Toothache remedies – tips for fast toothache relief
Isn’t it amazing how something so small can cause so much pain?
A toothache is no laughing matter. In fact, it can be debilitating to the extent that we miss school or work because of it.
Many people wonder how they can get rid of their toothache, hoping there’s a quick fix for their pain. In some cases, you might be able to reduce the pain significantly. In others, professional dental care is required.
To get rid of a toothache, you must first understand what causes tooth pain.
What causes toothache?
The underlying cause of most tooth pain is inflammation of the nerve of the tooth.
The nerve can become inflamed from:
Trauma
Dental decay
Infection
You can also sometimes experience extreme sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces. Oftentimes, this is caused by gum recession from advanced gum disease, brushing your teeth too vigorously, or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. When the gums recede, they expose the root surfaces, which don’t have protective enamel. Instead, they consist of the second, more porous layer of tooth structure called dentin.
What else causes a toothache? Referred or radiating pain. Such pain can be the result of jaw pain from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, gum pain caused by periodontal disease or infection, or a sinus infection. The nerves that feed the teeth are also connected to other parts of the head and neck. If you have pain in one area, like your jaw joint, it isn’t uncommon to experience tooth pain as well and mistake it for a toothache.
Sometimes, you might notice you have dental pain after dental cleaning or after flossing. If you have gum inflammation and you clean out your gums, you’re likely going to experience some gum tenderness, which can feel like tooth pain at times. Imagine getting a splinter. The splinter causes inflammation and pain, just as plaque and tartar cause gum inflammation. Upon removing the splinter, you might feel some tenderness in that area for a day or two. The same goes for soreness after plaque removal.
Can toothache go away on its own?
If your tooth pain is caused by something outside of the tooth, it may go away on its own. If this lasts for longer than a day or two, it’s time to see a dentist.
One instance of the former is when you get a popcorn kernel stuck in your gums. You’ll definitely feel some tenderness. But, once you remove the kernel, the pain will eventually dissipate, especially if you show your gums some TLC by brushing gently and rinsing with warm saltwater.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?
When a tooth starts randomly throbbing, it likely means there’s a serious problem, one that requires the expertise of a dental professional. It could be the sign of deep dental decay, a nerve infection, or a deep crack in your tooth.
Similarly, you should see a dentist if you experience throbbing after:
Biting down on something
Drinking/eating something hot, cold, or sweet
Why Your Tooth May Hurt Worse at Night
If you find that your pain gets worse at night, you’re not alone. Nighttime toothaches are a common occurrence and typically happens because you’re laying down. When you lay down, blood rushes to your head, increasing the pressure and thereby the pain.
Try going to bed with a cold compress or elevating your head with an extra pillow for some relief.
Tips to get rid of a toothache
What if you’re not able to get into your dentist right away? Here are some tips for how to get rid of a toothache:
Floss your teeth well to make sure you don’t have any debris stuck in your gum pockets
Rinse with a warm saltwater solution for 30 seconds, one to two times each day
Rinse with hydrogen peroxide to reduce inflammation
Place a cold compress on your cheek
Place a lukewarm or cool peppermint teabag on your gums
Mix peppermint essential oil with coconut oil and place on your gums
Apply clove oil to your gums
If you don’t have any sensitivities or other contraindications, take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen
Talk to your pharmacists about over-the-counter temporary remedies like Orajel
How long does a toothache last without treatment?
Constant tooth pain is a sign that it’s time to see your dentist. If it’s been one to two days of constant pain, you might have a serious dental issue that needs to be addressed.
Sometimes, even severe dental pain from a tooth infection can subside for a bit but it generally comes back with a vengeance. You don’t want to experience that. If you have throbbing pain or pain when you chew or eat something hot, cold, or sweet, make an appointment with the Kowhai Dental team.
How your dentist can help
Your dentist will take x-rays and do an oral examination to diagnose your pain. They might find that you need a:
Antibiotics
Nightguard (for TMJ disorder)
See a dentist right away if you have lingering toothache
Professional dental treatment doesn’t just treat your symptoms. It’s not a band-aid treatment like taking a pain reliever. Instead, treatment from your dentist will address the root cause of your pain. The goal is to not just get you out of pain now but to prevent more pain in the future.
In addition to the pain-relieving treatment you receive, your Kowhai Dental team will recommend regular dental visits. Investing in a regular exam and cleaning, at least every six months, will help your dentist catch issues early so you don’t have to deal with dental problems that cause excruciating toothaches.
Are you experiencing dental pain? We can help! Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.