What Helps with Toothache?
What is Toothache?
The general definition for pain is a negative, unwanted sensory or emotional state felt due to existing or impending tissue damage. If we apply the same definition to toothache, it is pain developed in or around the tooth tissue.
Toothaches can range from mild to severe, sometimes even uncontrollable with medication. Mild toothaches are generally considered to stem from simple gum inflammation and are thought to be manageable by the individual at home.
Toothaches that significantly affect a person’s daily life and are more severe require treatment by a dentist. Toothaches usually start off mild; when left untreated in the early stages, they can lead to more severe pain.
What Causes Toothache?
In the central part of the tooth lies a soft tissue called the pulp, which consists of blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. The nerves in this area are among the most sensitive in the body. Therefore, when these nerves become infected (abscessed), toothache begins to be felt.
Toothache can be attributed to various reasons. The first obvious cause is tooth decay. Teeth typically start decaying in conditions of poor or inadequate oral hygiene. Bacteria in the mouth, under conditions of insufficient care, weaken the protective enamel layer covering the outside of the tooth, causing decay. Tooth decay can also develop due to genetic factors, even with adequate care.
Factors Contributing to Toothache
- Tooth decay and infections developing in the tooth (abscesses)
- Periodontal (gum) diseases
- Wear of tooth enamel
- Damage to fillings
- Impacted and fractured teeth
- Rhythmic movements such as gum chewing, tooth clenching, and teeth grinding
- Eruption of new teeth or teeth like wisdom teeth around the age of 20
- Orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Sinusitis
Symptoms of Toothache
- Swelling in the mouth or face
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain decreasing with hot or cold application
- Limitation in mouth opening
- Fever or headache
- The reason toothaches often occur at night is due to increased blood pressure in the head while lying down.
Types of Toothache can vary. Sometimes it can be throbbing, sometimes a constant ache. Occasionally, pain may occur upon applying pressure or biting down. Tooth decay may manifest as brown or white spots.
In tooth decay, the initial sign is often pain when consuming sweet, very hot, or cold foods. The intensity of the pain may vary. It can occur suddenly and worsen at night. The loss of a filling or a broken tooth can initiate acute (sudden) pain. It can sometimes be difficult to determine which tooth is causing the pain. If the pain is in the lower jaw teeth, it may feel like it’s coming from the ear. If it’s in the upper teeth, it may feel like it’s coming from the cheekbones or the air spaces behind the forehead. If the infection site is close to the tooth, the pain is felt more intensely, and pressure exacerbates it.
Swelling may occur in the gums surrounding the tooth. Additionally, fever or headache may develop. A bad odor or discharge may be seen in the infected tooth. Pain may increase upon contact between teeth. If breathing or swallowing becomes difficult due to toothache, immediate dental attention is necessary.
If toothache persists for more than two days and worsens, if fever or ear pain is felt when the mouth is opened, or if there is swelling in the mouth and face, dental care should be sought immediately. Proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth abscesses prevent the spread of infection to the face and skull.
Treatment for Toothache
Dental care should be sought as soon as toothache is felt. Identifying the cause of the pain is important for treatment. During the examination by a dentist, the entire oral cavity, including teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, head, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck, is examined. This makes it easier to determine the cause of the pain. If necessary, a panoramic X-ray can facilitate diagnosis.
Pain caused by decay is treated by filling the cavity. If the infection reaches the nerves, root canal treatment may be necessary. Bacteria that reach the root of the tooth cause infection.
When symptoms such as fever or swelling in the jaw develop, antibiotic treatment may be initiated. If necessary, oral and dental cleaning can be performed along with gum treatment. In cases of escalating toothache, complementary pain treatments applied at home may not be sufficient. If the pain persists despite these remedies, lasts longer than 1-2 days, becomes very severe, increases with full mouth opening, ear pain, or if swelling develops in the mouth or face, immediate dental attention is necessary.
Natural Remedies for Toothache
- Gargling with saltwater or oxygenated water,
- Applying ice to the painful area,
- Using a high pillow while sleeping,
- Avoiding chewing on the side with pain,
- Consuming soft foods,
- Avoiding consumption of sweets,
- Avoiding very hot or very cold foods and beverages,
- Using pain relievers,
- Applying clove oil or vanilla extract,
- Making garlic paste.
How to Prevent Toothache?
Since tooth decay is the most common cause of toothaches, maintaining oral hygiene is the most important preventive measure. In addition, toothache can be prevented by following these simple measures:
- Being diligent about brushing teeth regularly,
- Using dental floss whenever necessary,
- Consulting a dentist every six months, even if oral hygiene is maintained,
- Opting for foods low in sugar as a precaution.
Hazards of Tooth Decay
We can think of the harms caused by tooth decay as similar to how a rotten fruit in a basket can spoil all the other fruits. If necessary treatment is not provided, decay can continue and spread to neighboring teeth. The bacteria causing tooth decay won’t stop at just one tooth if you don’t take precautions; they will spread to other teeth as well.
Since the roots of teeth are embedded in the jawbone, any pain in the tooth is quickly felt in the brain. Moreover, decay, especially in front teeth, negatively impacts social life and can psychologically disturb an individual. The harms caused by a decayed tooth typically include:
- Sensation of pain in the head and ears,
- Formation of bad breath,
- Gum diseases,
- Tooth loss or irregularities,
- Digestive problems due to incomplete chewing of food,
- Speech impairments.
Can Tooth Decay Cause Sore Throat?
If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, inflammation begins as the body fights infection. This can lead to abscesses and swelling in the throat area. The patient may experience a sore throat. In such cases, immediate dental attention is necessary.
What Happens If a Decayed Tooth Is Not Extracted?
One of the most common questions asked by patients who visit the dentist due to tooth decay is whether the decayed tooth will be extracted. Extraction is considered only when the tooth cannot be saved through treatment. The treatment method varies depending on the stage of decay. The dentist will initially plan treatment to preserve the tooth in the mouth. However, if this cannot be achieved, tooth extraction is considered as a last resort.
