How to Treat a Toothache?
Toothache is the worst. You can't see it, it doesn't go away on its own, and you can't massage it as you do with muscle contractures. It is also a key indicator of a serious problem that requires the immediate attention of a dentist.
It is a constant pain whose intensity is increasing. It is one of the sharpest and most intense pains you can have. Cold drinks, hot foods, or chewing can increase pain.
If a tooth hurts you should go to your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause and establish the appropriate treatment for your particular case.
Causes of toothache
The traditional toothache is mainly caused by pulpitis, known as inflammation of the pulp tissue.
Dental pain is due to the involvement of the tooth nerve, and the most common cause is advanced tooth decay. Tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth pain in most children and adults. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the foods you eat.
These bacteria form a plaque that attaches to the surface of the teeth. Acids produced by bacteria in the plaque can pierce the hard white coating on the outside of the teeth (enamel) and create cavities. The first sign of cavities may be the feeling of pain when you eat something sweet, very cold, or very hot. Sometimes cavities look like brown or white spots on the teeth.
Other causes of tooth pain can be:
- Infection
- Gum disease
- Bruxism (clenching teeth)
- Dental trauma
- Abnormal bite
- Tooth eruption (in infants and school-age children)
An unattended toothache-related problem develops into sepsis, which occurs when the body struggles excessively with an infection. If sepsis progresses and is not treated, it can cause death.
When you suffer from a constant toothache it means that there is a dental problem. And therefore it is convenient to go to your dentist for a personalized diagnosis that allows you to know the cause of the problem.
Although you often think you know which tooth is causing your pain, the nerves in your teeth send the wrong messages to your brain.
Through a clinical examination complemented by dental radiography, it is possible to detect pathologies such as cavities, fractures, or other problems that may be the cause of pain.
Home remedies
Before numbering some remedies, you should know that these are temporary solutions mainly if you cannot sleep, but the recommendation is that you visit your dentist as soon as possible:
Cold compresses: If your tooth pain manifests along with swelling, hold a cold compress over your cheek (put it on for 20 minutes, and then rest another 20). This may give you some relief.
Clove Oil: Clove oil can be used temporarily to decrease pain and swelling that occurs along with tooth pain. To apply this home remedy for tooth pain, dip a cotton ball in clove oil and let it absorb a few drops. Then gently rub the cotton ball over the sore area of your teeth or gums.
Rinses with saline water: If your tooth hurts and your gums are swollen, rinsing your mouth with warm salty water may help a little. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth and then spit it out.
Both cold water and hot water can cause discomfort when you have tooth pain, but warm water is soothing. Warm water helps relieve pain, and salt helps decrease inflammation in the gingival tissue.
Tooth pain prevention
Although dental disorders that can cause tooth pain are diverse, cavities are usually the most likely cause. Fortunately, there are many things you can do at home to protect your teeth from decay. Brush your teeth three times a day and don't forget to floss. It is also important that you visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups. If you develop any cavities, it can be detected and treated before it gives you a strong tooth pain.
When to see a dentist:
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that a dentist assess tooth pain immediately; so we recommend that you make an appointment as soon as possible with Dr. Evanson, one of the best dentists in Parker, Co, and just click here to reach them.
Dentists often make spaces available for emergency patients, so you probably get an appointment the same day. If you have any symptoms of a tooth abscess - such as fever, swelling of the face, or unrelenting pain in the tooth - and your dentist is unable to see you, go to the emergency room for treatment.
