The World Health Organization says more than 3 billion people have oral diseases. That’s a lot! Tooth pain is one of the many issues people struggle with, and the pain can be excruciating. But there are ways to relieve this pain and prevent issues like plaque build-up, tooth fractures, gum recession, gingivitis, and more! Let’s start off with the common causes of toothache.
What Are the Common Causes of Toothache?
The first step in treating toothache is to identify the cause. This will make it easier to determine what treatment is needed.
Here are 6 common causes of tooth pain:
1. Cavities and Decay
The biggest culprits of toothache are cavities and tooth decay. A plaque build destroys and damages the enamel on the teeth, weakening it. This causes broken and chipped teeth, cavities, and extreme sensitivity depending on the severity of enamel erosion.
2. Gingivitis
Gum disease is another prominent cause of tooth pain. Plaque build-up can also cause pain when drinking hot or cold beverages and eating.
3. Infections
An infection such as a tooth abscess can be incredibly painful. When plaque is left too long, it can turn into an infection due to the damage. You can also have pain and swelling in your neck, glands, and face.
4. Gum Recession
Gum recession and enamel erosion happen when the protective layer of enamel is worn down, and gums recede back from the teeth. The exposure and lack of protection make drinking and eating food uncomfortable and can lead to sharp and painful toothache.
5. Grinding Teeth
The medical term for teeth grinding is Bruxism, and this can happen either while awake or asleep. It’s more common for people to grind their teeth at night, resulting in sensitivity, tooth fractures, and chipping.
6. Injuries
If there have been any injuries or trauma to teeth, then it can lead to immense tooth pain. This is common for athletes or car accident victims and can even show up later on. Either way, it is very important to have this injury checked out by a healthcare professional.
How Do You Prevent Tooth Pain?
- Look after your teeth and follow recommended dental practices to ensure clean and healthy teeth.
- Avoid or eat less acidic and sugary foods as they break down enamel and promote cavities.
- Drinking lots of water can help flush away leftover debris in the mouth and hard-to-reach places between teeth. It also helps protect enamel and strengthens the teeth.
- Tobacco and smoking are major causes of damage to teeth and cause inflammation, irritation, and stains of the teeth. This can lead to frequent mouth sores and other infections.
- For those who have Bruxism and grind their teeth often, it is a good idea to invest in a mouth guard. This can help protect the teeth against the potential damage of friction and also helps teeth stay straight.
- Make regular dentist checkups, and don’t skip scheduled appointments. This can help identify any possible problems and get the best recommendations for keeping your teeth healthy.
6 Solutions and Relief for Unbearable Toothache
Tooth pain is an awful experience, and we may find ourselves desperately thinking of how to find some relief. Thankfully, there are several ways to soothe toothache at home.
Below are 6 ways to help relieve toothache:
- Salt water rinse – The easiest and fastest solution to relieve bad tooth pain is to rinse with warm salt water. The antiseptic properties can kill bacteria and germs, easing inflammation.
- Cold compress – Using a cold compress can help reduce swelling and inflammation and ease pain from toothache or removal. Place a cold compress on the side of the pan for 10 minutes, then keep it off for 20; repeat these intervals until the pain reduces.
- Painkillers – Over the counter painkillers can be a big help for tooth pain and can give temporary relief. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are recommended medications for assisting in tooth pain. Sleep is also a great way to help with tooth pain.
- Avoid certain foods – Avoid foods and drinks that cause sensitivity or coat your teeth, as this can cause immense pain for those with cavities and gum recession. Food can get stuck in the eroded parts, and sugary, hot, or cold food can cause pain from sensitivity.
- Cloves – Clove oil can help numb the affected area and also provides antiseptic properties to destroy bacteria in the mouth or infection. You can add coconut or olive oil as they also contain helpful elements to ease tooth pain.
- See a dentist – When a toothache does not let up, especially after trying several solutions, there may be a more serious problem that needs medical attention.
Conclusion
Tooth pain is a common and sometimes unbearable experience, but with the right tips, you can prevent tooth damage. By cleaning and taking care of your teeth, you can say goodbye to unwanted toothaches!