What Helps with Toothache? How to Relieve Toothache?

Toothache can be described as a feeling of discomfort in or around a tooth. This condition is often a sign of a problem with the tooth or gums and should not be ignored. Neglecting treatable causes, like cavities, may lead to a more severe course of tooth pain.

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache can result from a variety of underlying conditions. Among the most common causes are tooth decay, inflammation within the tooth structure, abscesses, structural damage to the tooth, gum diseases, and tooth sensitivity:

• Gum Diseases: This refers to infections in the gum tissue caused by various microorganisms. When gingivitis, a type of gum inflammation, develops, it can cause the gums to appear red and swollen. If not properly treated, gum disease can lead to bone loss and gum damage over time. Damage to gum integrity creates an environment for bacteria to thrive.
• Tooth Decay: This is the erosion and formation of cavities in the enamel, the outer layer of the teeth. It is the most common cause of tooth pain. Plaque, a sticky substance produced by bacteria, feeds on sugary particles from food left in the mouth. The acidic environment resulting from bacterial activity weakens and damages the enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Initially painless, cavities can cause sensitivity when decay progresses into the tooth's inner layers.
• Pulpitis: This occurs when decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth. The inner layer, rich in nerves and blood vessels, can experience inflammation, causing pressure and discomfort inside the tooth.
• Trauma to the Mouth: Injuries to the mouth can disrupt the structural integrity of the tooth. In such cases, a person may feel sharp pain when biting or chewing. A damaged tooth may also become sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods.
• Tooth Abscesses: These occur when bacteria accumulate in the tooth root due to untreated cavities or pulpitis. The infection tries to drain from the root area, which can cause sudden pain. Untreated abscesses can lead to increased swelling and pain over time.
• Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, teeth can become impacted or unable to move freely into position in the mouth. Most commonly seen with wisdom teeth, this occurs when the jawbone does not have enough space for extra teeth, causing the wisdom teeth to remain embedded in the gum tissue.

What Are the Symptoms of Toothache?

The accompanying symptoms of toothache can vary greatly from person to person. For some, the pain may come and go, while for others, it may be continuous. Symptoms that may occur along with toothache include:

• Swelling and throbbing pain in the tooth or gum area
• Fever
• Sharp pain when biting or chewing
• Discomfort and sensitivity around the tooth
• Pain and sensitivity to hot and cold drinks.

What Helps with Toothache?

When experiencing toothache, identifying the underlying cause is essential to eliminate the discomfort. While mild tooth pain caused by irritation can be managed with simple remedies like saltwater gargling, more severe cases require a dentist’s intervention. For symptoms persisting for 1-2 days, it’s recommended to consult a dentist. There are various methods you can use against tooth pain under the guidance of your dentist:

Saltwater Gargle

Many people with toothache first try gargling with salt water to manage their discomfort. Saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant and helps clean food debris from between the teeth. Gargling with salt water can also reduce inflammation in any wounds inside the mouth. For this, a simple mixture of half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough.

Cold Compress

Applying cold to the painful area can be effective, especially when the pain is due to trauma. Cold compresses cause blood vessels in the affected area to constrict, reducing the sensation of pain.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for thousands of years due to its health benefits in traditional medicine and cooking. It can help eliminate harmful bacteria that cause plaque on the teeth and may ease the pain. For toothache, garlic can be crushed or grated into a paste and applied to the affected area. Some people prefer to chew raw garlic between the painful teeth.

Clove

Clove, like garlic, is a traditional remedy for toothache. The oil in clove can help control pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Thyme

Thyme is another herb with strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties. When using essential oils from these plants, dilute them with water and apply them to the affected area with a cotton ball. Thyme oil can also be added as a drop to a glass of water for gargling.

How to Relieve Toothache?

When visiting a dentist for toothache, the root cause of the problem should first be identified. With a proper diagnosis, dentists can apply appropriate treatments through medications and dental procedures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for initial pain control. For more severe pain, a local nerve block may be applied. In cases of bacterial infections, antibiotics and certain mouthwashes may be prescribed.

In addition to medication, various dental procedures can address the root cause of tooth pain. For cavities, cleaning the affected area and filling it with suitable materials is common. If the toothache is caused by advanced pulpitis, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Since toothache can have many causes, it should not be neglected. For sudden onset pain or persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve quickly, it’s recommended to seek help from a qualified dentist at a healthcare facility.