A toothache can ruin your day, week, or month. It can cause severe pain and make it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. To make matters worse, toothaches are often caused by factors that are beyond our control, like eating acidic foods or grinding our teeth in our sleep. There are some things that one can do to prevent a toothache from happening in the first place; let’s find out more about them.
What is a Toothache?
Experiencing a toothache can be one of the most unpleasant experiences one might endure. Pain from a toothache is usually localised to the affected area but can be severe and long-lasting if left untreated. Though painkillers can provide temporary pain relief, it’s important to have an expert diagnose what is causing oral pain as it could signal an infection, such as a sinus infection. The dentist will then recommend a pain reliever specifically formulated for dental pain that can soothe and relieve the discomfort. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the pain will typically worsen as time passes. Steps should be taken immediately to minimise pain and get rid of any underlying causes.
Causes of Toothache
1. Cavities
Cavities, or tooth decay, are one of the most common causes of toothaches. They occur when bacteria in your mouth break down the enamel on your teeth, causing holes and other damage to the teeth. If a cavity gets too large, it can cause pain and discomfort in the area around it.
2. Tooth Infections
Bacterial infections can also cause toothaches, usually due to an abscessed tooth or periodontal disease (gum disease).
These types of infections can cause swelling and pain in the gums surrounding the affected area, as well as general discomfort throughout the mouth.
3. Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition where people grind their teeth together while sleeping or during times of stress or anxiety. This constant grinding can lead to worn-down enamel, which can then lead to sensitivity, pain, and even cracked teeth if left untreated for too long.
4. Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is a common cause of a toothache that occurs when the enamel on your teeth has been worn away due to acid erosion or abrasive brushing techniques.
This makes it easier for hot and cold food and drinks to penetrate through to the nerves beneath the enamel causing significant discomfort throughout your mouth when eating or drinking these items.
5. TMJ/TMD Disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is an issue with how your jaw joint functions causing pain in and around your jawline as well as neck and shoulder pains due to tightness in those areas from clenching and grinding caused by TMJ issues. TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder, which involves muscles related to chewing being overworked, leading to pain and tenderness around your jaw area when you open wide or chew something hard like gum or candy bars etc.
6. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when wisdom teeth become trapped under existing molars due to overcrowding in your mouth, making them unable to break through properly, leading to immense pressure on surrounding structures like nerve endings, causing pain radiating from that area down into other parts of your face like cheeks, chin etc.
7. Mouth Sores/Ulcers
Mouth sores/ulcers often appear out of nowhere, leading some people to think they have developed a serious dental issue, but more often than not, they are harmless albeit painful, which could be caused by eating acidic foods, smoking, drinking alcohol etc. They can also occur due to irritation from sharp edges on broken pieces of teeth, fillings etc.
Home Remedies for Toothache Relief
Toothaches can be excruciatingly painful. Whether it’s a throbbing, sharp, or dull ache, it can make it hard to concentrate on anything else. But before you rush off to the dentist, consider trying some of these home remedies first. They may help provide temporary relief from your toothache until you are able to get in for a professional cleaning and exam.
Saltwater Rinse
An easy, accessible solution for relieving toothache is to make a saltwater mouth rinse. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth for several seconds before spitting it out. The saltwater helps clean any food particles that may be stuck between teeth or gums and reduce inflammation in the area that could be causing pain.
Use a Hot Pack
A hot pack can also provide relief from toothache pain by relaxing the muscles in your jaw and helping reduce inflammation. To make a hot pack at home, immerse a washcloth in warm or hot water and apply it directly to the affected area for up to 10 minutes several times per day until the pain subsides. Be sure not to burn yourself by using water that’s too hot!
Apply a Cold Compress
If heat aggravates your toothache, instead of providing relief from pain, try using cold compresses instead. Place a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack directly over the affected area for up to 15 minutes at a time, many times per day, until your pain subsides. The cold temperature can help numb nerve endings and reduce swelling in the area that may be causing discomfort.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Another remedy for toothache is rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide 2-3 times per day until symptoms improve. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial properties, which can help fight infection while also reducing inflammation around teeth and gums that may be causing discomfort. Just keep in mind that this remedy should only be used short-term; prolonged use can damage enamel and cause irritation in oral tissues if used excessively or incorrectly diluted. And, of course, be extra careful not to swallow any of it.
Common Dental Treatments for Tooth Pain Relief
Root Canal Therapy
It is one of the most well-known treatments for dental pain. It involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside the root of the tooth, which will reduce pain while also preserving the tooth structure. In some cases, root canal therapy may not only resolve discomfort but also prevent further damage from occurring in the future.
Fillings
If cavities are causing your discomfort, then your dentist can remove any damaged areas and fill them with a durable material like metal or composite resin to protect your teeth from further decay. A filling is a relatively simple procedure that can help relieve pain quickly and effectively.
Crowns
If damage is more extensive, then crowns may be necessary to restore strength and function to the affected tooth. Dental crowns are caps that fit over existing teeth to protect them against further decay or damage while also providing additional support if needed. This treatment option is an effective way to treat dental pain caused by large cavities, fractures, or other forms of serious damage.
Extraction
Unfortunately, in some cases, extraction may be necessary if a tooth is too damaged to be salvaged with other treatments like fillings or crowns. Extractions involve removing the aching tooth completely with special tools and techniques designed to minimise discomfort during the procedure itself as well as afterwards. Afterwards, dentists usually recommend replacing extracted teeth with bridges or implants for the best results.
Prevention of Toothaches
1. Eat a balanced diet
Eating a diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Avoid sugary drinks, snacks, and acidic foods, which can wear away tooth enamel.
2. Brush and floss regularly
Brushing two times a day and flossing once a day will remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Remember to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. See your dentist regularly
Even if you floss and brush regularly, you should still see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. They will be able to spot any problems early on and recommend treatments accordingly.
4. Avoid tobacco items
Tobacco products can cause gum disease, which is one of the top causes of tooth loss. Quitting tobacco use is the most important step you can take for your oral health. Whether it’s smoking or chewing, do what’s best for yourself and quit!
5. Use mouthguards
If you clench your teeth at night or play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
6. Take care of your gums
Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss, so it’s important to take care of your gums. Brush gently around the gum line and floss daily to remove plaque buildup. See your dentist if you notice any redness, swelling, or bleeding in your gums.
7. Use fluoride
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. You can get fluoride from fluoridated water as well as some kinds of toothpaste and mouthwash. You can also ask your dentist about fluoride treatments during your regular checkups.
8. Avoid excessive sugar
Too much sugar can lead to cavities by encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. When you do eat sugary foods or drinks, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to remove any lingering sugar particles.
Get Immediate Relief for Your Toothache at Amity Dental Centre!
We know what it’s like to struggle with a painful tooth and experience the agony of a toothache at night. If you’re looking for immediate relief, look no further than Amity Dental Centre. Our experienced dentist will relieve your pain and address the cause of your toothache. Don’t let a toothache affect your peace of mind any longer – get the quality treatment you need at Amity Dental Centre in Albany, WA.
Call us at (08) 9930 2083 to book your appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
How to get rid of a toothache at night
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326133
11 Home and Natural Remedies for Toothache Pain
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache
