin). The interplay of the yin and yang-as one increases, the other decreases-describes the process of the universe and everything in it. In more familiar Western terms, as modern physical science teaches, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

The Five Elements and Their Correspondences
in Nature and the Human Body

In traditional Chinese Philosophy, all matter is considered to be composed of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). The elements in turn have correspondences in various aspects of the natural world, including the human body. According to this philosophy, health is achieved when yin and yang, and the energies of the five elements, are all in proper balance. The elements and some of their corresponding characteristics and parts of the body are illustrated in the chart below.
THINGS IN NATURE	ELEMENT
	Wood	Fire	Earth	Metal	Water
Direction	East	South	Middle	West	North
Taste	Sour	Bitter	Sweet	Pungent	Salty
Color	Green	Red	Yellow	White	Black
Growth Cycle	Germination	Growth	Ripening	Harvest	Storing
Environmental Factor	Wind	Heat	Dampness	Dryness	Cold
Season	Spring	Summer	Late Summer	Autumn	Winter
HUMAN BODY
Organs	Liver, gallbladder	Heart, small intestine	Spleen, stomach	Lung, large intestine	Kidney, bladder
Sense/Organ	Eye	Tongue	Mouth	Nose	Ear
Tissue	Tendon	Vessel	Muscle	Skin and hair	Bone
Emotion	Anger	Joy	Meditation	Grief and Melancholy	Fright and fear

In Chinese philosophy, the energy that pulses through all things, animate and inanimate, is called chit Health exists when there is a harmonious balance under heaven of both internal and external forces. Each bodily organ must have the right amount of chi to function. Too much or too little chi causes an imbalance, resulting in illness or disease. Chi flows through all things, enters and passes through the body, creating harmony or disharmony.

Chinese medicine works directly with the natural, vital energy-or chi-of the body. The goal of acupuncture and acupressure is to normalize the body’s energies. Chi can tee tapped at specific points along channels known as meridians. Activating one key point sets up a predictable reaction in another area. By tonifying (increasing energy in) a specific area, the yin-yang balance is treated. Moving an excess of chi from one area and directing it to another, weaker area, corrects the yin-yang balance.

Acupuncture is an ancient protocol. As a component of Oriental medicine, it has been practiced for centuries. The Huangdi Neijing (Canon of Medicine), written about 500-300 B.C., is the oldest surviving medical text. Among other medical practices, it describes the use of acupuncture.

Acupressure Today

Acupressure is a form of body work in which pressure is applied to specific acupuncture points to balance internal function. Acupressure is practiced around the world.

The Chinese have a very descriptive term for taking advantage of a combination of two or more healing systems-a practice this book advocates. They say the’ patient is “walking on two legs.” A two-year study conducted jointly by the Northwestern University Medical School and Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Illinois employed a combination of acupuncture and acupressure. In this study, patients suffering from chronic head aches of all types, including migraine, cluster, whiplash, and tension, were first treated with acupuncture. The patients were then individually instructed in specific acupressure techniques to use when a headache seemed imminent. The researchers reported that the need for prescription painkillers and other drugs was eliminated entirely in most patients-thus verifying the effectiveness of “walking on two legs.”

Working with an Acupressurist

There are professionally trained and college-educated acupressurists, just as there are acupuncturists. If you wish to consult a trained acupressurist, check the yellow pages of your telephone book. You’ll find this category listed in most large cities.

For the most part, though, the gentle form of acupressure recommended in the Treatment and Care entries in Part Two of this book is something you can do yourself, at home, to ease a hurting or ailing child.

Treating Your Child with Acupressure

In The Chinese Art of Healing (Bantam, 1972), author Stephan Palos identifies the hand as “man’s original medical tool.” We instinctively use our hands to alleviate pain. When we suffer a bump or bruise, have a cramp, or hurt anywhere inside, we rub, knead, or massage the painful spot.

When your child is ill, gently working the acupressure points recommended in the appropriate entry in Part Two will probably be beneficial (the illustrations in Part Three provide guidelines for locating all of the acupressure points recommended). Your child will very likely love receiving an acupressure treatment.

Massaging a particular point will help relieve symptoms as well as strengthen and balance the yin-yang in your child’s body. For example, applying acupressure to the point identified as “Large Intestine 11” helps relax the intestine, thus relieving constipation. Another related

point is Stomach 36; massaging Stomach 36 helps tone an upset digestive tract. When your child is ill, the appropriate acupressure points, as well as other areas of your child’s body, will be tender. Use your intuitive sense. Ask what feels good.

Common Acupressure Points

In acupressure, there are twelve lines c ailed meridians that run along each side of the body. Each pair of meridians corresponds to a specific organ. For example, there is a pair of Lung meridians, Spleen meridians, Stomach meridians, and Liver meridians. Acupressure points are named for the meridian they lie on, and each is given a number according to where along the meridian it falls. Thus, Spleen 6 is the sixth point on the Spleen meridian. The table on page 38 lists some of the acupressure points most often recommended in the entries in Part Two of this book.

Administering Acupressure

When you give your child an acupressure treatment, your tools are your hands, notably your thumbs and fingers, and occasionally your palms. For the most part, you will be using the balls of your thumbs and fingers, never the nails. Before administering acupressure, make sure your fingernails are clipped short, so that you do not inadvertently scratch your child.

Choose a time of day when your child is most relaxed, perhaps after a warm bath and just before bedtime. Have her take a few deep breaths. This aids relaxation and will automatically focus your child’s attention inward on her body.

You might want to start an acupressure session with a loving and comforting back rub, a treat most children welcome, especially when ill. Remain calm and unhurried. Make sure to keep your child warm throughout the treatment. You can apply pressure to the points directly onto the skin, or through a shirt or light sheet.

Work right-side and left-side acupressure points at the same time. Use your fingers or thumbs to apply threshold pressure to the point. Threshold pressure is firm pressure, just on the verge of becoming painful The idea is to stimulate the point without causing the body to tighten up or retract a the pain. The pressure you exert should not hurt your child. Firm but gentle is the rule.

Apply from one to five minutes of continuous pressure. Or apply pressure for ten seconds, release for ten seconds, reapply pressure for ten seconds, release for ten seconds. Repeat this cycle five times.

To learn how to locate specific acupressure points, specific points
which are helpful for different childhood conditions are
included in
Administering an Acupressure Treatment.

When your child is ill, acupressure is a wonderful way to use your hands with a loving, nurturing touch, while also stimulating your child’s body to heal. By using the acupressure points described in this book, you will be working to relieve the underlying cause of illness. At the same time, your gentle healing touch will convey your love and concern to your child.

Common Acupressure Points

Point	Effect	Indications
Bladder 23	Increases circulation to the urinary tract and reproductive organs.	Vaginitis, urinary tract infection; lower back pain.
Bladder 28	Master point for the bladder.	Urinary tract infection.
Bladder 60	Increases circulation to the urinary tract and reproductive organs.	Urinary tract infection.
Four Gates	Motion sickness; chickenpox; croup; hay fever; herpes; hyperactivity; pain; fever; poison ivy; sleeplessness; weight problems.	Urinary tract infection.
Kidney 3	Strengthens the bladder and kidneys; increases circulation to the reproductive organs.	Bedwetting; urinary tract infection; vaginitis.
Kidney 7	Strengthens the bladder and kidneys.	Bedwetting.
Large Intestine 4	Beneficial to the head and face; relieves congestion and headaches; removes energy blocks in the large intestine; clears heat.	Acne; common cold; headache; menstrual cramps; teething; sore throat; fever; toothache.
Large Intestine 11	Relieves itching; reduces allergic reactions.	Chickenpox; hay fever; constipation.
Large Intestine 20	Decreases sinus congestion.	Hay fever; sinusitis.
Liver 3	Quiets the nervous system; relaxes muscle cramps and spasms.	Asthma; menstrual cramps; teething; headache; eye pain.
Liver 7	Clears the lungs; moistens the throat.	Asthma; common cold; sore throat.
Neck and Shoulder Release	Relaxes the muscles of the neck and shoulders; relaxes the body.	Headache; weight problems.
Pericardium 6	Relaxes the chest; relieves nausea; relaxes the ming.	Asthma; motion sickness; croup; sleeplessness; stomachache; vomiting.
Points Along Either Side of the Spine	Improves circulation; relaxes the nervous system; balances the respiratory system; relaxes the spine.	Anxiety; colic; common cold; menstrual cramps; nervousness; insomnia.
Spleen 6	Reduces uterine cramping.	Menstrual cramps.
Spleen 10	Detoxifies the blood.	Acne; herpes; impetigo; poison ivy, boils, vaginitis.
Stomach 36	Tones the digestive system; strengthens overall wellbeing.	Colic; diarrhea; chronic runny nose; vomiting, constipation, indigestion; stomachache.

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.

The over the Counter (OTC) drugs Aspirin and acetominophin (the main
active ingredient of Tylenol and other analgesics) are two of the world’s
best-selling medications of all time. One would hardly be surprised to see
this title on an article in the local paper. But what would you say if you
read that many people develop liver disease from taking therapeutic doses
of these ubiquitous drugs, and that this known side-effect was not mentioned
on their labels or accompanying literature?



Although aspirin and acetominophen have a reputation as being generally
safe, many people are aware that these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) can cause stomach bleeding and are associated with Reye’s Syndrome.




Recent studies seem to support the use of daily aspirin in order to reduce
the liklihood of heart attack? and strokes.



What about the environmental impact of synthetically producing ?? of tons
of the drugs–energy and chemical pollution, and the use of dwindling resources
of oil.

Risk to Benefit Ratio



Few people, except the most staunchly holistic of health practitioners,
would deny that aspirin or acetominophen[MT1] has some place in the modern
medicine. Especially after experiencing a severe toothache or other intractable
pain. Pain itself, if it goes on long enough can place a tremendous strain
on our energy and immune system reserves. But magic bullets have their pitfalls,
too. They seduce us into forgetting why the pain is there in the first place.




Their almost universal occurrence–not only in drug stores, where one might
expect them, but in restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores, makes
it easy to soothe the ill and forget about the deeper meaning of it all.
Why does the toothache occur in the first place? Is it just bad luck that
we have weak enamel, or does diet, stress and the overall health of our
environment (such as water quality) play a role?



Can milder, but safer (such as willow-bark extract) plant-based medicines
offer some relief, as well allow an opportunity to look further into the
depths of our pain? Traditional healers, herbalists and other holistic health
practitioners might say so. Many pharmacists and doctors would not.



Although these issues appear to be mainly philosophical musings, they are
relevant to the central theme of this piece….are aspirin and acetominophen
safe, and if not, under what circumstances is the risk worthwhile?



Many scientists are fond of looking at the risk to benefit ratio of a drug,
device or method with which to mitigate disease.



To a pharmacist, acetaminophen may help alleviate a headache, toothache,
or other pain, thus holding great benefit and little risk. A traditional
healer may feel that aspirin only masks the symptoms of a headache and thus
does not help a person look at underlying causes, such as job stress, which
may eventually lead to more serious illness-thus offering little benefit
and possibly important risks.



Recently, common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents have shown hepatotoxicity,
including acetominophen and aspirin in therapeutic doses.1,2,3,4,5 It has
been reported that “about 50% of patients given aspirin regularly in
anti-inflammatory doses develop mild, dose-dependent reversible liver damage”




In evaluating comfrey toxicity, one must be conscious of a possible double
standard that some pharmaceutical drugs widely sold in drug stores, markets,
convenience stores, and many other outlets have been proven to be hepatotoxic.
The most common examples are aspirin,6 acetaminophen (as well as common
proprietary preparations containing acetaminophen),7 and antibiotics such
as tetracycline, erythromycin, and cyclosporin.8,9,10



The main point in assessing the toxicity of both drugs and herbs seems to
be the risk/benefit ratio. Although few dismiss the benefit of discriminating
use of over-the-counter analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics,
the lack of warning on packages and in advertising for these products can
be noted.



[**go into several drug stores and take notes on about 6 major brands–do
any of them mention liver toxicity?]** report findings**



It is known that children, alcoholics, and people with a history of liver
disease are also more susceptible to liver damage from these drugs, but
this is not noted on commonly-sold drugs in these categories.11



“About 50% of patients given aspirin regularly in anti-inflammatory
doses develop mild, dose-dependent reversible liver damage as shown by elevation
of the plasma aminotransferase activity. Liver damage is more severe in
a small minority and it may rarely be complicated by disseminated intravascular
coagulation and encephalopathy with a fatal outcome (Prescott).”



“In other cases lier damage could have been caused by exposure to other
agents, viral infection or naturally occurring liver disease.



Dr. L.F. Prescott, a clinical pharmacologist from the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh
has said that “liver damage has been reported on occasion with virtually
all non-narcotic analgesics. Exotic, newer generation drugs in this category,
such as diclofenac, glafenine, phenylbutazone can cause liver damage after
a short period of use, but Dr. Prescott notes that “paradoxically,
it is acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and paracetamol (acetaminophen), two
of the longest established non-prescription analgesics, which seem to have
the greatest potential for hepatotoxicity at present.



Some individuals are especially susceptible to sustaining liver damage from
these two drugs, which is usually said to be caused by ‘hypersensitivity’
or idiosyncrasy.



Besides liver toxicity, regular and heavy consumption of aspirin can also
cause other serious problems in susceptable individuals, such as hemorrhage
due to the interference of the drug on the vitamin K-dependent synthesis
in the liver of clotting factors.



Although aspirin has been used for many years, it is only recently that
the hepatoxicity of aspirin has been documented.



**”liver damage does not seem to occur unless salicylate concentrations
are maintained for several days or weeks.”



Many clinical and laboratory tests have adequately confirmed a close relationship
between aspirin ingestion, blood salycilate concentrations and lier damage.”

Generally, toothaches can be prevented with regular visits to the dentist and daily self-care measures. Self-care includes proper daily brushing and flossing, good nutrition and using fluoridated water, toothpaste, rinse and supplement (if prescribed).

Tell your dentist if you notice any of the following. (They may lead to a toothache if left unchecked.)

• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
  
• Brown spots or little holes on a tooth
  
• A change in your bite – the way your teeth fit together
  
• Loose teeth in an adult
  

• To reduce discomfort, take aspirin or other mild pain reliever.
  
• Hold an ice pack on the jaw. This will relieve some of the pain.
  
• Never place a crushed aspirin on the tooth. Aspirin burns the gums and destroys tooth enamel.
  
• Do not drink extremely hot or cold liquids.
  
• Do not chew gum.
  
• Avoid sweets, soft drinks and hot and spicy foods. (These can irritate cavities and increase pain.) It may be best not to eat at all until you see your doctor.
  
• Gargle with warm salt water every hour.
  
• For a cavity, pack it with a piece of sterile cotton soaked in oil of cloves (available at pharmacies.)
  
• See a dentist even if the pain subsides.
  

Questions to Ask

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Do you have any of these problems with the tooth pain? Gnawing pain in the lower teeth or neck Chest discomfort beneath the breast bone Pain that travels to or is felt in the arm Sweating
Are any of the following symptoms present? Fever Red, swollen or bleeding gums Swollen face Foul breath even after thorough brushing and flossing Constant toothache even when sleeping at night Toothache only when eating or just after eating