Your oral health is connected to several other factors promoting or diminishing your overall wellness. Tooth pain is one of the first signs of an issue, and 40 percent of adults in the United States experience tooth pain annually. The pain is debilitating, and the best way to resolve it is by seeking help from an oral health professional.
Some cases are less severe, involving a popcorn kernel stuck between teeth. Other cases could involve a cracked, broken, or rotten tooth. If you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain, seeking help and medical advice is vital.
Fortunately for your teeth, you’re in the ideal place to learn the basics of eliminating the pain and restoring your mouth’s health. Continue reading to find tooth pain relief for peace of mind today!
Table of Contents
What Is a Toothache?
A toothache is an overarching term to describe significant pain in the mouth. The pain is often focused in and around a specific tooth. Minor toothaches will occur due to gum inflammation or irritation, and these cases can be treated with home remedies.
Severe toothaches result from cavities, infections, and other severe oral health conditions. These severe instances will require guidance and assistance from a healthcare professional.
If your toothache is paired with severe chills and fever, you’re experiencing a dental emergency and should seek help immediately. It’s rare, but the infection in your tooth or mouth can spread to other areas of the body, causing more issues. Take measures to prevent the disease from spreading to your brain or bloodstream.
Types of Toothaches
There are several types of toothaches to learn about to preserve your health and prevent tooth nerve pain. A common toothache symptom is a dull ache that doesn’t go away. Throbbing or sharp tooth pain are other signs you’re experiencing the early stages of a toothache.
If the symptoms or types of toothaches begin extending into headaches, fever, or chills, you’re in the midst of a dental emergency. Knowing the symptoms and types of toothaches is essential to preserve your health and find help when needed.
Causes of Toothaches
You’ll find many things that result in toothaches when you begin exploring your oral health. Understanding the causes can provide insight into how to prevent future issues and promote healthy teeth and gums.
You can only begin treating the condition once you identify the cause of your pain and discomfort. Here’s a dive into the causes of toothaches.
1. Tooth Decay or Cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are among the most common symptoms of tooth pain. The pain results from the damage bacteria has done to your teeth. The bacteria feed on a sticky film in your mouth called plaque.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to preserve teeth and prevent decay. The plaque will produce different acids that eat away at your tooth’s enamel, making it more vulnerable to bacteria and other factors-the gradual erosion results in significant decay and tooth pain.
2. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is another challenge you’ll face when determining the cause of your tooth pain. Plaque buildup will not only increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities, but it will also cause discomfort related to gingivitis.
Gingivitis causes red and puffy gums, and you’ll notice more pain and sensitivity when eating your favorite foods. The most prominent cause of sensitivity to hot and cold beverages is related to gingivitis.
3. Tooth Abscess
Ignoring plaque buildup and tooth pain is one of the worst things you can do for oral health and wellness. The issue might not seem severe yet, but waiting too long will result in damage beyond gingivitis or a cavity.
The bacteria will continue eating away at your tooth’s enamel and causing inflammation in the gums. As the process continues, your risk of getting a tooth infection grows.
The first sign you suffer an abscess is a throbbing pain throughout your mouth. The face and neck will also become swollen and painful due to the infection. Use the symptoms as a sign you need an emergency dentist.
4. Tooth Sensitivity From Gum Recession
Gum recession is one of the worst things that can happen to your oral hygiene. It exposes more of your tooth to bacteria and other harmful factors that result in tooth pain and discomfort.
The change to your oral health causes the gums to pull back and leave the lower section of your tooth exposed, creating more sensitivity to temperature and sweet sensations.
Sharp tooth pain when consuming hot or cold beverages is a notable sign that you have gum recession or tooth enamel damage. Ask your dentist for assistance and insight to relieve tooth pain and resolve the issue.
5. Teeth Grinding
Many people experiencing tooth pain do so due to a condition called Bruxism, or tooth grinding. Many people who experience this condition grind their teeth while sleeping and have no idea what issues they’re causing to their oral health.
The worst-case scenario with this tooth condition is significant tooth pain and sensitivity. Another problem that results from grinding teeth is cracked tooth enamel. Consider using a rubber mouthguard while sleeping to protect your teeth and maintain the perfect smile.
6. Trauma to the Tooth
Injuries related to teeth are possible, with many athletes suffering trauma to their teeth during sporting events. Hockey players are the most notable participants to experience lost and damaged teeth. The damage caused by the event can result in severe pain.
If you’ve suffered a traumatic tooth injury, visit an emergency dentist for assistance. They’ll use their knowledge and experience to save and repair missing or broken teeth.
Tips for Dealing With Unbearable Tooth Pain
Tooth pain comes in several shapes and sizes, and most patients want a way to enjoy tooth pain relief after hours of throbbing and sharp pains. Depending on the root cause of your tooth pain, there are several things you can do to ease the pain and resolve the issue.
The sooner you try these solutions, the sooner you’ll feel the pain drift away. You don’t need prescription drugs to kill tooth pain while risking other health conditions. Here are some tips for dealing with pain during a dental emergency.
1. Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Salt Water
One of the first home remedies to try when you’re experiencing toothaches and other oral pain is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. The solution is effective for pain related to wisdom teeth, but you can use it for other causes of toothaches to notable effect.
The purpose behind the mix of salt and hot water is that salt works as an antiseptic. It’s the ideal way to reduce inflammation in your mouth while ridding it of bacteria or infections. You’ll notice a significant change in comfort and tooth pain relief.
Heat a cup of water and mix a teaspoon of salt in. Swish the concoction around the inside of your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it into the sink.
The process will alleviate your pain and relieve you until you can schedule a dentist appointment. It’s a remedy to try with all toothache causes.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
While hot salt water relieves and can fight infections, a cold compress is also beneficial for oral health and tooth pain. It’s an excellent home remedy if you’re attempting to kill tooth pain using resources you can access at home.
The cold temperature of the compress will reduce the pain and inflammation in your mouth. You can use an icepack or a frozen meat or vegetable package or make a homemade compression pack using ice cubes and a durable towel.
Apply the compress for ten minutes before removing it for an additional ten minutes. Employ this pain management technique for 20-minute intervals throughout the day to manage the pain until you go to the dentist.
3. Use Over-The-Counter Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications have side effects, but they’re worth trying if you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain. They’re most effective when paired with other pain management strategies, like swishing with warm salt water or applying a cold compress to your mouth.
If you’re struggling to sleep due to the tooth pain you’re experiencing, OTC medications are one of the top solutions. Consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the pain and find relaxation.
The medications are designed to provide temporary relief from the pain until you can seek medical attention. You’ll enjoy quality sleep and clear thoughts to work through the issue and find a solution.
4. Try Clove Oil
Clove oil is an outside-the-box solution worth trying if you’re tired of your quality of life being impacted by unbearable tooth pain. Clove oil works similarly to warm salt water due to its antiseptic benefits for your gums and teeth.
Many users also note a numbing sensation caused by the clove oil, which is perfect for temporary relief from the tooth pain you’ve experienced. The best way to apply it is by soaking the end of a cotton swab in the oil and applying it to the areas of your mouth that cause you the most pain and trouble.
Other options include mixing the clove oil with olive or coconut oil. Mixing the clove with other oils will enhance the benefits and provide the tooth pain relief you crave. It’s another at-home remedy to try when experiencing a dental emergency.
5. Avoid Problematic Foods and Beverages
If tooth pain has been an ongoing theme over the previous weeks and months, you’ve likely identified foods and beverages that trigger pain and create issues for your oral health. Make a list of the food and drink options to avoid for your health and wellness.
Options like hard candy, coffee, and citrus fruits worsen the pain. Avoid these food and drink problems to experience the relief you crave from tooth pain. Wait until after your next dentist visit to resume eating and drinking these options to prevent unbearable tooth pain.
If the tooth pain is extra severe, avoid eating or drinking anything until after the dental emergency passes. The dentist will identify the cause of the pain and provide you with a roadmap to recovery.
6. Visit the Dentist
The best path toward pain relief from a troublesome tooth is to visit your dentist. They have the tools and expertise to analyze the issue and take corrective action. You’ll eliminate the pain and the underlying reasons causing the pain.
How to Prevent Toothaches
Preventing toothaches is as simple as following recommended oral health tips. Practicing good dental hygiene will do much to prevent future issues and unbearable pain. Brush your teeth twice daily and use mouthwash to eliminate bacteria that cause cavities and other dental problems.
You can also aid your teeth and gums by avoiding sugary or acidic foods. These food items cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, opening the door to bacteria causing damage. Limit your intake of these foods to lower your risk of experiencing a painful toothache.
Exchange the candy and sugary beverages for fresh fruit and water to help your body prosper. Natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup are other alternatives to satiate your sweet tooth without damaging your teeth.
Drinking more water is essential to keep toothaches and cavities at bay. You can use the water to eliminate food particles that get stuck between teeth and cause pain or inflammation. It’s an excellent way to lower your risk of tooth decay.
Avoid using tobacco products to help your teeth remain healthy and beautiful. Smoking or chewing tobacco causes inflammation of the gums and unbearable tooth pain.
Avoid Unbearable Tooth Pain Today
Unbearable tooth pain is crippling and will leave you looking for all solutions to make the pain dissipate. Finding tooth pain relief is straightforward when swishing your mouth with warm salt water and applying a cold compress to the troublesome areas. You can also use clove oil to numb the area until you visit your dentist.
No one relishes a visit to the dentist, but it’s a necessary step to promote oral hygiene and good health. Explore our Dental Care content for more tips to prevent toothaches and enjoy a beautiful smile!
Malindy Hetfeld is a full-time freelance writer and translator specializing in game narrative, Japanese games, and, of course, music. You can find her work on Eurogamer.net, Unwinnable.com, Official Playstation Magazine and zobuz
