All Information About Toothache Pain and its Cure.

A young boy taking an apple bite while having a toothache

What is toothache pain?

“Toothache is a pain in or around the tooth and can range from mild to severe.”

Toothaches can be caused by various reasons such as tooth cavities, gum infections, or irritation. Some toothaches are temporary (gum irritation) and can be cured at home but many (cavities) require dental attention.

It is very difficult to bear tooth pain as it affects the whole body. Tooth pain occurs because the root nerves or surrounding tooth area get infected. There are many reasons behind tooth pain such as tooth decay, tooth injury, tooth loss, or tooth extraction. Sometimes pain also comes from other body parts like the ear, heart problem, jaw, or sinuses.

Toothaches are not fatal but could be a sign of various serious health issues. Always be cautious around tooth pain and never ignore it.

A man pointing to its red diseased gums, one of the major causes of Toothache

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Toothache causes

It is important to understand the factors behind various causes of toothache:

Tooth Decay or Cavities:
Tooth decay is the most common reason behind toothache. It starts with a hole in the tooth and leads to tooth decay and may also result in tooth loss. It can’t be treated on its own and medical attention is a must.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis):
Gingivitis is referred to as gum inflammation and initially, it does not cause any harm. But if not treated or healed then it may spread and damage the soft tissues and tooth bone (periodontium). This damage of periodontium inflammation is referred to as periodontitis.
Dental Abscess:
Dental Abscess is referred to as pus pockets around various parts of your tooth. Bacterial infection is responsible for puss formation.
Tooth Fractures or Cracks:
Tooth cracks or fractures are major reasons for toothache. They damage the tooth structure and can also harm dental pulp which leads to pain while chewing and sensitivity.
Wisdom Teeth:
Wisdom teeth (third molars) cause pain and infection at the back of your tooth while growing because they do not have enough space.
Sinus Infection (Referred Pain):
Sinusitis occurs at the back of the upper teeth due to bacterial or fungal infection resulting in sinus inflammation in your sinus cavity. Toothache occurs because the upper back teeth roots are closed to your sinuses.
Referred Pain from Other Areas:
In some cases, a toothache could be a sign of serious heart issues mainly heart attacks. Many health issues can cause toothache regardless of being non-dental issues such as ear infections, heart problems, and lung cancer. The pain occurs during heart and lung problems because of the vagus nerve that runs through your jaw.
Trigeminal and Occipital Neuralgia:
These are neurological conditions. In this, trigeminal and occipital nerves serve your face, teeth, and skull. Swelling in these nerves results in pain.

A girl holding a Magnifying glass in front of her teeth showing Toothache Symptom

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Toothache symptoms

Pain
Sensitivity
Swelling
Fever
Gum Bleeding
Bad Taste
Bad Breath
Pus
Headaches or Earaches
Problem while chewing
Restlessness or Discomfort
Visible Damage

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Best treatment for toothache

Every problem has a solution, therefore, dental treatment also depends on various dental conditions. A dentist first examines the dental conditions and looks for symptoms. The dentist may also ask for a dental X-ray to know the severity of your condition.

Dental Crown:
This procedure involves covering your tooth surface with a cap-like structure in case of larger tooth cavities or severe fractures. This helps in strengthening your tooth and saving it from further damage.
Dental filling:
In this, the destroyed part of your tooth is filled with materials such as gold, silver, and others. This procedure is required in case of small cavities or small broken teeth.
Antibiotic Treatment:
Antibiotics are recommended for temporary effects. These can be taken to soothe pain or before going to the dentist. But proper medical treatment is required, it can only give temporary relief. Antibiotics are also given sinusitis treatment but you may also undergo surgery if needed.
Root canal:
It is required when the bacteria reach your tooth pulp through the cavity. In this, the swollen blood vessels, nerves, and tissues are removed. In some cases crown is also needed for tooth protection.

A young girl brushing her teeth to prevent toothache.

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Prevention

Maintain a proper healthy diet.
Brush your teeth daily and after eating anything.
Avoid sugar and acidic food items.
Regular Dental Checkups within 6 months.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste.
Use a Mouthguard if you play rough sports.
Quit smoking as it worsens the problem.

Ginger and Turmeric powder to cure Toothache

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Natural home remedies for toothache pain relief

It is very important to figure out the root cause of your toothache. Always be concerned about the symptoms and how long they exist. Some symptoms and dental conditions can be controlled or cured with home remedies but some need medical care. If your symptoms exist for more than 2 days then a dental checkup is recommended.

Home remedies are natural solutions to your problems and can help in pain relief:

Saltwater:
Salt is a natural disinfectant and the most effective treatment. Saltwater can heal wounds and remove particles that get stuck after eating in your teeth. To perform this, take half a teaspoon of salt in a glass and pour warm water into it. Let it mix and then use it.
Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid and bitter. It can help in plaque reduction, cure bleeding gums, and ease pain or swelling. Take equal parts of water and mix 3% of hydrogen peroxide in it. Use it to rinse your mouth and make sure that you never swallow it.
Cold compress:
They can be made easily by dipping a cloth in cold water or ice cubes wrapped around a towel. It helps in pain relief and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels in that area. Use it for around 20 minutes.
Garlic:
Garlic contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It has the power to kill the source of bacteria and provide pain relief.

Chewing a garlic clove and applying a garlic paste with a little salt in it over the infected area will be helpful.
Vanilla extract:
Vanilla extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has alcohol in it which can numb the pain. Take a cotton ball and use it to dab the little amount of vanilla extract on the infected area.
Clove Oil:
Clove has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties (from eugenol). It can numb the painful spot and reduce the swelling.

Clove oil is effectively used to treat toothache.

Take a clove oil and dilute it with any carrier oil like sunflower oil. Now, dab a small amount of this diluted oil onto a cotton ball or Q-tip. Apply it to the affected area and repeat this a couple of times a day.

You can also boil 5 cloves in a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse for pain relief.
Basil Leaves:
They contain analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties for pain relief. Make a juice of basil leaves with powdered black pepper. Create small globules of it and place them between your painful teeth.
Lemon:
Add salt into 4 lemon pieces and then heat them to apply on the painful tooth region for pain relief.
Turmeric:
It contains anti-inflammatory properties. It can help kill tooth decay-causing bacteria and relieve pain. Massage your painful teeth with roasted powdered turmeric to cure toothache.
Guava Leaves:
It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Chewing fresh guava leaves and rinsing your mouth with boiled guava leaves in water can help in tooth pain relief and gum inflammation.
Ginger:
Cut ginger into pieces, add salt to it, and then put it between your teeth for toothache relief because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.