Toothache is a pain that directly affects the teeth or the tissues surrounding them, and can be felt by anyone. There are various causes, but the most common are cavities and gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Because the pain can be felt at any time of day, the question is how to soothe it while you go to the doctor.
When it comes to toothache, there are two main causes: an accident that causes damage to the tooth, or an oral disease that directly affects the teeth or the surrounding tissue. “ Sometimes we feel the pain in the teeth, but the problem is really in the ears or the paranasal sinuses, so it is important to go to the doctor and have him determine the origin of the pain,” says dentist Gabriela Leal.
Toothache is often felt in the jaw or ear, or even in the head. It can also be intermittent or constant. When it is permanent, it could be a sign of a more serious illness, so it is recommended to visit the dentist as soon as possible.
Causes of toothache
There are many causes of toothache, including tooth abscess, earache, jaw or mouth injury, sinusitis, and tooth injury, although most are related to poor dental hygiene. Among the most common are tooth decay, oral bacteria that thrive on the sugars and simple carbohydrates we consume; and gum disease that causes gum inflammation and bleeding.
“There are diseases that affect our gums and cause dental pain, but they usually occur in two stages. First, some cavities begin at two years of age and become critical until the age of 20, then they enter a stable stage until the age of 40. After that age, gum diseases, called periodontitis, are more common,” explains Jorge Adolfo López, dentist at Innova Dental.
However, the professional emphasizes that in Guatemala there are 40-year-olds with active cavities and young patients with gum problems. Therefore, it is concluded that these diseases affect anyone, regardless of age.
Tooth decay
It is the main reason for dental pain and occurs when oral bacteria progress, especially when there is poor hygiene and excessive consumption of sugars and simple carbohydrates. They are easily characterized by dark brown or black stains on the teeth. The pain will occur when the person consumes cold or hot drinks and sweet foods since the bacteria will be gaining more strength. If the pain is permanent, it could be a sign that the cavity has reached the nerve and could be a more serious infection.
“We must consider tooth decay as a disease that affects our overall health, since the bacteria in cavities migrate to other organs such as the heart, causing heart attacks, or migrate to the placental membrane in pregnant women, causing premature birth,” says Ligia Ríos, family dentist at NeoDental.
In addition, this disease can cause tooth fractures, which can be very painful. If the fracture is not treated in time, it can cause an infection of the tooth nerve, which will lead to a painful dental abscess.
To prevent tooth decay, it is recommended that children be taken to the dentist to have dental sealants placed, which close all the grooves, pits, and fissures on the surface of the teeth. Adults should ideally visit the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning that includes scaling, which is the removal of dental tartar, and prophylaxis, which consists of removing bacterial plaque and stains from the surface of the teeth.
“Another way to prevent complications from cavities is to remove them from the teeth before they have destroyed them, that is, not waiting until you have a lot of pain or an infection,” adds Ríos.
Periodontitis
It occurs when inflammation of the gums, called gingivitis, is not treated and the infection spreads to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. It is characterized by the gums becoming inflamed, turning bright red, and bleeding. For example, when you eat an apple and bite into it, blood is often left on the food or gum; or when you brush your teeth.
How to soothe toothache at home
Specialists recommend that if you have pain, no matter if it is intermittent or constant, you should visit the dentist as soon as possible to prevent the cause from getting worse. Because pain can occur at any time of the day and a medical check-up is not that quick, some actions can be taken to relieve the pain, however, these do not replace a visit to the doctor.
“One of the most common recommendations is to take over-the-counter painkillers, but you have to be careful because not all of them are suitable for everyone. For example, some cause an increase in blood pressure, so for someone with high blood pressure, it could be harmful. That is why it is best not to self-medicate,” adds López.
1. Brush your teeth well
Because pain often comes from inflammation of the gums caused by food debris between the teeth, when you feel discomfort, brush your mouth as best as you can. Don’t forget to use mouthwash. Remember that to have good dental hygiene you need four things: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
2. Use local anesthesia
Pharmacies sell anesthetic gel or ointment that is applied to the area and soothes the pain. This is useful when the visit to the doctor will not be as soon as desired.
3. Cold compresses on the cheek
Wrapping a piece of ice in a towel and placing it on your cheek or jaw will help soothe toothache because it constricts the blood vessels on that side of your face. Ideally, you should place it on your cheek or jaw for 20 minutes every hour or an hour and a half. You can also do it before going to bed to prevent further discomfort.
4. Warm salt water rinse
One of the most common home remedies to relieve this type of pain is to rinse with salt water, as it is an antibacterial agent and reduces inflammation. It will also help prevent infection in nearby injuries. It is recommended not to do this with very hot water, to avoid increasing the pain.
5. Do not sleep on the affected side
Avoid lying down or putting pressure on the affected area, as this will make the pain worse.
6. Drink mint tea
Because mint has antibacterial and antioxidant compounds, it may be helpful when you have severe toothache. It is best to consume it warm (not too hot or too cold).
7. Avoid hydrogen peroxide rinses
Some common tips to relieve toothache include rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or water with baking soda, however, experts do not recommend this because although it is not proven to be helpful, they can be harmful to your health.