It’s 2 AM and your tooth is throbbing with pain. You’ve already Googled ‘why does my tooth hurt’ thrice and found no respite. I know how a toothache can turn your world upside down. Let’s discuss what a toothache really is, along with the best methods of toothache treatment.
What constitutes a toothache?
A toothache can often be more than just an unpleasant twinge in a tooth. Sometimes, the pain can radiate down from the sinuses, or be caused by a problem in the jaw or even in the ear.
These are referred to as pseudo-toothaches, and identifying the source is a part of the toothache treatment process
Common causes of tooth pain
There are several common causes of tooth pain. Here are the most common causes of toothache:
- Cavities and tooth decay
- Cracked tooth
- Gum infection
- Dental abscess
- Tooth sensitivity
- Impacted or erupting wisdom tooth
- Teeth grinding
Most cases of toothache have their origin in the above reasons. Tooth sensitivity occurs due to worn-off enamel or exposed roots. Teeth grinding can lead to cracks or extreme wear and tear on the teeth. A dental abscess is a collection of pus near the root of the tooth, often extremely painful. Wisdom tooth pain is usually a combination of swelling, pressure and the proximity of other teeth. Gum infection can also make the pain from the affected teeth radiate to other teeth and the jaw.
Warning signs for severe toothache
If your tooth only aches when you eat something sweet, it’s not a cause for alarm. However, if you notice any of the following signs, make sure to get professional help:
- Swelling on your face, cheek or gums
- Fever
- Unpleasant taste or discharge in the mouth
- Worsening pain on lying down
- Pulsating pain that lasts for more than a day or two
- Inability to open the mouth fully
These are symptoms which demand immediate toothache treatment.
Some home remedies for toothache
There are several home remedies for toothache that can offer pain relief until a dentist can be consulted. You may try any of the following home remedies for toothache:
- Using salt water rinses
- Applying a cold compress to the affected area
- Taking painkillers
- Clove oil application for pain relief
But keep in mind that these are only temporary measures. The root cause of your toothache still needs to be addressed for proper toothache treatment
When to see a dentist for tooth pain?
It’s only natural to want to give your teeth a chance to ‘heal on their own’. However, if your tooth has been hurting for more than two days, or if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to see a dentist for toothache treatment:
- Pain lasting for more than two days
- Visible swelling anywhere on your face
- Fever accompanying the toothache
- Sharp pain while biting down
- Looseness or visible damage to a tooth
The sooner the cause of the toothache is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
Commonly performed toothache treatment procedures
For most cases of toothache, the type of treatment depends a lot on what’s causing the pain. However, there are some general procedures which are a part of toothache treatment:
Treatment for cavities generally consists of filling the cavity. This is a routine procedure which can easily be done in-clinic. Root canal treatment may also be necessary if the decay has reached the innermost layer of the tooth.
In the case of an infection, antibiotics are prescribed, followed by root canal treatment or draining the abscess, if required.
For cracked or broken teeth, a crown may be required in order to prevent further damage. In severe cases, the entire tooth may have to be extracted.
For sensitivity, desensitizing toothpastes and fluoride treatment may be prescribed.
Finally, impacted wisdom teeth may have to be extracted, if the pain persists for too long.
Preventive measures for future toothaches
After the initial cause of your toothache has been treated, you’ll need to follow some basic preventive measures in order to keep future toothaches at bay.
Some of these measures include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing everyday, eating less sugar, having routine dental check-ups and avoiding using your teeth as tools. You must also consider using a night guard, if you have a habit of teeth grinding.
Your tooth deserves more than a simple ‘I’ll deal with it later’
The pain caused by toothaches can be pretty inconvenient. You might stop brushing on one side, or avoid drinking cold beverages, but it doesn’t mean the toothache has been dealt with.
The best kind of toothache treatment can get you back to enjoying cold desserts without a second thought. If you’re facing any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog, don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist in Kalyan, book a consultation with the Oral & Maxillofacial team at Anantam Hospital, the best multispeciality hospital in Kalyan and get it looked at by a specialist, before it becomes a problem!
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