If you’ve ever tried to chew on something tough and suddenly you feel a sharp pain in your tooth, you may try to ignore it and assume it will go away soon. However, if the next day the aching is so intense you can’t focus on tasks or rest, you should search online for a speedy solution. Fortunately, although you must make a dental appointment, there are safe residence treatments for tooth pain that can be used until you can see the dentist.
It is essential to remember that toothaches are a sign that something is not right. Visiting a dentist as soon as possible can make the treatment process simpler and less intrusive. A professional dentist in Albania can diagnose and treat issues like tooth and gum infections and abscesses which, if left unchecked, can spread to the bone and tissue near the affected area, or even to other parts of the body, potentially triggering systemic difficulties.
Even though these home remedies for tooth pain may help to reduce one’s discomfort, they will not completely eliminate the pain or cure an infection. The professionals at our dental clinic in Albania that specializes in general, cosmetic and specialty dentistry are informing us of the common sources of tooth pain and offering advice for patients suffering from this issue.
What are the Causes of Tooth Pain?
The common causes of toothache include:
Decaying teeth
Tooth decay is normally the source of a toothache. You may not sense any pain at first, but if left untreated, the cavity will develop bigger and will eventually reach the tooth’s nerve. This is one of the most frequent causes of an awful toothache. The pain from the nerve can be constant and pulsating. Although the pain could vanish if the nerve dies, it must still be treated to steer clear of more severe infections or tooth loss.
If the cavity is big, the pain will be so sharp that it can wake you up during the night. It will also become worse when you lie down. It is recommended to visit the dentist the moment you start feeling any pain, before it gets out of control. Small to medium cavities can usually be mended with a tooth-colored filling. Bigger decays may require a dental crown or, if it reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal.
Loose filling or an ill-fitting crown
If a crown or filling is not firmly attached, bacteria and food particles can end up underneath, causing pain and eventual decay or inflammation of the pulp in the tooth. Pressure and sensitivity can also be felt in the tooth. If a filling is totally gone, there will be a huge space for food to gather in, leading to pain when chewing and further sensitivities. Fortunately, if it is addressed quickly, a missing or loose crown or filling will be uncomplicated to repair.
Dental Abscess
If left untreated, an infected tooth can cause a dental abscess, which appears like a tiny pimple on the gums and is packed with pus. A person may suffer from continuous throbbing pain, or alternating bouts of toothache due to an abscess. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Along with the pain, fever and swelling of the face or around the tooth may be present, as the infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and body, resulting in further ill health.
Chipped or broken teeth
Severe toothache can also be caused by a split or cracked tooth. When biting or gnawing, one may experience pain and discomfort, and if germs penetrate into the tooth, it can become more persistent. Depending on how wide the crack is, it might be necessary to get a dental cap to protect and fortify the broken tooth.
Any type of infection
If there is a problem with the inner part of your tooth, a root canal may be the only way to relieve the pain. You may experience throbbing aches that come and go, and even wake you up during sleep. You may also feel pressure in the tooth. The pain can vanish if the tooth dies, but the infection will still be present, requiring treatment. Gum infections don’t cause pain in the tooth, but the body might not be able to differentiate between tooth and gum pain.
Patients who experience toothaches may in fact have a gum infection. This infection, known as gingivitis, is the initial stage of gum disease and can be fixed by a dental professional and with good oral hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis, a more serious gum disorder which cannot be cured though it can be managed. We can ease the pain and stop bone and tooth loss by ending the advancement of the infection and eliminating it altogether.
Physical trauma
If you experience a blow to the face or tooth, it may cause a toothache. Inside the tooth, swelling may occur, and as the pressure increases, the pain of the tooth will become more intense. At times, if the toothache is minor, it can vanish naturally over the course of a few days as the swelling subsides. But, if the toothache is severe, the tooth is discolored, or the pain persists after a few days, then it would be advisable to consult your dentist.
Bruxism, grinding or clenching your teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is capable of causing toothaches. Biting down after grinding your teeth while asleep may lead to a sharp pain sensation. This pain is typically felt throughout the mouth or in the teeth located on one side, unless the bruxism leads to damage of the enamel of a tooth. Your dentist can instruct you in relaxation methods to control bruxism or create a custom night guard that stops damage and soreness.
TMJ Disorders
Every individual has two temporomandibular joints (TMJ) on either side of their face that are responsible for the opening and closing motions of the jaw. These joints can start to malfunction and cause temporomandibular disorders (TMD) or temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD). Such joint disorders may manifest as pain in the jaw that mimics tooth pain. The pain can be located near the ear and can be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound in the jaw. Our dental clinic in Albania is equipped with the latest diagnostics to identify and diagnose the disorder and find a suitable remedy, which can involve lifestyle changes or a custom-made oral appliance.
Your Sinuses
The sinuses, which are situated just above the upper teeth, can become swollen or stuffed with mucus due to the common cold, hay fever, or a sinus infection. This pressure can cause the upper teeth to hurt. If the sinuses do not heal by themselves, then you must consult a physician for medication. Once the infection is gone, you ought to inspect if you still suffer from tooth pain. These are the typical sources of toothache, though there could be other factors causing your distress. To figure out the source of your toothache, you must visit your dentist for an examination. Our clinic offers affordable prices for dental treatments of all kinds, so don’t hesitate to consult our specialists.
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief
Moving forward, here are some ways to lessen the sensation of toothache, or at least make it more bearable, while you wait for your dental visit. It needs to be noted that these methods of self-care are not able to remedy the cause of the toothache, and if the pain is coming from the nerve, it can be difficult to manage. Having said that, the following methods are safe and worth a try:
Rinsing with salt water
To get quick oral pain relief, a saline solution is one of the most effective methods. Take half a teaspoon of salt and mix it with eight ounces of warm water. Gargle with the mixture, but be sure not to swallow it afterwards. Additionally, you may want to try delicately flossing around the aching tooth in the event that any pieces of food are lodged.
Trying a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Mixing hydrogen peroxide and water in equal proportions and then using it to rinse your mouth for a few minutes it (do not ingest it) may provide some amount of relief from toothache.
Using Over-the-Counter Medicine
For those looking for a speedy solution to a toothache, over-the-counter pain relievers can be incredibly effective. Despite having intense pulsing tooth pain, nonsteroidal, OTC pain relievers, with or without acetaminophen, such as ibuprofen, are the most beneficial and least risky option for providing relief from an aching tooth. However, note that you should always take the pain reliever orally and never put aspirin directly on the affected tooth or gums as this kind of remedy does not work and can even harm your mouth.
Using ice to soothe the pain
If you have a sore tooth as a result of a blow to the face and your face is puffy, you can put an icepack on the outside to reduce the inflammation and some of the pain. Swelling in the face can indicate an abscess, so it is best to contact the dentist right away. Additionally, you can suck on an ice cube to help with the discomfort from the toothache.
Trying OTP Anesthetics
There are a lot of convenient pain relief liquids and gels available for purchase that can quickly reduce toothache. These usually contain benzocaine to numb the affected area. You just need to apply them to the tooth and gums around it. However, these products are not suitable for long-term use and should only be used to ease the pain until you are able to visit the dentist. It should also be noted that these products should never be used on young children under the age of two for toothache or teething as it can result in a dangerous health condition in children.
Using Clove Oil
Clove oil is frequently referenced when discussing natural solutions for toothache relief. This natural remedy has the ability to numb the area, temporarily providing relief from pain. A research study that was published in the Journal of Dentistry back in 2006 revealed that clove oil is equally as effective as benzocaine when used as a topical anesthetic.
Garlic for its anti inflammatory properties
Supporters of natural treatments for dental discomfort assert that pulverizing a garlic bulb will produce a fluid with healing properties, referred to as allicin. Despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence that this method is effective, it is harmless and worth a try in the event that other treatments have not been successful. One can either munch on a clove of garlic or place some minced garlic bits on the tooth that is causing pain.
Wax or Gum
If a tooth is cracked or a filling has come out, you can protect the exposed area by using sugar-free gum or dental wax that is softened. This will help to lessen discomfort and sensitivity. If a crown or filling has become loose, you can use gum or wax to maintain it in place. Alternatively, you can purchase temporary cement from a pharmacy to secure the restoration.
Drinking Tea
Peppermint tea has a numbing quality that might be able to provide relief from toothaches. Once the tea has cooled down, you can swish it around in your mouth. The tannins in black tea have astringent capabilities, which is why some home remedies suggest putting a warm, wet black tea bag on the aching tooth for short-term relief. Or, you can make some peppermint or black tea, dip a clean cotton ball into the tea, and rest the cotton ball on your aching tooth.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is not only beneficial for improving overall health, but it can also aid in oral health. There are numerous advantages to consuming wheatgrass, specifically with regards to your teeth. This highly benefitial plant can even be used to help with toothaches. It contains chlorophyll, which is known to possess antimicrobial qualities and prevents the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.
Additionally, its antibacterial properties reduce bad breath. Apart from the advantages to your teeth, wheatgrass is also rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that aid in gum health and reduce inflammation. All of these components are thought to be useful in soothing tooth discomfort. When using wheatgrass to ease a toothache, swish a single ounce of the juice around your mouth, similar to a mouthwash.
Takeaway
These home remedies for tooth pain are safe and some have been proven effective for temporarily relieving certain types of toothaches. If you’re experiencing discomfort, try a few of the suggestions until you’re able to visit the dentist. Again, severe, throbbing tooth pain requires immediate care. Yet, even minor pain should be checked out since the earlier the underlying problem is dealt with, the easier and more affordable treatment will be.
Our dentists always prioritize patients in pain and we’ll get you in for an appointment right away. We use the latest technology and tools to quickly and accurately pinpoint what’s causing your tooth to hurt and give you effective, quick relief. Don’t put off your dental visit if you’re in pain. Book your appointment with Dr. Roland Zhuka today!