What Causes Toothache? How to Relieve Toothache?

Toothache is an uncomfortable condition that usually occurs as a result of damage or inflammation to the tooth or surrounding tissues. This pain can develop due to various causes, including cavities, gum disease, tooth abscesses, tooth enamel wear or cracking, trauma, complications after tooth extraction, and neurological problems. Toothache can often have a negative impact on a person’s general health and limit their daily activities.

Treatment may vary depending on the cause of the toothache. The most common treatment methods include caries treatment with the intervention of a dentist, tooth extraction, treatment of gum diseases, endodontic treatment (root canal treatment), painkillers, cold compresses, and improving dental care habits. However, it is important to see a dentist if the toothache is persistent or severe, as this may indicate serious underlying problems, and early intervention can help resolve the problem.

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache is the name given to pain that develops in or around the tooth. The severity and duration of the pain can vary depending on the cause. The most common causes of toothaches are:

Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the destruction of the tooth enamel and dentin by bacteria. This is the most common cause of toothaches.

Gum disease: Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. Gum disease can cause toothache, gum redness, swelling, and bleeding.

Gum recession: Gum recession is the retraction of the gums at the root of the tooth. This can cause teeth to become sensitive and cause toothaches.

Cracked or fractured teeth: A tooth fracture or fracture can occur as a result of trauma to the tooth. This can cause severe toothache and tooth loss.

A tooth abscess: A tooth abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms at the root of the tooth or in the gum. A tooth abscess can cause severe toothache, swelling, and fever.

Bruising: Grinding your teeth is the grinding or clenching of your teeth, usually during sleep. This can cause tooth enamel to erode and cause toothache.

Tooth filling or tooth extraction: Temporary toothache can also be felt after a tooth filling or tooth extraction.

Wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth can cause toothache when there is not enough room in the mouth or when they come out at the wrong angle.

Sinus infection: A sinus infection is an inflammation of the sinuses. A sinus infection can cause toothache, nasal congestion, discharge, and facial pain.

Other causes of toothache:

Tooth enamel erosion

Gum disease

Teeth whitening procedures

Dry mouth

Oral cancer

What are the symptoms of toothache?

Toothache usually creates a distinct and disturbing symptomatic picture. Here are the common symptoms of toothache:

Pain and Sensitivity:

The most obvious symptom is usually pain. Toothache usually occurs as a sharp, throbbing, or unbearable discomfort felt in the tooth, gums, or surrounding tissues. It may become more pronounced when in contact with hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.

Gum Problems:

Symptoms such as redness, swelling or bleeding in the gums may indicate the underlying cause of toothache. Gum disease may occur as a result of inflammation of the tissues around the teeth.

Swelling and Inflammation:

Toothache can cause swelling and inflammation around the gums or around the tooth. This condition is usually associated with an inflammation in the root of the tooth or a tooth abscess.

Decay and Lesions:

Tooth decay or cracks in the tooth enamel can cause toothache. Lesions or enamel loss on the tooth surface can cause sensitivity and pain.

Nervous Symptoms:

Toothache can sometimes occur with neurological symptoms. This may be due to a problem with the nerve tissue inside the tooth and is usually expressed as a throbbing, shooting sensation or numbness.

General Discomfort:

Severe toothache can often cause a general feeling of discomfort, headache, fatigue or insomnia.

What is Good for Toothache?

Toothache is the name given to the pain that develops in or around the tooth. The intensity and duration of the pain can vary depending on the cause. There are many methods that are good for toothache. These methods are as follows:

Methods that can be applied at home:

Rinsing your teeth with warm salt water: Warm salt water can help clean bacteria in the mouth and soothe the gums. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, mix it and rinse your mouth with this water for a few minutes.

Applying a cold compress to your tooth: A cold compress can help relieve toothache and swelling. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or a cold cloth to your tooth for 15-20 minutes.

Using clove or peppermint oil: Clove and peppermint oil are natural pain relievers. Put a few drops of clove or peppermint oil on a cotton ball and place it on the aching tooth.

Using ginger: Ginger is a natural pain reliever. Chew a slice of ginger or drink ginger tea.

Over-the-counter pain relievers:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help relieve toothache.

Treatments performed by the dentist:

Dental filling: A filling can be placed on teeth with tooth decay or fractures.

Tooth extraction: A tooth that is causing the toothache can be extracted.

Root canal treatment: A root canal treatment can be applied to an infection in the nerve layer of the tooth.

The answer to the question of what is good for toothache varies depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Home remedies and over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve toothache temporarily. However, the best way to diagnose the cause of a toothache and apply treatment is to see a dentist.

To prevent toothache:

Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.

Have regular check-ups with your dentist.

Avoid sugary foods and drinks.

If you grind your teeth, use a night guard.

How is Toothache Treated?

Treatment for toothache varies depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are common toothache treatment methods:

Seeing a Dentist:

If toothache persists for a long time or is severe, it is important to see a dentist. The dentist can determine the cause of the pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Decay:

If the underlying cause of the toothache is decay, the dentist will clean the decayed area and apply a filling. This procedure can restore the health of the tooth and relieve the pain.

Treatment of Gum Disease:

In case of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), the dentist performs gum treatment. This treatment aims to control gum inflammation and heal the gums.

Tooth Extraction:

A tooth damaged by severe decay, trauma or other reasons may need to be extracted. Extraction can help relieve pain.

Root Canal Treatment:

If there is inflammation or infection in the nerve tissue inside the tooth, root canal treatment can be applied. This procedure involves cleaning and filling the inside of the tooth and can help preserve the tooth.

Painkillers:

Painkillers can be used to temporarily relieve toothache. However, painkillers only relieve symptoms and do not solve the underlying problem, so they are not a long-term solution.