A toothache makes us miserable and it is hard to get on with our lives when we are in pain. Avoiding toothache in the first place is the best approach and this is achieved with good dental hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day reduces your chances of developing cavities which ultimately cause a toothache. It also helps our teeth to look great. However, there are other causes of a toothache and there is a lot that you can do to relieve it if you are suffering.
Tooth decay is by far the most common cause of a toothache but your pain may be caused by other factors and your dentist will want to rule these out.
You may have an infection in the roots of the tooth or in the gum and you may have gum disease. Some toothache is caused by the sufferer grinding their teeth and this is associated with anxiety. If you have an accident and damage your teeth, this could obviously cause pain. If the problem develops over a long period of time it could be caused by an abnormal bite.
Some causes of a toothache are actually nothing to do with teeth. The pain is referred to this area and feels as if it is originating from your teeth but the underlying cause is elsewhere. People who have TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) and sinus or ear infections often complain of a toothache. If there is tension in the facial muscles this can feel like pain arising from a tooth and you may have a headache as well.
+ Rinse your mouth several times a day with warm salt water.
+ Gently floss your teeth. Sometimes pain is caused by food particles that have become trapped.
+ If it is safe for you to do so, you can take some pain medication that you can purchase over the counter. However, do not put a painkiller directly on the gums as this may cause burning and irritation.
+ Apply a medication containing benzocaine directly to affected area. This is designed to temporarily relieve the pain. Oil of cloves (eugenol) is an ancient and traditional remedy but many people find that it works. You can rub the oil directly on the area with a finger or apply using some cotton wool.
If a toothache is caused by trauma in an accident, it can help if you apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected cheek.