Within this blog we will be covering all the key points to know about how to relieve toothache. This includes the cause of toothaches, when to visit the dentist and easing tooth pain.
Cause of Toothaches
A single undisputed cause for toothaches does not exist, and typically dental pain is simply a symptom of a wider dental issue, and you will require evaluation by a dentist. Some common causes of dental pain have been outlined below.
- Decay of tooth can be a key reason for tooth pain. This occurs when bacteria within plaque erodes the enamel surface of tooth, and subsequently the decay extend to the inner extremely sensitive nerve endings. Pain can be sharp and be worsen when eating or drinking. Pain can also be spontaneous and even affect sleep. If left untreated, then the cavities can become larger and turn teeth to become non-vital.
- Long, untreated caries may subsequently cause tooth abscesses which will bring consistent dull pain that will not completely disappear. Dental abscess can usually be found in gum near root areas. Intense inflammation may bring redness inside and/or outside the mouth and cause elevated temperature. Sometimes when pus is discharged from abscess, it will cause a bad taste in the mouth.
- Trauma to the jaw or teeth directly can be a common cause of toothache and occurs if your jaw/mouth is met with significant impact. This can mean a tooth becomes chipped or damaged, which may expose the pulp and put you at major risk of infection.
- An impacted tooth can also lead to significant tooth pain. It occurs due to a tooth does not have sufficient room to erupt from the gums. The improper erupted tooth often associated with infection of gum that surround the tooth. The most commonly affected teeth are the wisdom teeth and second molars.
- Periodontal disease is a fairly common cause of tooth pain, and it originates from insufficient daily plaque removal. Gingivitis (early inflammation of gum) if left untreated will progress to periodontitis, which gums are pulling away from teeth and causing the formation of pockets. This leads to damage to your supporting bone structures/roots in the teeth and can mean the tooth loosens and causes significant pain.
- Teeth grinding or bruxism as it is medically referred to can also be a cause of toothaches. This occurs due to grinding your teeth leading to the teeth wearing down and exposing the sensitive layers within teeth. Not only will this cause pain but there may also be pain from the strain on your jaw from the grinding itself.
When to Visit the Dentist
Like all other health issues, it is always sensible to see a professional to diagnose the root cause of the problem. At your dental visit the dentist will evaluate your mouth to identify the root cause of the toothache, and subsequently recommend the best course of treatment. In some scenarios you may require root canal therapy, a filling, a crown, or another surgical procedure. If the cause of the tooth pain is an impacted tooth, then it will highly likely need to be removed immediately to avoid future infection as well as potential crowding issues within your mouth. If you have alignment issues then it will require orthodontic treatment, potentially with metal or clear braces. A splint may be required if you have grinding issues, and this will avoid any grinding at night which may cause considerable damage.
Easing Pain
If you are unable to get a dental visit immediately for whatever reason, then there are some home remedies which may help relieve your toothache. However, you should bear in mind that these remedies are only short term and will not be able to ease pain permanently and certainly will not address any major dental issues that likely caused the pain. Some home remedies have been listed below.
- An effective way to relieve pain will be to either apply a cold compress or ice pack against the affected area. This should numb the pain, however it is essential to only place this on the cheek and not directly to the tooth, as this may cause further pain.
- Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution can help reduce pain, remove bacteria, and reduce potential swelling. This solution consists of around half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. You should rinse your mouth for a minimum of 5 seconds and ensure that you do not swallow any of the solution.
- A simple and effective way to relieve your toothache will simply be to take a painkiller. Pain relief medication can usually be purchased over the counter and options such as Aspirin can usually deal with tooth pain quite well. This medication should only be swallowed and not applied directly to gums to avoid issues, and it should help take your mind of the pain.
