Toothache can be extremely painful and debilitating, making it difficult to eat, sleep or even concentrate. There are various causes of toothache, but the most common is dental decay or an infection.
If you are experiencing dental pain, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. However, there are some things that you can do at home to help relieve the pain.
This article will provide some tips on how to treat toothache.
What is Toothache?
A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. A minor toothache can come from simple gum irritation, and you might be able to manage it at home. However, in the case of more serious toothaches that point to more acute dental or mouth problems, you should seek an expert assessment from a dentist.
What Causes a Toothache
Here are some of the most common causes of toothache:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and other oral issues.
Dental infection
A dental infection can cause serious toothache if left untreated. Periodontal or gum disease is an inflammatory disease that attacks the gums, bones and other supporting structures of the teeth. It's mainly a result of plaque.
When plaque isn't removed, it causes gums to recede from teeth. This forms pockets that fill with plaque and accelerate the deterioration of your oral health. If untreated, the disease leads to the loss of bone anchoring teeth in the jawbone, making them loose. Eventually, they may fall out entirely.
Tooth fracture or trauma
Trauma to the teeth or jaw can cause a toothache. This includes injury from accidents or sports-related activities.
Grinding or clenching of teeth
Uncontrolled tooth grinding (especially during sleep) can have a bad effect on your teeth and cause unhealthy stress on the tooth structure.
If left unchecked, the results can cause a variety of problems such as headaches, neck pain, jaw joint problems, tooth sensitivity, wearing down of tooth surfaces which alters your bite, and even cracked teeth.
Loose fillings
Fillings that are loose or worn can allow bacteria to enter the area and cause infection.
Infected root canals
If tooth decay or an injury results in an infection of the blood or nerve supply (known as the pulp), root therapy will be necessary. Infected root canals can cause intense pain and may require special treatment from a dentist.
Broken or missing teeth
Broken or missing teeth can cause pain and should be treated as soon as possible.
Temporomandibular joint disorder
TMJ is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint in the jaw, which acts like a sliding hinge connecting your jawbone to your skull, and can lead to chronic facial, neck, and jaw pain.
Wisdom tooth
Wisdom teeth can cause toothache if they become impacted or when there is not enough room for them to grow properly.
Practising good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist are key to preventing issues such as toothache from arising; early diagnosis helps ensure prompt treatment, which will bring relief from discomfort and help prevent further damage.
The Symptoms of a Toothache
A toothache is a common dental problem that affects millions of people every year, and it can range from mild to severe in terms of intensity.
Common symptoms associated with toothaches include pain when eating, lingering soreness in the jaw or cheeks, sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, swelling around the affected area, and inflammation.
If left untreated, toothaches can worsen significantly over time and lead to further complications such as infection and even abscesses. It’s essential that those suffering from any type of toothache seek professional help from a dentist immediately in order to avoid these potentially serious health issues.
Toothache Remedies
Toothache can be anything from a minor annoyance to debilitating agony. However, with simple home remedies for toothache, you can have temporary relief.
Saltwater rinses
Saltwater rinses are known to be an effective remedy, as they can reduce inflammation and flush away any food particles that may be causing discomfort.
Cold compress
Cold compresses also provide some fleeting relief, with many people finding that wrapping some ice cubes in a cloth or damp towel can help reduce swelling and pain.
Peppermint oil
The natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint oil make it a great tooth pain reliever.
Just mix a few drops with some coconut or olive oil and apply to the affected tooth or gum with your finger or a cotton ball.
Cloves oil
Cloves oil is another popular pain relief home remedy. It contains eugenol, which has both antibacterial and anesthetic properties that can soothe toothache pain.
Simply apply a few drops of clove oil directly to the aching tooth or gum, being careful not to get it on any other part of your mouth as it.
Garlic
Garlic is another effective toothache remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Simply crush a few cloves of garlic and mix with some salt or olive oil, then apply it to the affected tooth or gum.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is a surprisingly effective toothache reliever. It has antibiotic properties that may fight off any potential bacterial infections. Simply dip a cotton ball into some pure vanilla extract and apply it to the affected tooth or gum for relief.
Hydrogen peroxide rinse
Hydrogen peroxide has astringent properties, which can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from toothache. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, then swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
However, this home remedy should be used with caution as excessive use of hydrogen peroxide can damage the enamel on your teeth.
Thyme essential oil
Thyme essential oil has been found to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which makes it a great home remedy for toothache.
Simply add a few drops of thyme oil to some warm water, then swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process several times throughout the day.
Ultimately, treating toothache at home is possible. At least it gives temporary pain relief, but if symptoms worsen or persist after 24 hours, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice.
When to See a Dentist For a Toothache?
Experiencing toothache is not only uncomfortable but can also be an indication of a more serious dental issue. It's important to seek toothache medical treatment as soon as possible with your local dentist or dental health professional.
While it may be tempting to put off seeing a dentist, delaying toothache medical treatment could lead to further complications involving the tooth and surrounding areas. An experienced dentist can provide proper diagnosis and treatment for toothaches and will conduct a comprehensive examination in order to determine the best course of action for addressing the toothache quickly.
How to Prevent Toothache?
The best way to prevent toothache is through prevention. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings, brushing and flossing properly at least twice a day, as well as limiting sugary foods and drinks, can help keep your teeth healthy and free from decay.
Additionally, be sure to wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or other activities that could cause dental trauma.
Finally, eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can also help prevent toothache in the long run. Not only will this help maintain your overall dental health, but it will also reduce your risk of developing other oral problems that could lead to discomfort or pain.
By following these simple steps, you can improve your oral hygiene and reduce the risk of developing a toothache. While it's impossible to completely prevent toothache, taking steps to maintain good dental health can go a long way toward protecting your teeth and avoiding discomfort in the future.
Reach Out to our Finesse Dental Team
Toothache can be extremely painful and frustrating. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to understand what causes it and how you can treat it effectively. There are many home remedies that can help relieve the pain of toothache. However, if the pain persists or gets worse, you should see a dentist for treatment.
At Finesse Dental, our friendly dental team can help you get to the bottom of your toothache and provide effective treatment to improve your oral health. Contact us on (02) 8806 0790 today if you have any concerns about your oral health or are experiencing tooth pain.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jir/2015/401630/
Rinsing with Saline Promotes Human Gingival Fibroblast Wound Healing In Vitro https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0159843
Chemical composition, anthelmintic, antibacterial and antioxidant effects of Thymus bovei essential oil https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1408-2
Evaluation of the effect of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash in comparison with chlorhexidine in chronic periodontitis patients: A clinical study https://www.jispcd.org/article.asp?issn=2231-0762;year=2016;volume=6;issue=3;spage=206;epage=212;aulast=Rashed
