Toothache is a common dental problem that can range from dull to sharp and throbbing. It can be caused by a variety of problems, including decay, fractures, exposed roots, a loose filling or gum disease. A toothache can also be caused by infection of a dental cavity or trauma to the mouth. Infection from a tooth can spread to the sinuses (causing sinusitis) or a large vein at the base of the skull (causing cavernous sinus thrombosis, a serious condition called Ludwig angina).
To diagnose the cause, the dentist will examine the mouth, teeth and jaws. He will also take X-rays and may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics.
Causes
Toothaches occur when the inner layer of a tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This can happen when enamel wears away or gum recession occurs, and it exposes nerve endings in the tooth to intense temperatures such as hot and cold foods. The sharp pain that accompanies this can be debilitating.
Clove oil has antiseptic and analgesic properties that can relieve the pain from a toothache. A few drops of clove oil placed directly on the affected tooth can help ease the pain and heal any infection in the area. A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can also help ease a toothache by killing bacteria and loosening debris stuck in the teeth.
Symptoms
A toothache is a sharp, throbbing pain that is usually felt on the affected tooth. This pain may be relieved by taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can remove food debris and bacteria from the infected gum tissue and help reduce swelling. Mix a solution of equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide, swish for 30 seconds and then rinse thoroughly.
Individuals can also apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve inflammation and reduce swelling. Chewing on a guava leaf is another home remedy that might help to ease the pain, as the thymol component of the leaf has antiseptic properties.
If a toothache persists for more than two days, individuals should see a dentist to prevent further complications. A doctor or dentist can perform X-rays of the teeth and jaw, and can prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. Other symptoms that should alert individuals to seek immediate medical care include a fever, chills or bleeding gums.
Treatment
Toothache treatment focuses on alleviating pain and addressing the cause of the problem. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection or painkillers for relief.
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help to relieve tooth pain by targeting inflammation and reducing the pressure on the nerve. A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse can also remove food debris from the area around your affected tooth.
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural analgesic that can numb the tooth and reduce swelling. Dilute clove oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba, and dab a cotton ball on the affected area for quick relief.
Peppermint has a cooling effect and can help to fight bacteria that can cause infection. Hold a used tea bag against the affected tooth for several minutes. Crushed garlic can kill harmful bacteria and provide antiseptic properties. Garlic cloves can be chewed or crushed and applied directly to the painful area for a quick, home-based remedy.
Prevention
A toothache can be prevented with consistent dental hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove food particles missed by toothbrushing. In addition, regular visits to the dentist help prevent tooth decay and other dental problems, including toothaches.
If a toothache is severe, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may help. In some cases, a dentist can alleviate the pain by removing the tooth decay or placing a root filling.
Home remedies such as rinsing with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, made by mixing one teaspoon of the substance with a glass of water, can also aid in the relief of a toothache. Another natural remedy for a toothache is to chew on a clove of garlic, which has antiseptic properties that kill bacteria and blunt pain signals from the mouth to the brain. You can also boil some guava leaves in water to make a natural mouthwash, which has pain-relieving and antiseptic qualities.