How to stop tooth pain fast

What is Toothache?

Toothache is a pain or discomfort in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, or tooth fracture. It can also be a symptom of other health problems, such as sinusitis, ear infection, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Toothache can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, fever, or difficulty chewing. Toothache is usually a sign that something is wrong and requires attention from a dentist.

What are the Causes?

• Tooth decay: When bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel, it can lead to tooth decay, which can cause pain and sensitivity.
• Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissue that can cause pain, inflammation, and tooth loss.
• Tooth abscess: A tooth abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms in the tooth or gum tissue, often caused by an untreated cavity or gum disease.
• Tooth fracture: A broken or cracked tooth can cause severe pain, especially if the nerve is exposed.
• Infected root canal: An infected root canal occurs when bacteria infect the inner part of the tooth, which can cause pain and swelling.
• Grinding teeth: Bruxism, or grinding teeth, can cause pain and sensitivity in the teeth and jaw.
• Tooth sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel is worn down, exposing the sensitive inner layer of the tooth.

10 Home Remedies for Toothache

Several home remedies can help alleviate toothache pain. Here are 10 of them:

• Saltwater rinses: Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Saltwater rinse helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth.
• Clove oil: Clove oil has natural numbing properties that can help relieve toothache pain. Apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected area using a cotton ball.
• Peppermint tea bags: Peppermint tea bags can help numb the area and soothe the pain. Wet the tea bag and place it on the affected area for a few minutes.
• Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth. Crush a garlic clove and mix it with some salt to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Hydrogen peroxide helps kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract has natural numbing properties that can help relieve toothache pain. Apply a small amount of vanilla extract to the affected area using a cotton ball.
• Ice pack: Place an ice pack on the affected area for a few minutes. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
• Apple cider vinegar: Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.
• Onion: Cut a piece of onion and place it on the affected area. Onion has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria in the mouth.
• Acupressure: Apply pressure to the area between your thumb and index finger for a few minutes. This can help relieve toothache pain.

How to Prevent it?

• Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay.
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can erode your tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Your dentist can detect and treat dental problems before they become more serious.
• Wear a mouthguard: If you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer and reduce your body’s ability to fight infection.

When to consult a doctor for a toothache?

If you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s best to consult a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions related to teeth and gums.

You can consult a dentist for toothache if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• Pain or discomfort in or around the tooth
• Swelling in the gums or face
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Fever or headache

It’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening. Delaying treatment can lead to complications like infection or tooth loss. Sometimes, you may need to visit an emergency dentist if the pain is severe and immediate attention is required.

People also ask

1. How can I get immediate relief from a toothache?

There are a few things you can try to get immediate relief from a toothache, including:

• Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
• Applying a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected tooth or gums, as it has natural numbing and anti-inflammatory properties.

It’s important to note that these remedies are temporary and do not replace the need for professional dental care.

2. How many times should I use salt water for a toothache?

Rinsing your mouth with salt water for around 30 seconds and spitting it out can provide relief from pain. Doing this every few hours can help clean your mouth of accumulated food particles, bacteria, and other contaminants while reducing swelling.

3. Why is toothache worse at night?

Toothache pain can often feel worse at night due to changes in blood flow and inflammation. When lying down, the pressure in the head increases, which can cause increased blood flow and inflammation in the affected area. Additionally, the lack of distraction or activity can cause the pain to feel more intense. Furthermore, a person’s stress levels may be higher at night, which can exacerbate pain perception. If you experience severe toothache pain that disrupts your sleep or persists, seeking professional dental care is important.