Toothache is one of the most painful things to experience. Having such feelings is just beyond the pain. It comes with a lot of discomfort that can result in other little sicknesses. In these times when there is a variety of things to feed on, having toothache is very likely. Therefore it is necessary to let you know a whole lot about the topic “Toothache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Remedies”
We already know that any pain in or around the tooth is a clear sign of toothache. Toothache can be minor. In this case, it can be treated using domestic ways. Sometimes toothaches are more serious. This results from dental and mouth problems that won’t get better except with the treatment of a doctor.
Cleveland Clinic gives us a little insight into why some toothaches are so painful. There is a soft material filled with nerves, tissues, and blood vessels inside the tooth. This material is called pulp. Its nerves are sensitive and can cause severe pain when irritated by bacteria.
This means that the pulp can easily be infected. Therefore bacteria infection is a major cause of toothache.
Possible Causes Of Toothache
- Tooth Decay
This is the most common cause of toothache. Untreated tooth decay can grow into an abscess( an infection near your tooth or inside the pulp in your tooth).
See the dentist immediately if you notice an abscess. In some cases, it can spread to the brain when left untreated. This can be life-threatening.
- Impacted Tooth
This happens when one of the teeth( mostly the wisdom tooth) is stuck in the gum tissue or bone such that it can’t grow out.
- Sinusitis
This is an infection that causes inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. Sinuses are small air pockets behind the forehead, nose, and in between the eyes. It produces mucus( a thin flowing liquid that protects the body by trapping germs and moving them away).
Bacteria can cause the production of too much mucus which blocks the sinuses. When this mucus is too much, it becomes thick and encourages the build-up of bacteria and other germs in the sinus cavity. This results in a bacterial infection. Persistence of such infection beyond two weeks requires the attention of a doctor.
Some other causes of toothache include
- Infected gums
- Broken tooth
- Damaged filling
Signs and Symptoms of Toothache
How do I know I’m developing toothache? What are the symptoms of toothache? The symptoms of a toothache may include:
- Sharp, or constant tooth pain. Most times it comes in chewing when pressure is applied to the tooth.
- Mouth odor
- Swollen gum
- Foul taste from the infected tooth
- Fever or headache
Can Toothaches Go Away Without Treatment?
I already mentioned that toothaches can be minor. Minor toothaches that do not affect the inner parts of the teeth can get better without a visit to the dentist. Temporary irritation in the gum can also be resolved within a few days. But soft foods are recommended during such periods.
How To Treat Toothaches
- Salt Water Rinse
A salt water rinse is one of the best things to do to remedy a temporary toothache. It is a natural disinfectant that can help loosen food particles stuck in between the teeth.
It helps to reduce inflammation and heals oral wounds too.
How To Use Salt Water Rinse
- Mix ½ teaspoonful of salt in a glass of warm water
- Use it as a mouthwash by swishing around, and in the mouth.
- Gently floss it around the sore tooth to remove any piece of food that may be stuck.
- Spit away afterward. Do not swallow any bit.
- Cold Compress
A cold compress can be used to relieve the pain of toothache. Applying a cold compress causes the constriction of blood vessels in the painful area. This relieves the pain and reduces the swelling or inflammation.
How To Use A Cold Compress
- Get a towel-wrapped bag or pieces of ice.
- Apply it to the affected area for a period of 20 minutes
- Repeat for a space of 2 hours
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
In addition to killing bacteria which this method does, it may also help reduce pain and inflammation. It can also heal bleeding gums and reduce plaque.
To use this approach, dilute hydrogen peroxide properly in water. About 3% of hydrogen peroxide must be mixed equally with water. Use it as mouthwash and spit away.
- Use of Garlic
Garlic is recognized and used for its medicinal and antibacterial properties. It can kill harmful bacteria causing dental plaque. Sometimes it serves as a pain reliever.
How To Use Garlic
- Create a paste by mashing garlic cloves.
- Apply to the affected area
- A tiny pinch of salt can be added if desired.
- Alternatively, one can chew cloves of fresh garlic.
Other Natural and Herbal Remedies
- Use of Toothache Plant
These are flowering plants grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It has an active component(spilanthol) which contains anti-inflammatory properties according to studies.
NB: Some people are advised not to use the toothache plant.
- People with allergies to plants of the daisy family
- People who drink alcohol
- People who use diuretics
- People with prostate cancer
- Pregnant women.
- Pepper Mint Tea
This can be used to relieve pain and soothe sensitive gums as well. The peppermint tea bag is allowed to cool down after use before it is applied to the affected area.
How To Use
- Allow a used tea bag to cool and become warm. Or put a used teabag in the freezer to chill a bit before use.
- Apply the warm or cold tea bag to the affected area for some minutes.
- Clove Oil
Over time, clove has been used to treat toothache. The oil contains eugenol which is a natural antiseptic. It effectively numbs pain and reduces inflammation.
Other methods include the use of guava leaves, wheatgrass, and pain medications.
Bottom Line
Temporary domestic remedies may not be enough to treat toothaches especially when it persists. The attention of a dentist will be necessary when toothache persists or becomes recurring.
Also, seeing a professional for guidance on using the above-listed remedies is encouraged.