Toothaches: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Woman with toothache

Toothaches may seem like the bane of your existence. If you’re someone who constantly suffers from excessive tooth pain, it’s time to look into all of the potential causes. Many diverse factors can contribute to uncomfortable and lasting toothaches in people. Toothaches are generally pretty easy to recognize. If you have a toothache, you’ll experience intense pain in your teeth. This pain may be lingering and acute. It may be pulsating. There are some other potential signs that may be able to help you pinpoint whether or not you have a toothache, too. Swollen gums frequently denote toothaches. If your teeth only hurt when you put a little pressure on them, that could point to a toothache as well. People who have toothaches often experience strange and persistent tastes inside of their mouths. They even sometimes develop headaches and fevers. Toothache symptoms don’t necessarily have to be limited to the teeth. Some people experience swallowing and respiratory troubles that are associated with these aches.

Typical Toothache Causes

People should never make assumptions regarding the causes of their toothaches. That’s because so many different things can cause them. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a cavity is to blame. Tooth decay and activities are indeed common toothache triggers. There are, however, quite a few other possibilities to consider.

Other possible toothache causes include:

  • Unusual bites
  • Abscessed Tooth
  • Tooth injuries
  • Bruxism (also commonly referred to as “teeth grinding”)
  • Gum disease and infection
  • Eruption of the teeth can also lead to toothaches in people as well. Teeth eruption is a possibility in young children and babies alike.

How Long Do Toothaches Last?

The duration of a toothache can run the gamut. Toothaches can be extremely brief. You may experience a toothache that lingers for mere seconds or so. They’re occasionally extremely lengthy, too. It isn’t unusual for people to have to deal with toothaches that stay around for days and days at a time.

Should I Go to the Dentist for a Toothache?

Man with toothache looked at

If you believe that you have a toothache, you should seek attention from a dentist without delay. Putting off a dental visit can often worsen whatever is causing your toothache in the first place. Living with a toothache can also be extraordinarily uncomfortable. Who wants to have to suffer through endless tooth pain and discomfort? It’s just not necessary. If you visit the dentist to address a toothache, he or she will ask for your dental background and perform a physical examination on you. You may have to answer numerous different questions regarding the pain. It can help to tell your dentist about the specific pain spot. It can help to discuss exactly when the aching began, its intensity level and if anything agitates it.

Your dentist will then carefully assess your mouth, nose, ears, neck, sinuses, throat, tongue, jaws, gum and teeth. He or she will do this to determine what may be causing the aching. He or she may even perform X-rays on you. Once the dentist pinpoints the cause of the toothache, he or she can begin planning your treatment. Fillings are necessary for toothaches that are caused by cavities. Root canals are common treatments for tooth nerve infections as well. Treatment options for toothaches always vary. Schedule an appointment with your nearest dentist in Las Vegas. Only your dentist can decide which treatment path is optimal for your specific situation.

Relieving Toothaches

Toothaches can make sufferers feel highly uncomfortable. Lasting tooth pain can often be unbearable for people. If you’re looking for temporary relief, there are indeed a handful of options that are available to you. Temporary relief tips can be helpful to people who are waiting to receive dental attention.

  • Use warm water to rinse the inside of your mouth out thoroughly.
  • Clove oil is yet another remedy that may work. Put clove oil straight on your problematic gum and tooth area. This may be able to reduce the pain for a little while. If you don’t have any clove oil on hand, you don’t have to panic. An antiseptic that includes benzocaine may also be able to do the trick. It’s important to refrain from putting aspirin right on your gums, too. If you do this, you could risk the discomfort of gum tissue burning. Painkillers in general can cause this problem, so be careful.
  • Pepper, salt, and garlic are all highly effective. All have ingredients that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that also reduce pain.
  • Dental floss can also help. Floss can get rid of persistent remnants of food that may be stuck in the middle of your teeth.
  • Pain relievers can also sometimes be beneficial to people who are in the middle of uncomfortable and lasting toothaches. It can help to reach for an over-the-counter medication that may be able to minimize the pain a bit.
  • Using ice cubes or an ice pack can help alleviate tooth pain by numbing nerve endings. Hold it on your cheek near the affected area for a few minutes.

Toothache Prevention Tips

Prevention is always better than a cure. Toothaches can make people feel out of sorts for hours or days at a time. They can reduce productivity greatly. They can force people to have to take off from work as well. If you want to keep toothaches at bay, you should make your dental health a top priority no matter what. Routine dental checkups can help you discover oral health conditions before they get the opportunity to worsen and intensify. Toothaches are generally caused by problems such as significant tooth decay and cavities. If you see your dentist for checkups on a routine basis, your chances of developing tooth decay and cavities become considerably lower.

Mom showing daughter how to brush teeth

Strong dental hygiene practices are essential for people who want to steer clear of the hassles of toothaches as well. You should brush your teeth at least two times a day. If at all possible, aim to brush them right after you eat anything. Use a toothpaste that includes fluoride as an ingredient. Don’t forget to softly brush your tongues and gum, too. People who want to prevent toothaches and tooth problems overall should clean the middle sections of their teeth. Dental floss can work like a charm for this task. Mouthwash can also be a great help. Lifestyle choices can sometimes prevent toothaches in people, too. Your dietary choices may influence whether or not you develop tooth problems. Try not to consume too many beverages and foods that are high in sugar. Sugary beverages and foods are fine as rewards once in awhile. They aren’t, however, smart choices for your day-to-day diet. It’s also important to refrain from smoking. Smoking is a habit that can often intensify dental troubles. It has disadvantages that go beyond that as well. If you want your teeth to look white, bright and beautiful, smoking is a major no-no. It can lead to significant discoloration of the teeth. If you don’t want to look in the mirror and see teeth that are noticeably brown or yellow, you have to make sure you never take up smoking no matter what.

Reliable Dental Care

Reliable and regular dental care can go a long way for people who want to keep toothaches out of their lives. If you want to nip a toothache in the bud, you need to visit your dentist as soon as possible to take care of the matter. Dental care can help you get through any type of toothache. It doesn’t matter if your toothache was caused by a fracture, decay or anything else. Prompt treatment is 100 percent essential.

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About the Author

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Dr. Joan Landron

Currently serving the community at Absolute Dental since August 2008, Dr. Joan Landron graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1997.

She further honed her skills with a general practice residency at Metropolitan Hospital and underwent specialized training at New York University’s Implant Program for General Practitioners. Specializing in services such as X-rays, examinations, cleanings, crowns, and more, Dr. Landron brings a comprehensive approach to general and cosmetic dentistry, including implants.

A proud member of the American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and Southern Nevada Dental Association, she cherishes her free time by spending moments with family, reading, and maintaining her health through exercise. Dr. Landron takes immense pride in being a part of the Absolute Dental team and is dedicated to her patients at the Absolute Dental – Nellis in Las Vegas, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

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