Feeling pain in or around your teeth can cause major discomfort and make doing your usual routines difficult. What should you do if you experience tooth pain? How do you cure it? What should you do so that it will not happen again?
What are the symptoms of toothaches?
You have a toothache if you have any of the following common symptoms:
- A constant, throbbing, or sharp pain in your tooth (even when you are not chewing, biting down, or applying pressure)
- Swelling or inflammation around the affected tooth
- Headache
- Fever
- Bad odor or taste coming from the mouth
What can cause toothaches?
There are a variety of reasons why people get toothaches. Below are some examples:
- Tooth decay – This is the #1 cause of toothaches. Tooth decay that is left untreated can lead to abscesses and infection.
- Gum infection – Gingivitis and periodontitis are gum infections that cause the gums to swell and bleed, and the teeth to loosen and fall out.
- Abscess – This occurs when a bacterial infection creates a mass of pus around a tooth pain.
- Tooth wear – Clenching or grinding the teeth, frequent chewing of gum, and other repetitive motions can wear down the teeth faster.
- Tooth fracture – This is a crack or break in the tooth caused by getting hit on the mouth/face or chewing or biting down on hard foods or objects.
How do you treat toothaches at home?
If you experience a toothache, the first thing you might want to do is to look for ways to treat it at home. Doing a quick online search of “pain in tooth home remedy” or “how to cure pain in teeth at home” can give you numerous posts that talk about how to deal with pain in the tooth or what first aid techniques to use to treat pain in teeth without going the dentist. Below are some things you can try:
- Take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter pain medications.
- Avoid eating very hot or very cold foods.
- Prepare a saltwater solution containing about ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it.
- Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and use it as a mouthwash.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area for about 20 minutes.
When should you go to a dentist’s?
It is time to pay your dentist a visit if:
- Your toothache pain has become more severe
- Your toothache has not disappeared after a couple of days
- You experience fever, headache, or earache
- You feel tooth pain when you open your mouth
By going to a dentist, the cause of your toothache can be identified and the correct treatment can be administered as soon as possible.
How do you prevent toothaches?
Observing proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental care are key to toothache prevention.
- Brush and floss regularly.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Go to your dentist for teeth cleanings and checkups at least twice a year.
- Quit smoking.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
