Toothache: What to Do to Relieve the Pain?

What is a toothache?

A toothache corresponds to an intense and, most often, unbearable pain that deeply disrupts well-being and daily activities. It can affect anyone, at any age, and set in suddenly or gradually — it is usually very poorly tolerated! The pain is generally throbbing, with heightened sensitivity to hot, cold and sugary foods.

This pain does not always stay confined to the mouth: it can radiate to the jaw, neck and ears.

The main causes of toothache

Before being able to relieve the pain, it is essential to identify its origin. A toothache is not just a passing discomfort: it can reveal a serious underlying problem that requires a dentist's intervention. Here are the most common causes of toothache:

Dental cavity

Cavities, which result from the degradation of teeth (and particularly of enamel) under the action of bacteria, are a very frequent cause of dental pain. These bacteria feed on the sugars and starch contained in foods, then produce acids that attack the enamel and create cavities. Without treatment, they can progress to an infection.

A dental cavity manifests itself through increased sensitivity, sharp pain, and the appearance of visible spots and small holes on the tooth. If the cavity is not treated in time, it can cause pulpitis, that is, an inflammation of the dental pulp (the inner part of the tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels).

Dental infection

Infections, such as abscesses, are accompanied by inflammation and severe pain. An abscess is defined as a pocket of pus of bacterial origin, which accumulates at the level of the tooth or gum. This type of situation most often requires emergency medical care.

Gum problems

Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can also trigger dental pain. They result in an inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth and require medical treatment.

Trauma

A fracture or a crack in the tooth, most often caused by an accident or injury, can be extremely painful and lead to a toothache. It is best to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Wisdom tooth eruption

The growth of wisdom teeth (or third molars) can cause intense pain and swelling, especially when they are misaligned or lack space to emerge properly. They generally appear between 17 and 25 years old. Most of the time, the dentist decides to extract wisdom teeth, under local or general anesthesia.

How to relieve the pain?

A consultation at the dentist is imperative to treat a toothache. While waiting for the appointment, several methods and home remedies can be used:

Salt water rinse

Rinsing with warm salt water helps reduce inflammation and clean the infected area. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then rinse your mouth by gargling for 30 seconds. Alternatively, a mouthwash purchased from a supermarket or pharmacy can also be used.

Applying ice

Apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the cheek, on the outside of the painful area, for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps numb the pain and reduce swelling. Be careful, do not apply the ice pack directly on the face, at the risk of burning the skin.

Over-the-counter medication

Before buying a medication, it is preferable to ask your pharmacist for advice. Paracetamol, for example, can relieve the pain while waiting for your dentist appointment; however, be sure to follow the dosage of the medication carefully.

Cloves

Recognized for its analgesic and antibacterial properties, clove can be used in case of toothache. Place a small amount of clove oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the painful tooth. It is also possible to use cloves in their pure state, by infusing them in water to then use as a mouthwash.

How to prevent toothache?

Having good daily oral hygiene is essential to avoid toothaches. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, with a fluoride toothpaste, and use dental floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. In addition, an antibacterial mouthwash can be used intermittently, never permanently.

Watch out for sugar! The health of your teeth also depends on your diet. Limit the consumption of foods and drinks rich in sugar and starch, which promote the growth of bacteria responsible for dental cavities. Sodas and candies should be consumed in moderation! Instead, favor foods rich in calcium and vitamins, such as dairy products, fruits and vegetables, which help strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

Finally, it is important to consult your dentist regularly for routine examinations and scaling. The practitioner can thus detect and treat dental problems as soon as they appear, before they become painful.