Do you have a persistent and pulsating toothache that won’t go away? You’re not alone. Toothache pain can range from mild to severe and can result from a sinus infection, gum disease or even nerve damage caused by tooth decay. Whether you are looking for temporary pain relief or a more long-term solution that addresses the underlying cause of your toothache, this blog is designed to provide comfort and advice on reducing inflammation and getting rid of your toothache. From using an ice pack on the affected area — cold compresses effectively dull pain — to using hydrogen peroxide rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers, we cover tips and tricks to help bring temporary and permanent relief from toothaches from minor discomfort to severe pain. Don’t spend another night tossing and turning due to an ache in your painful tooth – let us help you find a way to give yourself lasting relief!
Toothache Pain
Toothaches can be painful, disruptive, and inconvenient. The cause of the pain can range from tooth decay, a damaged or affected tooth, or gum disease to a sinus infection or cold compress. To find relief from this dental pain, some simple home remedies can provide temporary relief, such as cold compresses over the area of the affected tooth to reduce inflammation and decrease discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers for minor aches and pains, or putting a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into your rinse water for a gentle wash. If your toothache persists after seeking out these forms of temporary pain relief, seeking professional help from your dentist is necessary to resolve the problem.
Common Causes of Toothaches
Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of toothaches is tooth decay. This happens when bacteria in your mouth erode the enamel on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to sensitivity. The best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay is through regular brushing and flossing and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, if you have a cavity, it must be filled by your dentist or endodontist to heal properly.
Gum Disease
Another cause of toothache is gum disease, which results from poor oral hygiene practices, such as failing to brush and floss regularly. Gum disease can lead to an infection that affects the gums around your teeth and even spreads further down into your jawbone if left untreated. To prevent gum disease, practise good oral hygiene habits by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once daily. Additionally, visit your dentist for regular checkups so they can identify any early signs of gum disease before it becomes more serious.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you find that your teeth are sensitive when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks, you may suffer from tooth sensitivity. This is caused by worn-down enamel on the surface of the teeth due to over-brushing or acidic foods/drinks that weaken the protective layers on our teeth over time. To reduce tooth sensitivity, you should use fluoride mouthwash daily and switch out your manual toothbrush for an electric one with softer bristles. It would be best to speak with your dentist about desensitising products, such as special toothpaste or gels, to help reduce discomfort from this condition.
Trauma or Injury
Sometimes trauma or injury can cause severe toothache and immediately require medical attention. Common injuries include cracks in the teeth due to biting down too hard on something hard (such as ice cubes), chips due to falls/accidents, fractures due to grinding during sleep (bruxism), etc., all of which can result in extreme pain when exposed to cold temperatures or pressure applied directly onto the affected area by chewing food, talking. If this happens, please seek immediate medical attention from a qualified dentist who will assess the situation accordingly and provide treatment options tailored specifically for you, depending on severity levels.
Best Practices for Dental Hygiene
Taking good care of your teeth is to your overall health and well-being. To do this, knowing the best dental hygiene practices is important. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps clean your teeth, reduce plaque and protect against decay. Flossing removes food particles that can become trapped between teeth, reduces the risk of gum disease and promotes the freshest breath possible. Additionally, always remember to rinse your mouth after meals or snacks, as this helps to remove sugars from food and drinks that can stick to your teeth. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks should also be considered, as they can harm the enamel on the surface of your teeth, making them more prone to cavities and tooth decay.
When to See a Dentist
Visiting a dentist is essential for ensuring good dental health, but knowing when to make an emergency visit can be difficult. Dental emergencies require prompt attention to avoid lasting damage or further complications. If you have intense pain or something stuck between your teeth, it’s time to see a dentist. A severe infection or inflammation from swelling in your mouth is a warning sign that you need help immediately.
Furthermore, don’t hesitate if something has interrupted the normal functioning of your mouth, such as when your chipped tooth causes difficulties chewing food. Regular checkups can help prevent these dental emergencies, so try and make them part of your normal healthcare routine!
Dental Treatment Options
Everyone wants a healthy and beautiful smile, but sometimes dental care can be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, many different types of dental treatment options are available today that provide fast and effective solutions to a wide range of dental issues. For example, fillings can be used to repair a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. Root canals are a great option for removing infection in the deeper layers of your teeth and help you avoid an extraction. Extractions can be necessary if the damage is too severe, while crowns help restore or improve the appearance of damaged teeth. Finally, implants offer an ideal solution to replace missing teeth – they look and feel like natural teeth! No matter what issue you’re having with your teeth, there’s sure to be an option for you to consider.
Prevention of Toothaches
There are various ways to prevent a toothache from happening. Proper oral hygiene is essential to preventing tooth pain, as plaque build-up can easily cause severe decay and eventual pain. Brushing and flossing regularly helps ward off plaque, while regular dental checkups can eliminate any decay. Additionally, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet – sugars and starches may promote cavities which lead to toothaches.
However, if sleeping through the night becomes difficult due to constant discomfort, treatment could be necessary alongside non-medicated temporary pain relief methods, such as sinus infection or gum disease medication.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with an aching tooth that is keeping you up at night, there are various toothache relief options available. By addressing the root of the problem, you can find more long-lasting tooth pain relief and prevent further discomfort in the future. Moreover, home remedies and dental hygiene habits should be maintained regularly to prevent and manage toothaches.
Additionally, it is important to seek professional dental care when necessary; at Southport Park Family Dental, we will help you to ensure the underlying cause of any discomfort or pain in the mouth is identified and treated. While everyone can benefit from these tips for toothache prevention and management, remember that seeking immediate medical attention if anything abnormal persists is key. Taking proper care of your teeth will make all the difference when avoiding or resolving uncomfortable toothaches. Contact us today on (07) 5655 7688 to schedule an appointment!
References
Toothache and swelling https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling
