Do you sometimes experience excruciating tooth pain and can’t figure out why? Are you curious to learn more about the underlying causes of toothache? Read on as we uncover the mystery behind this common dental issue and explore potential solutions that will help you find lasting relief.
What does toothache feel like?
Toothache is an incredibly painful experience that no one ever wants to endure. The toothache can range from a dull ache to an intense throbbing pain radiating throughout the mouth, head, and jaw. Often it may be accompanied by a flare of sensitivity when eating or drinking something cold or hot, which can intensify the discomfort further.
In more extreme cases, a toothache can cause swelling and make it difficult to open your mouth. If you feel toothache in your upper teeth, its cause may be a sinus infection or some other problem in the upper jaw area.
If it’s coming from your lower teeth, it could be caused by an infection or something else in the lower jaw area.
At its worst, a toothache can become unbearable and life-incapacitating. Let’s delve deeper into the possible causes of tooth pain.
Tooth decay
At the heart of many toothaches lies the formidable enemy – tooth decay. Invading bacteria sneak through the enamel, forming cavities and gradually eroding the soft tissue leading to an infected tooth. As the destruction ensues, your tooth screams in pain and sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity
Ever experienced that sudden, sharp pain after sipping a hot beverage or biting into a frosty treat? This feeling is very specific to tooth sensitivity. Avoiding temperature changes and using special toothpaste can help alleviate the condition.
Dental injuries
From time to time, mishaps like accidents may result in throbbing toothaches. These unfortunate incidents can wreak havoc on delicate nerves and tissues within and around our pearly whites, resulting in anything from mild twinges to unbearable agony. If you’ve recently endured a blow to your mouth or jaw, don’t delay – seek prompt medical attention.
Gum disease
Did you know that gum or periodontal disease may be the culprit behind your toothaches? This troublesome condition arises when plaque accumulates around your teeth, triggering inflammation in the gums and ushering in an infection, causing pain and unease when brushing or enjoying your favourite meals.
Dental abscess
Toothaches can often be attributed to dental abscesses – a prevalent issue arising from bacterial infections in the gums surrounding a tooth, entering via a cavity or cracked enamel. The sensation brought on by this condition is typically severe, throbbing pain. One should not delay in consulting a dentist if a dental abscess is suspected, as neglecting treatment could spread the infection, further jeopardising your health.
A cracked or damaged tooth
If you are suffering from a toothache with sensitivity to temperature or pressure, you might be dealing with a cracked or damaged tooth, which can result from facial trauma, accidents, or merely biting too hard on something. A cracked tooth must be treated immediately to avoid further damage and infection.
Teeth grinding or clenching
If you are suffering from a nighttime toothache or discomfort during stressful moments, it’s worth considering that you might be grinding or clenching your teeth! This unconscious habit can take a toll on your tooth enamel and even lead to painful consequences involving your gums and nearby areas.
Damaged filling or crown
Over time, past dental work like fillings or crowns may weaken, leading to sensitivity and discomfort during everyday tasks like eating and drinking.
Wisdom tooth
Wisdom toothIf you are experiencing discomfort or an unpleasant sensation in the rear of your mouth or jaw, one of your wisdom teeth might be making its grand entrance!
Often responsible for causing distress as they burst through the gums, these bothersome teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak normally.
TMJ disorder
Finally, enduring jaw discomfort might indicate a TMJ disorder affecting your temporomandibular joint and leading to pain during mouth movement.
With the potential causes of toothache unveiled, let’s move to the possible solutions for alleviating this discomfort.
What are the possible dental treatment options for your toothache?
The first step to finding relief from toothache is to visit your dentist to identify the underlying cause. Depending on your dental problems, treatment may involve different approaches, including:
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Fillings
If your toothache is caused by cavities, fillings may be necessary to restore the enamel and prevent further decay.
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Root canal treatment
A root canal treatment is used to remove damaged or infected tissue from the inside of a tooth, providing relief from tooth pain and sensitivity.
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Crowns
If one or more of your teeth have cracked or broken, crowns can help protect the remaining enamel while also restoring strength to the tooth.
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Gum surgery
In cases of gum disease, surgery may be needed to remove bacteria and plaque buildup around the teeth.
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Night guard
If your toothache is due to grinding or clenching your teeth at night, a custom-made night guard can help to protect your teeth while you sleep.
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Anti-inflammatory medications
Your dentist may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain and discomfort.
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Surgical removal
In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be surgically removed to provide lasting relief from toothache. Your dentist will assess your needs and discuss the best treatment for you.
6 home remedies to relieve your toothache
In addition to seeking professional treatment from your dentist, several home remedies can help you relieve your toothache.
Here are some of our top tips:
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Rinse your mouth with warm water
One of the simplest ways to reduce pain and swelling is to rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help to loosen any food that may be stuck in your teeth and will also help to remove any bacteria that may be causing your toothache.
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Use a cold compress
Applying a cold compress can help to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Wrap ice in a towel to make a cold compress and apply it to your cheek for about 15 minutes.
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Take over-the-counter pain medication
If you are in severe pain, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can help alleviate your discomfort. Follow the directions on the package, and do not take more medication than recommended.
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Apply clove oil to your gums
Clove oil has been used as a natural remedy for toothaches for centuries. The oil contains eugenol, a compound shown to have analgesic and antibacterial properties. To use clove oil, apply a few drops to a cotton ball and rub it onto your gums.
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Rinse your mouth with salt water
Rinsing your mouth using salt water can help to reduce swelling and pain by drawing out excess fluid from the gums. To make a saltwater rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt in a small cup of warm water and wash your mouth for several minutes before spitting it out.
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Apply raw honey to your gums
Honey is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory food, making it an effective home remedy for toothaches. To use honey, apply a small amount on your gums and make it sit for about 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
When should you seek immediate help from a dentist?
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If your toothache persists for more than two days
If you have been dealing with a relentless toothache for over two days, don’t wait any longer – it’s crucial to seek professional help from a dentist right away!
A toothache may be a signal of diverse dental issues, including infection. Failing to treat such infections can lead to grave consequences as they spread to other body parts.
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If you have swelling in your mouth or face
Swelling within your mouth or facial area can signal an unmissable call to your dentist! Potentially caused by a looming infection, such swelling can escalate into serious complications if left unattended. And with the risk of impaired breathing, you don’t want to wait any more!
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If you have a fever
Don’t ignore that rising temperature! A fever may signal an underlying infection requiring urgent dental attention. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent escalating complications in your brain and other organs.
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If you have trouble swallowing
If you are dealing with swallowing difficulties, don’t delay – reach out to your local dentist for a teeth checkup! Ignoring this warning sign may bring grave consequences, as it could suggest blockages in your throat or esophagus.
How can you prevent toothache?
To prevent a toothache, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene – this is mainly achieved by brushing your teeth twice using fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, using mouthwash, and scheduling regular visits to the dentist for checkups. Eating a diet high in healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables also helps to strengthen tooth enamel.
Summary
So there you have it—the mystery of toothache solved! Now, if you are experiencing a toothache, don’t wait. Reach out to our emergency dental clinic in Adelaide now, and get the relief you need and deserve. Our staff will work closely with you to assess the underlying cause of your toothache and recommend the best course of treatment for getting you back to good dental health quickly. Don’t suffer from toothaches anymore – please call us at (08) 7078 8263 today!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Toothache
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/toothache#:~:text=Toothache%20refers%20to%20pain%20in,also%20be%20mild%20or%20severe.
Toothache
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
An Overview of Toothaches
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache