Few things make us more miserable than the dreaded toothache! That relentless and inescapable pain that descends and affects everything.. what you can eat, how you sleep and even your ability to focus on anything else apart from the excruciating pain in your mouth! So with this in mind, in our November blog, we are troubleshooting the topic of toothache, providing you with the information you need to help determine what might be the root cause of the tooth pain, and then sharing with you some useful at-home tips and tricks to help relieve the pain and get you on the road to recovery, with or without a trip to the dentist.
What are the most common causes of toothache?
- Dental Cavities: whilst there are many reasons that you might experience tooth pain, the primary cause is still in fact dental cavities. Cavities occur when harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acid that eats away at the tooth’s enamel, and this process of demineralisation causes small holes to appear in the teeth. The resulting dental cavities then expose the inner layers of the tooth, where the nerve endings reside, and what comes next is usually sharp, throbbing toothache. If you suspect a cavity is what’s causing the pain, please book a dental appointment as soon as possible.
- Gum Disease: toothache can also be caused by gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) and is often experienced as a dull, persistent ache in the affected area. The accumulation of plaque and tartar, which is symptomatic of gum disease, causes inflammation and infection of the gums which accelerates gum recession and exposes the sensitive roots of the teeth. A visit to the dental hygienist will help determine if gum disease is the root cause of your toothache.
- Tooth Sensitivity: everyone is familiar with hot/cold tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking certain things, and this can occur due to receding gums or because of enamel erosion. One solution to help alleviate tooth sensitivity, is to use a special desensitising toothpaste to block the nerve signals that trigger pain. Additionally, avoiding acidic foods and using a soft-bristle toothbrush can help protect sensitive teeth too.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: tooth fractures caused by biting down on hard objects or through dental trauma can lead to intense and unbearable tooth pain. In some cases, the damage can happen over time through wear and tear, and the pain is usually sharp and severe, and worse when chewing. Your dentist is best placed to make treatment recommendations, which may involve bonding, crowns, or even root canal therapy.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: in early adulthood our 3rd molars (commonly known as wisdom teeth) typically start to emerge, and for many people there simply isn’t enough space for them to grow properly. This often results in impacted wisdom teeth, which can cause swelling, pain, and infection and removal of the impacted wisdom teeth is often necessary to alleviate the pain and discomfort.
- Sinus Infection: sometimes, what seems like a toothache is actually pain referred from a sinus infection in the maxillary sinuses located close to the upper molars. The accompanying inflammation in the sinuses can lead to discomfort in the teeth and the most effective way to resolve the toothache is to treat the underlying sinus infection.
How can you alleviate tooth pain?
- Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with warm saltwater not only helps reduce inflammation but also creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria in your mouth and can provide temporary relief from unpleasant toothache.
- OTC Pain Medication: Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation and can give you additional comfort when waiting to see a dentist.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the painful area can constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, and numb the pain.
- Clove Oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic. Apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area with a cotton ball to provide temporary relief from pain or find a clove oil toothpaste to help with pain relief.
- Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth: Special toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help block pain signals from the nerve endings in your teeth, providing relief when consuming hot or cold foods.
- Avoid Trigger Foods: Avoid extremely hot or cold foods, as well as hard or sugary foods, as they can exacerbate tooth pain. Opt for a soft diet until the pain subsides.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are essential for maintaining good oral hygiene and will help prevent toothaches by keeping your teeth and gums healthy and free from harmful bacteria.
- Visit Your Dentist: If your toothache persists for more than a couple of days, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care, so that a dental professional can diagnose any underlying issues and recommend the appropriate treatment. Early intervention is always recommended to avoid more serious dental issues that may arise in the future due to an absence of treatment.
Final thoughts on dealing with toothache
Understanding what’s behind the tooth pain and having a range of at-home remedies at your disposal, can go a long way towards helping you manage your toothache and, in some cases, even prevent toothaches from occurring in the future. Maintaining a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine is also essential in preventing the onset of conditions that may lead to toothache. And finally, remember that the key to sustained relief is addressing the root cause of the problem, and this may require a visit to your dentist or hygienist to get the right expert diagnosis and guidance. But don’t suffer on your own; speak to our dental experts today if you’re troubled by unexpected tooth pain.
Are you concerned about recurring or persistent toothache? Reach out to us today and book a dental check-up.
