Ways To Handle A Sudden Toothache
Ever experienced a situation when your mouth gets sore, and you feel sudden toothache?
Toothache is one of the most severe pains in the body. And when it happens unexpectedly, it can be very problematic as you cant sleep or work. It causes a lot of distress and can last up to several days if not treated properly.
When you feel a toothache that is moderate to severe, you should visit your dentist for relief. However, it might not always be possible to reach your dentist immediately due to odd timings or the non-availability of appointments. What can you do if youre in such a situation?
In this article, we will discuss some of the ways that will help you to handle a sudden toothache. Though it wont treat your problem, it can provide a temporary solution to your pain, till you visit your dentist. First, let us know more about toothache and what can be its causes.
What is Toothache
A toothache is a pain that you feel in or near a tooth. you can experience minor toothache due to irritation in the gums and you can treat that at home. But, most serious toothaches are caused due to dental problems that need attention from your dentist. Such toothaches wont get better on their own.
Your tooth is composed of the outer harder part, known as the enamel. The soft material inside your tooth is the pulp. It is filled with tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. These nerves in the pulp are one of the most sensitive ones in your body. When these nerves in your tooth are infected by bacteria, it causes irritation and severe pain. Some toothaches may be a result of a temporary gum infection. Whereas some need treatment by a dental professional for pain relief.
Causes Of A Toothache
Cavity
Dental cavities are the most common reason for a toothache. Its a result of poor dental hygiene. Cavities are the small holes in your tooth that grow as time passes. It also develops when sugary food that you eat, mixes with the saliva and decays your tooth. Cavities are hard to catch at first because they are not easily noticeable. But, if left untreated, it can infect your tooth, causing a toothache.
Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is an infection within the pulp chamber of the tooth that has reached the roots. Due to this infection, you may experience swollen gums and severe pain in the tooth. An abscess can also occur due to trauma, tooth grinding, or when dental treatment such as crown comes close to the pulp chamber.
Trauma
Dental injury or trauma is one of the most evident causes of toothache. It may also result in a broken tooth or knocked-out tooth. A broken tooth or sprained tooths ligaments can result in severe pain. And chewing, speaking, and swallowing without getting any dental attention can worsen the condition. A broken tooth also exposes the pulp that has nerves. And any irritation in the nerves can lead to severe toothache. You can contact us to know more about teeth replacement cost in New Jersey.
Gum Infection
Gum infections and diseases are caused by improper dental care resulting in the buildup of plaque. When you dont brush and clean your teeth regularly, the bacteria will make your gums bleed and swell. It is also known as gingivitis. Though this condition isnt painful in the beginning, it can lead to tooth loss and severe pain in the future.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the grinding of teeth that deteriorates your oral health. When you grind your teeth, you apply extra pressure on your jaw muscle, resulting in a toothache associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ is the joint that hinges the skull to the lower jaw and enables you to eat and talk.
Wisdom Teeth
If you experience pain in your upper and bottom molar area, it could be due to wisdom teeth. And it is a good sign that you need to get them removed. When your wisdom teeth grow, they can put stress on the nerves, bones, and adjacent teeth. And if your wisdom tooth starts to grow misaligned, it will only increase the pain. You can contact us for wisdom tooth removal cost in New Jersey.
Abnormal Bite
An abnormal bite occurs when the top and bottom set of teeth collide in a misaligned manner. It can cause pain and difficulty while chewing and biting. Though abnormal bite, also known as malocclusion isnt the most common cause of toothache, it can occur anytime in life.
Ways To Handle Sudden Toothache
If you find yourself in a situation where toothache troubles you, its always best to consult with your dentist right away. Search for an emergency dentist near me in New Jersey. But if you cant consult with your dental professional, here are a few ways that you can handle sudden toothache:
OTC Pain Reliever
Taking an oral analgesic or an anti-inflammatory pill is one of the quickest solutions to reduce the pain. Medicines like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol are widely available as over-the-counter tablets. But, make sure that you ask your pharmacist or follow the instructions on the package for recommended dosage. You also need to understand that the OTC pain reliever can only be used for temporary pain relief. You should avoid its prolonged usage as it may have a negative effect on your health. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to any such medicines before you use them.
Apply a Cold Pack
If you apply a cold compress over the impacted area on the jaw, it can provide relief from the pain. You can use a cold compress if you have it available in your freezer. Otherwise, you can also take some ice cubes and wrap them in a towel. Then gently apply the towel to the affected area for ease. While using a cold compress, apply it for 15-20 minutes and then wait for a few hours. Also, make sure that you dont keep on cold compressing your skin as it may lead to further discomfort. The ice cubes may also cause skin irritation, so be careful while you use a cold compress.
Salt Water Rinse
A warm rinse of salt water can be one of the most effective ways to relieve a sudden toothache. Saltwater can act as a flush to release the food particles that might be stuck in the cavities. It also possesses antibacterial properties that help in relieving the pain. You can prepare the rinse by adding half a teaspoon of table salt to 250 ml of water. Swish this warm salt water in your mouth. Make sure that you dont swallow it and spit it out. Along with the rinse, you can also gently floss around the affected tooth to clean any food particles stuck in between.
Dental Ointments
Dental Ointments are also available as over-the-counter medicines at pharmacies. Such ointments are in the form of gels that can be applied over the affected area for relief from toothache. Such ointments contain a local anesthetic or numbing agent that provides temporary pain relief by numbing the painful area. It is suggested not to use such gels on children younger than 2 years old. Also, while using the pain relief ointments, you should follow all the directions on the package and use them as directed.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
The hydrogen peroxide rinse is an alternative to a warm salt water rinse. To prepare the rinse, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish the solution in your mouth and rinse thoroughly. It also helps in removing the stuck food particles in the affected area. However, you need to make sure that you dont swallow the hydrogen peroxide solution. Spit it after rinsing.
Natural Remedies
If you cant use any of the above ways to handle your toothache, here are some natural remedies that can help you to ease the discomfort.
Clove Oil
Clove oil, also known as eugenol, is a pain reliever that you can apply to the area affected by toothache. If you want to use clove oil, take a small cotton ball and soak it in the oil. Then gently place it on the affected tooth. If you dont have clove oil available, you can also place a slightly chewed clove near the tooth or apply a paste of clove and warm water.
Peppermint Tea
Placing a cool peppermint tea bag can soothe your toothache and provide relief from discomfort. Peppermint contains an ingredient, known as menthol. This menthol has numbing properties which work on the affected area and numbs out the pain. Researchers also suggest that peppermint contains antibacterial properties that fight the bacteria which cause toothache.
Garlic
Garlic contains a compound known as allicin which has antibacterial properties. So, if you are experiencing toothache due to bacteria, using garlic may help. When you cant see a dentist or you dont have pain-relieving medicines, chewing a piece of garlic may be helpful as a 3 am remedy for relieving pain.
Vanilla Extract
Applying vanilla extract to the affected area can help to ease the pain of toothache. Vanilla extract contains alcohol and anti-oxidants. The alcohol numbs the pain whereas the antioxidants may help to cure it. You can apply the vanilla extract to your tooth using your finger or using a small cotton ball.
How To Prevent A Toothache
The best way to protect your teeth from toothache in the future is to take proper care. Here is what you can do is to minimize the risk of developing toothaches:
Brush Daily
Brushing is the most important thing that you should do to keep your mouth clean and healthy. It removes food particles and plaque stuck on the teeth surfaces. Plaque, when left on the teeth for longer times, becomes hard and turns into tartar. And the removal of tartar requires cleaning by a dental professional.
Floss
When you brush, the bristles of your toothbrush cant reach in between the spaces of the teeth. To clean these hard-to-reach areas, you need to floss. Tooth decay/cavities are one of the most common causes of pain in the tooth. Not flossing will make your teeth vulnerable to cavities even if you brush your teeth regularly.
Reduce Sugar Intake
Sugar is one of the most damaging things that affect your teeth. Its acidic in nature and it sticks to the tooth surface. The bacteria in your mouth feed over the sugar and convert it into acids that harm your teeth. Hence, to prevent your teeth from decaying and aching, you must limit your sugar consumption and rinse your mouth after eating sweets.
Drink Water
Drinking water is healthy not only for your dental health but also for your overall well-being. Water helps in cleaning your mouth by rinsing away food particles or sugar stuck in between your teeth. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent your teeth from damaging.
Visit Your Dentist
If you wish to prevent any kind of dental problems in the future and maintain your oral health, see your dentist at least twice a year. When you visit your dentist regularly, most of the symptoms related to tooth damage and toothache get identified at the early stages. In fact, regular dental checkups give you the time to fix underlying problems and worsening further.
Best Dentist In Jackson New Jersey
Regular dental visits are very important to ensure your oral well-being. But it can be very difficult to find the right dentist. Most of the time, people are not comfortable visiting their dentists office, or dental anxiety kicks in. In such a situation, you need to find a dentist that not only makes you feel comfortable but suits all your oral care needs.
We, at Jackson Dental, understand that dental visits can be overwhelming for you. Hence we make sure that you feel comfortable with us. Our team of highly skilled dental professionals provides patient-centered treatment while ensuring that you dont experience any discomfort.
At Jackson Dental, we not only treat your dental problems but also ensure your oral well-being in the future. We are an affordable and cheap dentist in New Jersey. Whether you have a toothache, cavities, missing tooth, or sensitive teeth, we are a one-stop solution to take care of all your oral care requirements. Visit us at Jackson Dental - best dental care clinic in New Jersey.
Conclusion
When a toothache suddenly troubles you, it brings a lot of discomfort and a sleepless night. At times when youre able to reach your dentist, you can ease your pain in a few ways. Whether you use OTC medicines or natural remedies, you need to understand that it is for temporary relief. To identify the cause of your dental problems and for a long-term solution, do visit your dentist.