What is a Toothache?
A toothache is any pain in and around your tooth that may be caused due to several dental problems. Some toothaches may arise due to temporary gum irritation that can be treated at home. While a few toothaches may be even more serious, which can’t get better on their own, and which may require immediate medical attention.
Why is Toothache So Painful?
The pulp which is present inside your tooth is a soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. The pulp nerves are the most sensitive nerves in your body, and when irritated or infected by bacteria, then they cause severe pain.
What Can Cause a Toothache?
Toothache can be caused by various reasons:
- Tooth decay.
- Damaged filling in the tooth.
- An abscessed tooth, caused by a bacterial infection inside the centre of your tooth.
- Tooth fracture or broken tooth.
- Repetitive motions, such as chewing, grinding, or clenching teeth. Sometimes, these motions can wear down your teeth.
- Infected teeth.
- Removal of wisdom tooth.
- The eruption, when teeth are coming out of the gums.
Symptoms of Toothache
Tooth pain can be sharp, constant, or throbbing. Few people experience tooth pain only when pressure is applied to the tooth. Some symptoms include:
- Fever or headache.
- Swelling around your tooth.
- Bad odour from your mouth.
- Trouble breathing and swallowing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then contact your dental professional.
How to Prevent a Toothache?
Most toothaches are a result of tooth decay, it is very necessary to implement good oral hygiene practices in your daily lives:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day regularly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a regular checkup.
- Also, it is recommended to eat foods that are low in sugar. You can also ask your dentist to provide you with information about sealants and fluoride applications.
Measures to treat Toothache at Home?
If you are looking for temporary relief from a toothache, then you can try the following measures:
- Cold compress – For pain and swelling, it is advisable to hold a cold compress or ice wrapped in a towel to the painful area for a 20-minute period. This can be repeated every few hours.
- Rinse your mouth with saline water – Saline or saltwater can help loosen your debris between your teeth, which acts as a disinfectant and reduces inflammation. So, into a glass of water, add and stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt and rinse your mouth thoroughly with saline water.
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) helps to reduce toothache inflammation and pain. For this, you need to dilute H2O2 with equal parts of water and rinse thoroughly. Remember not to swallow it.
- Pain medications – OTC (Over-The-Counter) medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen can be used. If you can’t take NSAIDs, then consider taking Acetaminophen.
Remember that, any child under the age of 16, should not be given Aspirin. Instead use Tylenol.
Natural or herbal treatments
- Garlic – Crush a clove of garlic, make a paste and apply to the affected area. Because, garlic can effectively kill bacteria, as it contains the antimicrobial Allicin, which helps relieve pain.
- Clove oil – A natural antiseptic that reduces inflammation and numbs your pain. Dab a cotton ball with a small amount of clove oil and apply it to the painful area. Or the other alternative is, you can drop a little amount of clove oil into a small glass of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Peppermint tea – A peppermint tea bag, can help soothe the painful area. Hold the teabag, against the tooth and gum.
- Vanilla extract – The alcohol content present in the vanilla extract numbs the pain temporarily, as its antioxidants help the area heal. You can either use a cotton ball or your fingertips to apply the extract to the tooth and gum a few times a day.
When Should I Consult a Dentist If Toothache Pertains?
You have to consult your dentist, if:
- You are having a toothache that lasts longer than two days or more.
- Your toothache is severe and experiencing swelling in the mouth or face.
- Facing earache, fever, or pain when you open your mouth wide.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is important to prevent dental infections from spreading to the other parts of your face and skull, and sometimes, possibly even to the bloodstream.
Toothaches can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, but they are not permanent until this gets treated. To end this pain in peace, it is always advisable to consult a dental professional right away.
Can Toothache Make Me Feel Sick or Even be Fatal?
Your toothache cannot be considered fatal. But any untreated infection in your tooth can be easily spread, and you can become sick. Sometimes, if left untreated, this illness can turn into something very serious or even life-threatening.
So, the best advice if your toothache is not getting better, is to contact your dental professional immediately.