1. Prevent Toothaches With Regular Oral Maintenance
Tooth decay over time causes the majority of toothaches. Pain may precede or accompany tooth cavities, which usually result from buildup of bacteria around the teeth and gums from sugary or starchy foods. Regular brushing is a must to clean this food residue off so that bacteria don't multiply. Dentists recommend twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing or use of an interdental cleaner, usually a nonabrasive, pliable plastic pick. Brush after eating or drinking for the best results.
Fluoride is also a powerful tool in combating tooth decay. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste. If you drink bottled water, switch to tap every now and then, if fluoride is added to the water in your area, or use a fluoride rinse.
2. Establish Tooth-Friendly Behavior
Eating and drinking foods on which bacteria thrive opens the door to tooth decay and possible toothache pain. If you drink soda or nibble on chips throughout the day, cut out the snacking and switch to sugar-free, noncarbonated beverages. When it's time to indulge in a dessert, choose foods that "clean" your teeth and not those that get stuck in them. Try fresh fruits and vegetables, which stimulate saliva production, to flush out plaque-causing residue. Select cheese, which builds healthy teeth, over cookies, which do the opposite. Sugar-free gum is also a tooth-friendly cleaner.
3. Get to the Root of Sinus Toothaches
A respiratory problem and not tooth decay may cause some toothaches. Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can attack any of the body's sinuses, and the maxillary sinus is located closest to the teeth and jaws. Viruses or bacteria cause infections, and toothache pain, along with high fever and difficulty breathing, is one of the symptoms. So to prevent sinus toothaches, you must avoid catching upper-respiratory infections.
Wash your hands frequently, and don't share glasses or utensils with others. If you know that people have a cold or flu, stay out of their "zone" until they are healthy. If you have known allergies, take medication and steer clear of triggers such as smoke and air pollution. Sinus toothaches that recur should be diagnosed by a doctor. Chronic sinusitis may need treatment to eliminate toothache pain.
