Toothache Relief — Understand The Symptoms and Causes

Toothache is a common problem that presents as pain or discomfort in the teeth, jaw or gums. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as popcorn hulls tucked in your gum, a broken tooth, or a bacterial infection. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to see your emergency dentist for an evaluation and treatment plan.

Toothache relief can be achieved through a variety of methods. However, it is important to understand the causes of toothache in order to effectively treat and manage the pain. 

 

What can cause a toothache? 

Many reasons can give you a toothache, but these are the common causes:

 

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene or a diet high in sugary foods. 

 

Tooth fracture

A tooth fracture can occur from trauma such as an accident or sports-related injury. 

 

Teeth abscess

A tooth abscess is an infection caused by bacteria that enter the pulp of the tooth. 

 

Gum disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and is usually caused by bacteria buildup along the gum line. 

 

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when a person’s teeth become sensitive to hot and cold food or drinks. Other toothache causes include tooth grinding, tooth clenching, and jaw misalignment.

 

Why is toothache so painful?

Toothache is a very uncomfortable and painful experience that can interfere with daily life. The pain from toothache originates from sensitive nerve endings in the pulp of your teeth. When the pulp becomes inflamed due to infection, decay or other causes, it sends sharp pain signals to your brain.

 

 

What are the symptoms of a toothache?

The most common symptoms of toothache include:

1. Pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down.
2. Sharp, throbbing, or dull pain in the teeth or gums.
3. Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
4. A foul taste in the mouth.
5. Redness and swelling in the gums.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your dentist as soon as possible.

 

Toothache first-aid tips and home remedies

When you start to feel that your mouth is sore and tender and your gums throb, then you’re having tooth pain that needs medical attention.

However, until you get your appointment with your dentist, there are a few self-care tips and home remedies for your toothache that may also help to reduce toothache pain and promote healing. Natural home remedies for toothache include the following: 

 

Clove oil

This herbal remedy can be used topically to soothe toothache pain as it numbs the pain and reduces inflammation. Add a few drops of clove oil to a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it. Or dip a cotton ball into some clove oil and apply it to the painful area. 

 

Saltwater rinse

Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce toothache pain as well as flush out any bacteria that may be causing the toothache. 

 

Cold compress

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and toothache pain. Hold a cold compress of ice wrapped in a towel to the painful area for 20 minutes and repeat every few hours if needed. 

 

Garlic

Garlic has natural antibacterial properties, which may help reduce toothache inflammation and infection. Smash a clove of garlic and apply it to the affected area. 

 

Peppermint tea

A warm peppermint tea can ease the pain in your teeth and gums.

Hold this warm tea bag against the affected tooth and gum.

Applying a warm, damp tea bag directly against the tooth can provide some relief from toothache pain and discomfort.

 

When utilising natural remedies, it is important to speak with your dentist first before attempting any of these home treatments if you are experiencing toothache pain that is not relieved with self-care measures and over-the-counter medications.

Until you get your appointment with your dentist, these are self-care tips that can also help relieve your toothache:

1. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce toothache pain and inflammation.
2. Clean tooth surfaces with a toothbrush and toothpaste at least twice a day, along with flossing after meals.
3. Avoid eating or drinking anything that is extremely hot or cold until your toothache subsides.

 

What happens when I go to the dentist for a toothache?

When you visit your dentist for a toothache, they will take a full medical history and examine the affected area. They may also take X-rays or other imaging scans to diagnose the cause of the toothache.

Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may recommend an endodontic procedure such as root canal therapy to treat the problem and provide relief from the toothache. If a root canal is necessary, your dentist will remove the damaged pulp, clean and seal the area, and then cover it with a permanent dental crown. This can help restore the function of the tooth while providing pain relief.

Toothache relief can also be achieved through a variety of treatments depending on the cause of the toothache. These include the following:

1. Prescription medications such as antibiotics for tooth abscesses.
2. Tooth fillings to repair tooth decay.
3. Dental crowns for fractured teeth.
4. Teeth cleaning for gum disease.

 

If you are experiencing any type of toothache or other oral health issues, it is important to consult your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Our friendly dentist at Synergy Dental Group can provide you with quick relief from a toothache and also protect and promote your oral health. Early detection of problems can help minimise any potential damage or discomfort. Book your appointment or call us now on (03) 7003 2185!

 

 

 

 

References

Toothache Home Remedies
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache

Toothache
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache

Toothache: First aid
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-toothache/basics/art-20056628