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Toothache is a common dental issue experienced by both children and adults. There can be many reasons for toothache, including bacterial infection, tooth loss, periodontal diseases, and tooth decay. As per the WHO 2022 report, almost 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, with 3 out of 4 people affected living in middle-income countries.1 While most oral diseases are preventable and treatable, ignoring a toothache can lead to serious complications, requiring professional treatment.
In this blog, we will explore toothache causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, along with effective toothache remedies to alleviate pain at home until professional care is available.
Synopsis
What is a Toothache?
A toothache is a pain that occurs in or around your tooth and gum. It can be mild to severe and often indicates that there is something wrong and needs careful attention. Never ignore toothaches, assuming they are not serious; if left untreated, they can worsen over time. Seek professional dental treatment if the pain doesn’t get relieved within 2 days, as in cases of infection it can spread to other parts of the body.
What are the Symptoms of Toothache?
Toothache symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can be constant or intermittent, depending on their cause. These include:
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Sharp, throbbing or constant pain in or around the tooth or gum
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Swelling around the tooth or gum
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Sharp pain after applying pressure on the tooth
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Fever
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Teeth sensitivity
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Bad breathe or taste
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Drainage from the infected tooth
What Causes Toothache?
There can be many possible toothache causes, and knowing them makes it easier to provide the correct treatment. The most common reasons are:
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Tooth decay or cavities
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Abscessed tooth
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Cracked tooth
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Tooth fracture
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Gum disease or infection
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Impacted tooth or when wisdom tooth gets stuck
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Damaged dental restoration
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Teeth grinding or clenching
Toothache can also occur due to other medical issues such as sinusitis, heart disease, and lung cancer. In rare cases, occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia can also cause pain that feels like toothache.
How is Toothache Diagnosed?
To diagnose a toothache, the dentist will first understand your medical history and ask questions regarding the frequency, severity, and location of pain. Then a thorough physical oral examination is conducted, including the mouth, teeth, jaws, gums, throat, and tongue. If needed, X-rays, such as periapical and panoramic (panorex) views, along with lab evaluations, may be conducted to determine the toothache causes. If a more severe condition is suspected, hospital admission may be required for further evaluation and treatment.
What Are The Ways To Treat Toothache?
There are various toothache remedies and treatments available to get rid of this toothache. The one that’s right for you will depend on its severity and cause.
The treatment options include:
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Dental Fillings: In case of small cavities, dental fillings is recommended
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Dental Crowns: For a larger cavity, or a fracture, you may be required to undergo a dental crown.
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Inlays or Onlays: This may be needed when a cavity or crack is not too big or small for a filling or crown.
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Root Canal Therapy: If the infection is deep or in case of a severe dental issue, Root Canal Therapy is done. This involves removing the infection, cleaning the inflamed blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and then sealing it with filling material.
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Tooth Extraction: In case the tooth is severely damaged, Tooth Extraction may be done, which may be later replaced with a Dental Implant or Dental Bridge.
Pain relievers or antibiotics may be prescribed to support full recovery. If gum disease is present, the dentist will provide the appropriate gum treatment. Once the underlying toothache cause is treated, your pain will subside.
How to Treat a Toothache at Home?
Mild toothaches can be treated using simple toothache home remedies. These easy-to-use dental remedies can also provide relief from toothache until you get professional help. But, to avoid toothache from getting worse, do consult a dentist at the earliest.
The common toothache remedies include:
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Take 8 ounces of warm water and mix ½ teaspoon of salt in it. Rinse your mouth with this warm salt water for 30 seconds before spitting it out
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Take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
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Avoid consumption of very hot or cold foods, as they can make the pain worse
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The best home remedies for gum diseases are brushing your teeth with a dentist-recommended toothpaste and flossing correctly
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A cotton ball soaked in clove oil can be bitten to get pain relief
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Applying an ice pack to the affected area (against your outside jaw) can also reduce the swelling or pain. Repeat it several times a day
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For bleeding gums or gum disease, rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide (dilute it in water)
Conclusion
A toothache may look like a mild inconvenience, but it can get severe, disrupting your daily life. Understanding toothache causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment can help in managing it early to avoid further complications. While toothache remedies can provide temporary pain relief, seeking professional help is recommended, especially if you have a toothache that lasts longer than a day or two. Seek a consultation with an expert dentist at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, for appropriate treatment for your toothache and take the first step toward your dental health.
FAQ's
Usually, toothaches get more painful at night. This happens mainly due to your sleeping position. While lying down, the blood flow to the head increases, putting extra pressure on the sensitive areas, especially the mouth.
Some toothaches may resolve on their own within a day or two if caused by temporary gum irritation or something stuck between the teeth. However, if the pain is due to an infected tooth, cavity, or abscess, it may come and go, requiring a dentist’s intervention to determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
Not all toothaches can be prevented, but their risk can be reduced.
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Eat a healthy and balanced diet
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Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day using a fluoride toothpaste
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Floss between your teeth every day
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Avoid smoking and eating sugary or fatty foods
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Undergo regular dental check-ups
Immediately visit a dentist if you have
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Bleeding gums that don’t stop even after applying pressure
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Unbearable tooth pain that lasts for more than 2 days and doesn’t get better with medication
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High fever
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Swelling in the jaw, face, below eye or a knot in the jaw
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Trouble breathing or swallowing along with a toothache
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Chest pain or lightheadedness along with toothache
You can schedule an appointment with a dental medicine expert at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/bhubaneswar/
Contact no: 0674 666 6600
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