Toothaches are one of the most common dental issues out there; almost everyone has one at some point in their lives. From dull and throbbing sensations to sharp and extreme pain, there are many ways a toothache can feel, but all these indicate underlying problems in the tooth, gums, or jaw. Because of this, managing toothaches should be dismissed or ignored.
So how do they happen, and what should be done to avoid them?
Causes of Toothaches
From popcorn kernels stuck between the teeth to abscesses deep in the gums, the causes of toothaches can vary widely. Here are some of the most common causes:
Tooth Decay and Diseases
When you start getting cavities, the hard exterior of your tooth is permanently damaged. This makes the softer tissue inside more prone to bacterial infection, which can lead to plenty of other issues later on. Most of the time, tooth decay causes pulp inflammation, dental abscesses, and gum diseases. All of these can cause toothaches.
Physical Trauma
Injury to the face can cause toothaches, even if your teeth and gums are healthy. This could indicate a bruised tooth ligament, an exposed nerve, or cracked teeth from the force. Since the damage can happen internally, you might need an X-ray to verify and treat the issue.
Impacted Teeth
When teeth grow the wrong way, they can push other teeth and cause toothaches that refuse to go away. In most cases, impacted teeth happen when wisdom teeth start to grow in.
Sensitive Teeth
While the outer layer of your tooth is hard and strong, it can still degrade because of incorrect brushing techniques and acidic foods. When this happens, your nerves are exposed, which can cause a sharp and temporary pain in your teeth when you eat or drink anything hot or cold.
Toothaches Are Good Alarms
Pain is how the body tells us that there’s something wrong. Toothaches serve the same purpose; they’re a common symptom of diseases in the gums, jaw, and teeth. That’s why they shouldn’t be ignored. Whatever is causing it will probably get worse if left untreated, which can make people’s lives more difficult, cause them to lose teeth, and even prove fatal in rare occasions.
As soon as you notice a toothache, make an appointment with your dentist. They’ll know what to look for and provide the necessary treatment.
Caring for a Toothache Until Your Dental Appointment
Toothaches should be treated as dental emergencies, so you’ll want to visit your dentist immediately. However, not everyone has the time or the resources to drop by a dental clinic on a whim. Here are some things to do at home to help in managing toothaches in the meantime.
Take Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medicines, like ibuprofen or naproxen, have anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce the swelling and the pain. Like all medicine, take pain relievers according to the recommended dosage.
Apply Topical Pain Relievers
There are some ointments and gels you can apply directly to the site of the toothache. These reduce the pain and deliver a cooling effect for extra relief.
Use a Cold Compress
Placing a cold compress on your cheek or jaw near the toothache also offers a few benefits. The cold temperature can reduce swelling and it can also lessen the pain as long as the compress is applied constantly.
Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water also does wonders against inflammation. It can also rinse away leftover food particles and act as a disinfectant.
How to Avoid Toothaches: Healthy Oral Care Habits
No matter what you do, toothaches can still happen. They’re not 100% preventable. However, there are ways to reduce the chances of getting one. It’s all about good oral hygiene.
Regular Brushing and Flossing
Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing regularly will do wonders for your teeth. This will remove the leftover food particles in your mouth, which bacteria feed on. To avoid injuring your gums, use soft-bristled toothbrushes. Toothpaste with fluoride is also a must, since fluoride strengthens the enamel of the teeth.
Rinse Your Mouth Thoroughly
Brushing and flossing won’t get rid of every food particle in your mouth. To make sure that everything is gone, you’ll want to rinse your mouth with a fluoride gargle. This will also help strengthen your enamel and clear out any sugars in your mouth.
Avoid Sugary Foods
Desserts, sodas, and other sugary foods are the main reasons for tooth decay. You’re better off avoiding these and eating whole foods without added sugars. These include fruits, vegetables, and dairy for an extra boost of calcium.
Drink Water
Water doesn’t have any calories or sugar, so it’s the best substitute for fruit juices, milkshakes, and soda. It will also help manage your blood sugar. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for oral health, since diabetes can have dangerous effects on your gums.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
You can prevent dental issues before they start causing toothaches when you visit a dentist regularly. They can spot cavities and fill them before they can do any more damage. They can also clean your teeth more thoroughly to avoid the buildup of plaque.
Preventative Dentistry Is a Must
Visiting an oral care professional twice a year is the best practice to maintain good oral health. Aside from checking for signs of tooth decay and other issues that cause toothaches, a dentist can recommend good habits and diet plans.
Also, it’s never a good idea to diagnose problems on your own; you need trained experts like a professional dentist to identify the issue and prescribe the treatments you need.
Schedule a Visit With Artistic Dental
At Artistic D, we’re dedicated to helping you find the root cause of a toothache and provide the relief you’ve been longing for. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our wonderful dentists!