Sooner or later, everyone is likely to have a toothache. They can give you a rather dull ache, or a sharp pain that will not let you think of anything else but how to get toothache relief quickly. There are also a few causes of toothaches that you need to be aware of.
The Causes of Aching Teeth
A toothache can be caused by chewing on something that is hot or cold. If you drink a cold liquid or food like ice cream, it can trigger toothache pain that can be almost unbearable, but it will not last long.
When a tooth is sensitive to hot or cold, it is because the enamel on that tooth has become thin. The bacteria in your mouth produce an acid every time you eat or drink sugary foods. If you do not take good care of your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing, the acid will erode the enamel on your teeth, and will eventually cause cavities to form.
Other things can also cause toothaches. They include:
- A fractured tooth
- A filling that has been damaged
- An infection in your gums
- An abscessed tooth.
Medications for Pain Relief
There are several home remedies that you can use to get some pain relief. Several over-the-counter medications can help that you take orally, particularly NSAIDs. Some gel or liquid medications are also available that you can apply directly to the tooth. You do not want to put medications in pill form, such as aspirin, directly on the tooth or gums because this can cause burns.
Home Remedies for Pain Relief
Some home remedies are also available that may help. The first thing you want to do when your tooth hurts is to gently brush and floss around that tooth. Sometimes food that is lodged between your teeth is directly irritating a cavity or thin spot in the enamel and removing it may provide you with instant relief.
An Abscessed Tooth
When you have an abscessed tooth, it means that the inside of the tooth, the pulp, has become infected. It can be caused by a cracked tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. From there, it will spread from inside the tooth to the tooth’s root and into the gums. This is a serious problem that will not go away without treatment because the infection will spread and it may even be fatal.
There may also be many symptoms that will reveal a serious problem. They may include:
- A persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold and when you chew
- A fever
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Swollen lymph nodes that are tender.
If you have these symptoms, you need to see a dentist immediately – do not put it off. The dentist will have to remove the inflammation, most likely with a root canal.
Preventing Tooth Pain
Many times a toothache can be avoided with good dental care. By brushing your teeth twice every day for two minutes, and flossing, you can keep the bacteria off your teeth. When you get a toothache, though, it reveals that something is wrong and it needs fixing. Cavities do not fix themselves, but a dentist can eliminate it for good, and this will take care of the pain.
We offer complete dental services for your entire family, including cosmetic dentistry. Just call (914) 732-3377 today for more information or to set up an appointment.