Toothache: When to See a Dentist

What is a toothache?

Toothaches occur when the sensitive  nerves inside a tooth become inflamed or irritated. This irritation can  create a painful sensation in the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw.

Tooth pain can range from mild sensitivity, aching or throbbing to more intense pain that disrupts your day-to-day activities.”

The pain may be constant  or it could come and go. It may even be triggered when eating or  drinking certain things, especially hot, cold or sugary foods or drinks.

What causes a toothache?

Many things can cause a toothache, including:

• Dental decay reaching the tooth's inner pulp where blood vessels and nerves are located
• A cracked tooth or broken tooth exposing sensitive inner layers and nerve endings
• Gum inflammation or periodontal disease
• An abscessed tooth or tooth infection
• Wisdom teeth causing pressure on other teeth as they erupt
• Referred pain from issues like sinus infection or jaw pain

Home remedies for toothache

Remember: At-home toothache relief should be considered a temporary measure while you arrange to see a dentist.

If your tooth pain persists for more than 1-2 days, seek professional dental care. Your dentist will be able to provide you with a proper diagnosis and  dental treatment plan, clearly addressing the root cause of your pain.Professional assessment and treatment of the underlying cause are  crucial to prevent the toothache from worsening.When determining which remedy might work best for your toothache, there are a few factors to consider. These include:

• The intensity and type of pain
• The location of the affected tooth
• The underlying cause of the toothache
• Any allergies or sensitivities you might have
• Whether there’s visible swelling or infection present

There are several types of toothache remedies available to help manage your discomfort, which we'll explore below.

Soft toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth

If your  toothache is caused by tooth sensitivity, try switching to a  soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste that is specially  designed for sensitive teeth. This can reduce the sensitivity you feel  by soothing the nerves inside the tooth and rebuilding a protective  layer over the tooth. If you experience sensitive teeth, it's also  helpful to ask your dentist about the correct way to brush your teeth.  They will show you how to brush using less pressure or force. When you  brush your teeth too hard, this can wear away the gum tissues and expose the sensitive tooth roots, increasing your risk of gum disease.

Saltwater and hydrogen peroxide rinses

Saltwater and hydrogen peroxide rinses are the most common types of home remedies as they’re both easily accessible and provide quick relief. Create a  simple saltwater rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in 250ml of  warm water. Saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to clean  the affected tooth and fight infection while temporarily reducing  inflammation in the gum tissue.

Dilute hydrogen peroxide 50:50  with water to create a rinse. The hydrogen peroxide mixture works  similarly to a saltwater rinse, but has stronger anti-inflammatory  effects. Hydrogen peroxide can also help to heal oral wounds in the  mouth.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Pain medication  like ibuprofen or paracetamol can provide effective at-home toothache  management while you wait to see your dentist. Ibuprofen works  particularly well for dental pain because it not only relieves pain but  also helps reduce inflammation in the affected area. Paracetamol can  help with pain management but doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation.  Always follow the recommended dose and consider your medical history and any existing medical conditions before taking any medication.

Remember that while over-the-counter pain medication can provide temporary  relief, it won’t fix dental problems. Using medication to mask toothache symptoms may make your dental problems worse in the long run if the  underlying cause or issue isn’t addressed.