Are you suffering from excruciating tooth pain? Don’t worry; there are some simple but effective options to try as a severe toothache remedy.
Why do we get severe toothaches?
Various factors, including decay or cavities, abscesses, trauma to the teeth or gums, gum disease, and sinus infections, can cause severe toothaches. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately for an examination and diagnosis as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to determine what is causing your toothache and provide the appropriate treatment.
How to diagnose toothaches
A dentist can diagnose a toothache in a few ways. First, they may visually inspect your teeth to check for signs of infection or decay, such as discoloration or cracking. They will also feel the affected area with their hands and take an x-ray to get a better look inside the tooth. Additionally, your dentist may ask questions about the type of pain you’re experiencing, how long it’s been happening, and what triggers it. By considering all these factors, they can determine the best course of action for treating your toothache.
Toothache from cavities
When cavities form, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause infection. This infection can lead to inflammation, which can put pressure on the tooth’s nerve endings and lead to pain. Other potential symptoms of a cavity-caused toothache may include sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, painful chewing, soreness in nearby areas such as the jaw or ear, and overall discomfort when touching the affected area. If cavities are causing your dental pain, your dentist may fill the cavity to relieve pressure and stop the source of pain.
Toothache from an infected tooth
An infected tooth abscess can cause intense pain due to the infection spreading to the nerve endings of the tooth. Symptoms of a tooth abscess include severe and continuous toothache, red or swollen gums, pus draining from the affected area, bad breath, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. An infected tooth abscess can lead to more severe medical complications if left untreated. Dentists may sometimes need to use a root canal or extraction to remove any infected tissue or treat severe decay.
What to do with toothaches
If you’re suffering from severe tooth pain, here are the things you need to do to help you find relief:
Go to the dentist.
If you’re experiencing severe toothache pain, contacting your dentist as soon as possible is important. Your dentist will be able to examine and determine the cause of the pain. After a diagnosis, they can provide you with the appropriate treatment, such as cleaning the affected area, a filling or crown, antibiotics, or root canal treatment.
It’s always best to seek help from a professional if you are in pain – your dentist is the best person to contact for advice and to make sure that any underlying dental problems are resolved.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Follow the instructions on the packaging, and always speak with your doctor before taking any medications. Additionally, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking these types of pain relievers in order to stay hydrated.
Gargle salt water several times a day.
It is commonly suggested that rinsing your mouth with salt water can help alleviate tooth pain. The salt helps to reduce inflammation and pain caused by infection, which can be beneficial for anyone experiencing a toothache. However, it is important to note that this remedy does not replace professional dental care and should be used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by your dentist.
Apply a cold compress.
Use it like an ice pack on the affected area for 10 minutes at a time. Applying a cold compress to the area of your toothache can be an effective way to reduce pain and swelling. Cold compresses help to constrict blood vessels, which can help to numb the area and reduce inflammation. Additionally, using a cold compress can also help to reduce sensitivity, allowing you to eat and drink without experiencing too much discomfort.
Use Clove
Apply a paste of ground cloves with olive oil directly on the sore spot. Clove oil is a popular remedy for tooth pain and inflammation, containing an active compound called eugenol. Eugenol has natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain, swelling, and sensitivity from toothaches. To get the most out of this remedy, apply clove oil directly to the affected area using a cotton swab or soak a cotton ball and use it as a mouthwash. However, it is important to note that clove oil should not be swallowed.
Use essential oils
Essential oils such as tea tree oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil are natural remedies for toothache pain due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. To use essential oils to relieve tooth pain, mix a few drops of the oil with some coconut or olive oil and massage it onto the affected area. Alternatively, you can also dilute a few drops of the essential oil in water and rinse your mouth with it before spitting it out.
Try consuming ginger root, echinacea tea, or garlic.
Ginger root, echinacea tea, and garlic are all popular home remedies for toothache. Ginger root is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with toothaches. Echinacea tea is known for its ability to reduce swelling and fight off infection due to its antibacterial compounds. Garlic has antiseptic properties, which can help reduce the risk of infection from a toothache by killing off harmful germs in the mouth. To get the most out of these remedies, you can chew on ginger root, drink echinacea tea or make a paste with garlic cloves and apply it directly to the affected area if you’re comfortable with their taste and properties.
Rubbing menthol cream.
Rubbing menthol cream onto the affected area of a toothache can provide temporary pain relief. Menthol is a natural cooling agent, so when applied to the skin, it has an anesthetic effect that numbs the pain and helps reduce inflammation. Additionally, menthol cream also acts as an antiseptic, which helps reduce the risk of infection from a severe toothache. However, it is important to note that while menthol cream might provide some temporary relief from tooth pain, it should not be used as a replacement for professional dental care.
Maintain proper oral hygiene.
Additionally, if you regularly experience severe toothaches, make sure to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day. This will help keep bacteria away and protect your teeth from further damage. If left untreated, tooth decay can significantly worsen the severity of your pain.
A toothache remedy is important for easing pain and discomfort caused by cavities, infections, and other dental issues. It can also help reduce the risk of more severe complications, such as an abscess or periodontal disease. Remedies such as over-the-counter pain relievers, home remedies, and good dental hygiene can give you temporary relief from your toothache and prevent further damage to your teeth. Remember that although these remedies can provide temporary relief from severe tooth pains, it’s important to contact your dentist for long-term solutions like fillings or other dental treatments.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/home-remedies-for-toothache
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/home-remedies-toothache
https://www.interdent.com/gentle-dental/resources/stop-toothaches/
