Teeth are very important yet very vulnerable structures that people often neglect. Neglect makes your teeth more susceptible to problems like tooth decay that can give you a toothache. Toothaches can cause head pain as well as pain in the affected tooth. If you are experiencing a toothache and head pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist for treatment.
Causes
The hard, outer surface of a tooth is made of a material called enamel. Plaque and tartar left behind from the foods you eat accumulate and stick your teeth. The acids contained in these deposits can wear away your enamel and cause tooth decay. Over time, tooth decay creates holes in your teeth called cavities. Cavities are a common source of toothaches. The pain associated with a toothache often begins as a mild twinge. As the cavity worsens, your toothache may elevate to an intense throb. Severe cavities can cause overwhelming pain that may spread to your temples and your forehead.
Treatments
Relief from a toothache and head pain usually requires treatment by a dentist. The procedure performed will depend on the size of your cavity. Small cavities usually require a filling. Fillings involve inserting a porcelain, composite resin or silver alloy material into the cavity. Larger cavities may necessitate a root canal. During a root canal, the dentist removes the nerve-containing pulp at the center of your tooth. If your tooth has suffered significant decay the dentist may cover it with a porcelain cap called a crown. Your toothache and head pain should subside once your tooth has been repaired.
Home Remedies
If your toothache and head pain are mild to moderate or if you cannot reach a dentist right away, there are several things you can do at home to get some temporary relief. Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) product like Anbesol or Orajel to the affected tooth to numb the area and help ease the aching. Taking an OTC pain medication like Tylenol may also help reduce your head pain.
Complications
Tooth decay that remains untreated can cause additional complications. One potential complication is an increase in tooth sensitivity. The affected tooth may become extremely sensitive to heat or cold, making it difficult to eat and drink. An abscess is another potential complication. An abscess occurs when a bacterial infection penetrates your tooth enamel and reaches the central pulp. A severe abscess can result in loss of the tooth, or it may spread to the surrounding tissue and bone.
Prevention
Eating a healthy diet and practicing good oral hygiene are the best ways to prevent cavity-causing tooth decay. Eating too many foods with high sugar or starch content creates more plaque and tartar. Infrequent brushing and flossing gives plaque and tartar more time to wreak havoc on and in-between your teeth. Instead, try to eat more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, and limit your consumption of sweets. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day helps keep them free of harmful substances.
