Different ways to treat toothaches
Toothaches are an unpleasant experience that can range from mild to severe in intensity, depending on the type of pain. Whether it’s due to tooth decay, dental trauma, or even an infection, toothaches can be rather uncomfortable and embarrassing if not dealt with in a timely manner. In this article we’ll be covering several different ways to treat your toothache based on the severity of the pain you’re experiencing and what has caused it.
What is toothache
Toothache is pain felt in any part of your mouth. The cause can be a broken or decayed tooth, infection, a crack or chip in a tooth, inflammation, teeth grinding (bruxism), dry mouth and even something stuck between your teeth.
It might be throbbing or constant, mild or severe and short-lived or long-lasting. Many people have occasional toothache at some point but regular pain is not normal and should be investigated by your dentist as soon as possible.
What causes toothaches?
There are three main causes of a toothache.
- A cavity or some other problem with your teeth, gums, and/or jawbone.
- An infection in your gum line (gingivitis). Tooth decay can also cause an abscess that can become infected if left untreated.
- The third cause of a toothache is biting or chewing on something sharp. This happens most often when people eat hard foods like ice, corn on the cob, nuts or popcorn kernels without removing their shells first.
What are symptoms of toothache?
A toothache occurs when you feel pain in a specific area of your mouth. Often, it is a sign of an infection or other problem in your mouth. You might notice a sharp or dull ache, pain on chewing or pressure.
You may also experience swelling and tenderness, particularly when eating something cold, hot and sour. While most toothaches are mild and go away on their own within one to two days, others may cause serious discomfort for several weeks.
If you don’t get relief from over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment recommendations.
Can my toothache go away on its own?
If your toothache doesn’t seem severe and/or you’re not seeing a dentist right away, there are some things you can do on your own. Keep in mind that sometimes pain is inevitable and there’s nothing you can do but wait it out.
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer like Nurofen, but if not sure, it’s best to consult with your dentist or GP before taking medicines.
How to ease discomfort
If you’re experiencing acute dental pain, contact your dentist. If it’s a non-emergency situation, you can use over-the-counter medications or try some other home remedies that are known for providing temporary relief.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salty water could help temporarily relieve the toothache pain. Salty water could help reduce the inflammation, but just try not to swallow the salty water.
For example, try applying clove oil to your gums—but be careful not to ingest it since it’s toxic in large amounts. You can also try massaging and lightly pressing on your teeth with a clean thumb or index finger.
How will the dentist treat my toothache?
Depending on how bad your pain is, and whether it’s a mild or severe toothache, your dentist will decide on what treatment is needed. The toothache can be caused by different issues, the dentist needs to thoroughly check out your dental health situation and find out the root cause of your toothache.
How can I prevent a toothache?
Toothaches, like other pains, are caused by many different things. To prevent a toothache: keep up with regular dental visits, take care of your teeth (brush and floss), eat less sugary snacks or soft drinks, and schedule an appointment if you have any pain or discomfort.
Toothaches are often caused by bacteria in plaque that’s built up on teeth or gums — sometimes even below your gum line — which causes swelling and infection that leads to pain.
