Toothache Townsville – Fix Painful Tooth Aches – Dental Precinct

By Author: Vikram Vasisht
Total Articles: 112
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Treatments for Toothaches
Toothaches are one of the most common conditions we see at our Bushland Beach dentist’s office.

Although medication can offer temporary relief, toothaches don’t go away on their own. The pain is caused by something underlying, such as:

An abscess
Cracked tooth
Untreated cavity
Wisdom tooth
Periodontal disease
Getting your toothache looked after as soon as you’re able to will prevent the infection from getting much worse. Otherwise, a chronic toothache might only be able to be resolved with an extraction.

A toothache can be incredibly uncomfortable and can have a range of causes. It’s important to address it promptly, as it may indicate an underlying issue. Here’s a breakdown of what might be causing your toothache and what you can do about it:

Common Causes of Toothache
Tooth Decay (Cavities):

What it is: When bacteria erode the tooth’s enamel, it can lead to cavities, which may cause pain.

Symptoms: Sharp, throbbing pain, especially when chewing or eating sweet, hot, or cold foods.

Gum Disease (Gingivitis ...
... or Periodontitis):

What it is: Inflammation or infection of the gums due to plaque buildup.

Symptoms: Swollen, red, and bleeding gums; tooth pain, especially when brushing or flossing.

Tooth Abscess:

What it is: An infection at the root of a tooth or in the gums, often caused by untreated decay or gum disease.

Symptoms: Intense, throbbing pain, swelling, sensitivity, and sometimes fever.

Tooth Fracture or Crack:

What it is: A broken or cracked tooth can expose the nerve and cause pain.

Symptoms: Sharp pain when biting or chewing, especially if the crack is deep enough to affect the tooth’s pulp (nerve).

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):

What it is: Grinding your teeth, especially at night, can wear down the enamel and cause pain.

Symptoms: Pain in the jaw, teeth, or even headaches.

Wisdom Teeth:

What it is: Wisdom teeth coming in or becoming impacted can cause pressure and pain in the back of the mouth.

Symptoms: Pain at the back of the jaw, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth.

Sinus Infection:

What it is: Infections in the sinus cavities can cause referred pain in the upper teeth.

Symptoms: Pain in the upper teeth that gets worse with pressure or when you bend forward, along with sinus congestion.

Pulpitis (Inflammation of the Tooth Nerve):

What it is: Inflammation of the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) can be caused by decay or trauma.

Symptoms: Sharp, severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and discomfort when chewing.

Home Remedies for Temporary Relief
While it’s important to see a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you can try these methods to temporarily relieve the pain:

Cold Compress:

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth for 15-20 minutes. This can help numb the pain and reduce swelling.

Saltwater Rinse:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and use it as a mouth rinse to reduce inflammation and clean out any food debris.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:

Non-prescription painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage the pain. Always follow the dosage instructions.

Clove Oil:

Clove oil has been used for centuries to numb tooth pain. You can apply it directly to the affected area using a cotton ball.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse:

A diluted solution (mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water) can help disinfect the area and reduce inflammation.

Garlic:

Garlic has antibacterial properties that can help reduce infection. Crush a garlic clove and apply it directly to the painful tooth or gum area.

Teabags:

Applying a warm, wet teabag (preferably black tea, which has tannins) to the painful area may help reduce pain and inflammation.

When to See a Dentist
If your toothache lasts more than a day or is very severe, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek professional dental care:

Severe pain that doesn’t go away with pain relievers.

Swelling around the tooth, jaw, or face.

Fever (which could indicate infection).

Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Pus coming from the tooth or gums.

Pain that wakes you up at night.

Preventing Toothaches
To help prevent toothaches in the future, you can:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.

Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and reduce plaque.

Avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay.

Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups to catch any issues early.

A toothache could be a sign of a variety of problems, so getting it checked out by a dentist is essential for proper treatment and relief.