If you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that can be incredibly debilitating and uncomfortable. This blog post will explore the causes of severe toothache and some tips for managing it.
Keep reading to learn more!
Causes of Dental Pain
There are several factors that cause severe dental pain, ranging from serious issues like a fractured tooth or a tooth infection to something as basic as food particles stuck in a damaged tooth.
Let us see what the common reasons for sharp pain in your teeth are.
Tooth decay
One of the most prevalent causes of toothache is tooth decay, which occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that break down the tooth structure. This process can lead to cavities, exposing the sensitive roots and nerves within and causing pain.
Gum Disease
Inflammation and a bacterial infection of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis) can cause pain and soreness in the teeth. Gum disease is usually a result of poor oral hygiene, leading to the build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth and gums.
Abscessed Tooth
A dental abscess is an infection in or around the tooth caused by bacteria invading the soft pulp tissue. This can lead to a pocket of pus forming at the root of the tooth, resulting in severe pain, swelling and sensitivity.
Dental Trauma
Blunt force to the face can result in a broken or cracked tooth, exposing the sensitive nerves and leading to discomfort and pain. Tooth fractures can result from injury, biting down on a hard object, or dental procedures like root canal therapy and fillings.
Referred pain
Sometimes, pain in a tooth can occur due to an issue in a nearby tooth or the jaw joint, known as referred pain. This phenomenon can be caused by problems such as a dental abscess, impacted wisdom teeth, or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
Bruxism
Consistently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, typically at night, can result in tooth pain. Often a consequence of stress, bruxism puts excessive pressure on the nerves, causing discomfort and potential tooth damage.
Misaligned teeth
Crooked or crowded teeth can place undue stress on the teeth, gums, and jaw, leading to toothache. Orthodontic treatments like braces and clear trays can help alleviate pain by gradually repositioning teeth.
Dental hypersensitivity
Sensitive teeth can experience pain due to exposed nerves reacting to stimuli such as hot or cold temperatures, sweet or acidic foods, and even touch. Factors such as thin enamel or receding gums may cause dental hypersensitivity.
Ill-fitting dental appliances
Ill-fitting dental appliancesDental work such as crowns, bridges, and removable dentures can cause discomfort if they are ill-fitting or not properly aligned.
In these cases, visiting a dental professional to address the issue and alleviate pain is essential.
Sinus infection
In some cases, toothache may not be directly related to the teeth but rather due to sinus issues. When the sinus cavity becomes inflamed or infected, it can exert pressure on the roots of the upper teeth, causing pain and sensitivity.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that fail to erupt properly or become trapped in the jawbone, often causing pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This can lead to gum infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and other oral health complications, resulting in significant discomfort.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ disorders can occur from injury, arthritis, or jaw misalignment, causing jaw pain and discomfort in the surrounding teeth. Patients with TMJ disorders may experience tooth pain while chewing, talking, or resting.
Managing Severe Tooth Pain
The most effective way to manage severe tooth pain is to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you are in Adelaide, our experienced emergency dentists can diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend treatments such as fillings or root canals, depending on what they find. In case of an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it.
In addition to visiting our emergency dentist in Adelaide, there are a few things in your home that you can use to manage dental pain while you wait for an appointment or during recovery after treatment. Below is a detailed list:
Over-the-counter pain relievers
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen can provide temporary relief from severe dental pain. Acetaminophen is another alternative if you cannot take NSAIDs. However, following the recommended dosage guidelines and consulting your dentist before use is essential.
Prescription painkillers
In case of unmanageable pain, our dentist may prescribe stronger painkillers. These medications provide better pain relief but have potential side effects and should be consumed under supervision.
Cold compress
Apply a cold compress on the cheek or jaw area close to the source of pain for 15-20 minutes at a time. This method can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary relief.
Saltwater rinse
Swishing a warm saltwater solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds and then spitting it out can help remove any trapped food particles and bacterial products and even reduce inflammation, thus providing some relief from dental pain.
Avoid triggers
Cold and hot temperatures, as well as sugary and acidic foods, can make dental pain worse. It’s crucial to avoid these types of foods and consume softer foods that don’t require extensive chewing.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remediesSome herbs like peppermint and chamomile have natural analgesic properties. Drinking the tea lukewarm might help alleviate pain.
Leaves from the toothache plant can be pounded to a paste and applied to the affected tooth for pain relief.
Clove oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic and antibacterial agent. Applying a dab of clove oil to a cotton ball and placing it on the affected tooth or gum can help alleviate dental pain.
Teabag remedy
Place a cooled, wet peppermint teabag on the affected tooth. Peppermint’s antioxidants and astringent properties can help reduce swelling and relieve dental pain.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
Keeping your head elevated will help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the affected area, thus alleviating pain.
Manage Anxiety and Stress
Practising relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or yoga can help alleviate stress, which often exacerbates dental pain.
Oral gels and sprays
Over-the-counter topical anaesthetics like benzocaine can provide relief by numbing the area. Follow the product’s instructions and avoid using the gel for an extended period, as it can potentially harm your oral tissues.
Garlic
Garlic has been known to alleviate tooth pain effectively due to its potent antibacterial properties and natural analgesic effects. Applying a crushed garlic clove directly to the affected tooth or gum area can provide rapid relief from inflammation and pain.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Rinsing your mouth with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can help kill bacteria and alleviate dental pain. However, ensure you dilute the hydrogen peroxide with double the quantity of water before rinsing and do not swallow the solution.
Dental treatment
Consult our emergency dentist as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the root cause of the toothache, our experienced dentist may recommend dental procedures like fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, or treatments for gum disease. Timely dental intervention can provide a long-term solution to dental pain.
Antibiotics
If your dental pain is caused by an infected tooth, our qualified emergency dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Please note that the pain relief methods outlined above only provide temporary relief from what could be symptoms of a bigger problem and do not, in fact, treat the cause of the pain. We strongly recommend you book an appointment with one of our competent and well-experienced emergency dentist who will not only provide effective pain relief but also treat the underlying cause of the pain.
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent dental issues from developing, thus reducing the risk of severe dental pain.
Benefits of Good Oral Health
General health can be affected by the health of your mouth since the mouth is directly connected to the food and respiratory tracts. It is also easy for oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream through diseased gums and teeth and wreak havoc in the body.
Following a thorough dental hygiene routine daily and visiting one of our skilled dentists at least twice a year will ensure optimal oral health and provide numerous advantages.
Some of these benefits include:
Prevention of dental diseases
A clean mouth is the first step in preventing dental diseases like periodontitis, dental decay and even mouth cancer. Regular brushing and flossing can effectively remove plaque and tartar, which can considerably diminish the likelihood of developing cavities and periodontal problems.
Enhanced appearance and self-confidence
Healthy teeth and gums not only improve aesthetics but can also boost self-esteem. A brighter, cleaner and more attractive smile often leads to increased confidence in social and professional settings.
Improved speech
Proper oral health is imperative for clear and precise speech. Issues like missing or misaligned teeth can lead to difficulties in pronunciation and articulation, whereas good oral health ensures that these barriers are minimised.
Better nutritional intake
Better nutritional intakeMaintaining good oral health ensures that an individual can comfortably chew and digest a wide variety of foods, contributing to a well-rounded, nutritious diet.
Poor oral health can restrict food choices due to pain or difficulty chewing, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Pain reduction
A well-maintained oral hygiene routine can significantly decrease the likelihood of dental pain caused by infections, tooth decay, or gum inflammation. Good oral health enables one to lead a more comfortable, pain-free life.
Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
Studies have shown that the inflammation and infections caused by poor oral health can lead to an increased risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Maintaining optimum oral hygiene contributes to overall cardiovascular health.
Lower risk of complications for pregnant women
Pregnant women with poor oral health may have a higher risk of developing complications such as preterm births and low birth weight infants. Good oral health practices can help mitigate these risks.
Enhanced cognitive health
Research has found a link between poor oral health and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental care can help preserve cognitive function and decrease the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevention of bad breath (halitosis)
Good oral health practices can significantly reduce the occurrence of halitosis by eliminating the bacteria that cause foul-smelling breath. This contributes to a more pleasant social experience and improved self-esteem.
Cost savings
Cost savingsPreventing dental problems through good oral health practices can save individuals money in the long run by avoiding expensive dental treatments or emergency care. Regular dental check-ups and a proper oral hygiene routine can lower healthcare costs and increase financial stability.
In summary, good oral health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, offering benefits not just for oral health but for overall mental, emotional, and physical wellness. A well-maintained oral hygiene routine and regular dental check-ups contribute to a more attractive smile but also help improve speech, nutrition, cognitive health, and overall quality of life.
End Your Agony Now – Get Rapid Toothache Relief with Our Trusted Emergency Dentists!
If you’re in Adelaide and experiencing severe tooth pain, book an appointment with one of our emergency dentists right away! We provide fast and effective relief from dental pain and are highly trained to handle a wide range of dental issues.
With our same-day appointments, you can get the care you need without waiting.
Plus, our emergency dentists use the most advanced methods and technology available to ensure quick relief in a safe environment.
Don’t suffer any longer – book your emergency dentist appointment today!
References
15 Conditions That Make Your Teeth Hurt
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/conditions-teeth-hurt
Poor Oral Hygiene
https://www.toothiq.com/dental-diagnosis/poor-oral-hygiene/#:~:text=Failure%20to%20remove%20food%20debris,periodontal%20disease%20and%20tooth%20loss