Pain from a toothache can range from mild to severe, and may even spread to other areas such as the ears. Treating a toothache depends on the cause of the pain. You can usually treat mild toothaches at home, but see your dentist if your pain worsens or does not go away within a few days, especially if you have a fever, breathing problems, swelling, red gums or discharge.
Causes
Cavities are the most common cause of toothaches, explains Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Bacteria, acid and food particles build up and form plaque on the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if you do not remove it thoroughly and regularly with brushing and flossing.
Injuries to the jaw and mouth can cause acute tooth pain. Other dental conditions, such as infections, abscesses and gingivitis can cause moderate to severe toothaches. Sinusitis, a swelling of the sinuses due to an infection, can cause a toothache that is often accompanied by a fever, headache, sore throat or cough.
Home Remedies
Rinsing your mouth with warm water at regular intervals can help relieve mild toothache pain. Sometimes small food particles lodged between teeth cause a toothache. Brushing thoroughly and flossing between each tooth can help relieve this type of pain. Applying a small drop of clove oil directly against your gums and irritated teeth can help temporarily to relieve pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Over-the-Counter Treatment
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, can relieve toothache pain. Topical gels and creams that contain benzocaine help with toothache pain when used several times a day.
Do not give aspirin to children under 18, as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a dangerous medical condition. Applying over-the-counter pain relievers directly to your gums can burn or irritate the tissue, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Medical/Dental Treatment
Toothaches from cavities typically subside very quickly after a dentist removes the decayed pieces of tooth and fills the hole with gold, porcelain or composite resin. Root canals remove the center of a tooth when the nerve dies. Dentists fill the roots and sometimes place a crown over the tooth to prevent further problems if there was severe decay.
A doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic if your toothache is due to an infection. Prescription painkillers are sometimes used for short periods, particularly for tooth pain following extensive dental procedures.
Prevention
Proper oral hygiene can help prevent many tooth problems that lead to pain. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal and snack is preferable.
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings help prevent problems and allow your dentist to diagnose existing problems before they get worse. Limiting the sugar in your diet, especially sugar in juices and soft drinks, can reduce your risk of developing cavities and keep your teeth healthy.
