Toothache Facts
- Pain is a symptom of almost every dental issue, so it may be hard to know what the problem is.
- The tooth may appear to be fine, but it could have an infection internally.
- There are different type of pain: throbbing, constant, flashes, they all might mean something different.
Toothache pain can be quite severe and in some cases it can be so disruptive it can stop patients from doing there daily activities. If the pain becomes this intense it can definitely be considered an emergency toothache. It can also be hard to pinpoint what the specific cause is, pain and discomfort are a symptom of almost every dental issue that can occur.
What causes toothaches?
A toothache can range in severity from hardly noticeable, to disruptive. There can also be many causes of a toothache, here are a few things that may cause you pain:
- Tooth decay – Cavities are literally holes in your teeth, it can also cause exposure which will increase sensitivity.
- Exposed nerves – If your nerves become exposed they will be incredibly sensitive.
- Infection – Bacteria can even get inside the tooth which may result in you getting a root canal.
How can I relieve my toothache pain?
You probably won’t be able to get rid of the ache, but you can implement strategies that will hopefully lessen the pain. We do recommend you see a dentist if you are experiencing pain, however, if it’s severe toothache the intensity of the pain generally signals a more serious issue.
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinses are an excellent tool to use against lots of dental issues. Salt is antimicrobial and not only will it help lessen the pain, but it will also act as a mouth wash and can clean your mouth as well.
- Saltwater rinse – Mix 1/2 of a teaspoon in a glass of warm water and gently rinse around your mouth. After you are finished rinsing spit out the water.
After you are done with the salt water rinse, you can do a quick brush, or use mouthwash to rid of the taste.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide should be available at a pharmacy or even grocery store near you. It’s not as recommended as salt since salt is safer, but if you’re careful and measure it properly hydrogen peroxide is fairly safe.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse – Mix 3-percent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water. Do not attempt to swallow it, afterwards, rinse your mouth out with regular water.
Cold Compress
A cold compress will do a couple of things you can benefit from, it will numb the painful area, and it will help to mitigate any local swelling. A cold compress is usually pretty easy to make.
- Cold compress – Have a bag of something cold or frozen i.e. frozen peas. Apply the bag to the outside area of the painful part of your mouth. Do this for ten-minute intervals, or as long as it is comfortable for you.
Cold compresses can be done along with other remedies mentioned in this article.
Garlic
If you have fresh cloves of garlic, it can numb the pain if applied directly, it has been recognized throughout history for its antibacterial properties.
- Garlic – Crush the fresh clove of garlic in a small amount of water to create a paste, immediately apply the paste to the tooth, it won’t work if it is left too long. Than afterward you can use mouthwash or brush your teeth to get rid of the taste and smell on the breath.
Pain medication (OTC)
Most people will have some form of over-the-counter pain medication, most notably, Advil, or Tylenol. Depending on the cause of the pain, this medication can help relieve the pain. All you have to do is take the recommended dose and wait for it’s effects to occur.
Elevate your head
If you can, lay down and keep your head elevated on a pillow, or another soft surface. This will lessen some pressure from the fluid in your body. It will also put you in a comfortable position and keep your stress level lower.
Toothache Outlook
If you are experiencing a toothache, you should call the dentist immediately if you consider it severe, or if it’s been an ongoing issue for a day or more. Toothaches are never a good sign, and are almost always indicative that something more serious is the issue. Some patients may confuse sensitivity with toothaches, while hot or cold temperatures may increase or decrease the pain, an actual toothache will ache just for no obvious reason, due to pressure on the tooth, or if you move your jaw.
