How to Prevent and Treat a Toothache

Imagine waking up to a throbbing, aching pain in your tooth. It’s so severe that you can’t concentrate on anything else. You can’t eat, you can’t drink, and you can barely sleep. This is the misery of a toothache.

Toothache is a slight to severe pain in or around the teeth or jaw. Tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth pain, which can indicate issues with your teeth or gums. If you have a toothache, it is recommended that you visit a professional dentist at Complete Smiles Dental Clinic. We understand that a toothache can turn even the brightest of days into a challenge.

What is Toothache?

A toothache is exactly how it sounds, a sudden sensation of pain or sensitivity that can be acute and throbbing, dull and intermittent, or originate from the affected tooth and gum area within the mouth. Even if the pain subsides, that doesn’t mean the issue won’t resolve. A toothache often comes back and is almost always a symptom of an issue.

Common Symptoms of Toothache

The most common symptoms of Toothache include;

• Pain that is sharp, throbbing, or dull
• Constant pain comes and goes.
• Delicate to hot, cold, and sweet foods and drinks
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Swelling of the gums or face
• Fever

Causes of Toothache

Here are some common causes of toothache:

• Cavities
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Gum disease
• Abscesses
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Orthodontic treatment
• Impacted teeth

Home Remedies for Toothache

There are a few home remedies that may help relieve tooth pain temporarily.

• OTC pain relievers including ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
• Applying a cold press to your cheek
• Using numbing gel or cream on the affected area
• Use dental floss to remove food particles.

When you Need to See a Dentist

In many cases, toothaches are a sign of a more serious underlying issue that can deteriorate if left untreated. The longer you avoid visiting the dentist, the more pain you will experience. When you visit the dentist, they’ll examine your mouth to determine the cause of your pain and recommend the most suitable treatment. You must see the dentist if:

• Persistent toothache for two or more days.
• You are in severe discomfort or pain.
• You notice pain in the ear, fever, or discomfort when opening your mouth.

What happens at an Emergency Appointment?

The aims of the emergency dental appointment are threefold:

1. Put you out of pain.
2. Diagnose the cause of the toothache.
3. Treatment to address the underlying cause of the toothache.

Why do Toothaches hurt more at Night?

Toothaches can feel worse at night because two things happen:

• When you lie down, more blood can flow to your head, which may increase the pain of the toothache.
• At night, there are fewer things to keep your mind busy. This can make it harder to ignore the toothache, and it might feel even more painful.

Treatment for the Toothache

The treatment for toothache will depend on the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatments for toothache include:

• Fillings: If the toothache is caused by a cavity, the dentist will drill out the decayed tooth material and fill the cavity with composite filling material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or gold.
• Crowns: If the tooth is severely damaged or has a large filling, the dentist may place a dental crown over the tooth to protect and strengthen it.
• Root canals: If the toothache is caused by an infection in the pulp of the tooth, the dentist may perform a root canal. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp and filling the root canals with a material called gutta-percha.
• Extractions: If the tooth is beyond repair or if it is causing pain, the dentist may extract it.

In addition to these treatments, the dentist may also prescribe medication to relieve the pain and inflammation, such as:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Prescription pain relievers
• Antibiotic

Preventive Measures for Toothache

Good oral hygiene is the most effective preventive approach to avoid toothaches. Here are some specific preventive tips:

• Regular dental check-ups
• Good oral Hygiene
• Balanced diet
• Avoiding excessive sugar
• Using a Soft-bristled Brush
• Wearing a mouthguard
• Quit smoking

Conclusion

Toothaches are a common problem that can be caused by a range of factors. The best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you do develop a toothache, then home remedies will help to relieve the pain temporarily. However, if your toothache is severe or does not respond to home remedies, you should see a dentist right away.

At Complete Smiles Dental Clinic, we understand the discomfort toothaches can cause. By recognising the causes, implementing preventive measures, and treating them for pain-free smiles, Remember, early treatment can help prevent the problem from getting worse and relieve the pain and discomfort.

Malavi Sivakanesan

Malavi Sivakanesan is the co-Founder & Operations Director at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.

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