A mild toothache may occur due to temporary gum irritation, which can be treated at home. If a tooth hurts severely, it may be caused by caries, an infection, or other dental diseases that will not go away on their own. If you have severe toothache, you will need professional dental treatment.
Unbearable toothache accompanied by fever and chills means that you have an emergency situation. You need to contact a dentist immediately. In rare cases, an infection in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and the bloodstream.
Types of Toothache
There are different types of toothache depending on the underlying cause. Specific symptoms of toothache may vary, but may include:
- dull pain that does not go away;
- sharp, stabbing pain;
- throbbing pain;
- tooth sensitivity;
- swelling of the gums;
- headaches;
- fever;
- chills;
- bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Causes of Toothache
There are many reasons why people develop toothache.
Caries is the most common cause of toothache in most children and adults. The bacteria that live in your mouth multiply thanks to the sugar and starch in the food you eat. These bacteria form sticky plaque that adheres to the surface of the teeth. The acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque can damage the enamel on the outer surface of the teeth. Over time, this leads to the formation of cavities — holes — in the teeth. The first sign of caries may be pain when you eat or drink something sweet, very cold, or very hot. Sometimes caries appears as a brown or white spot on the tooth.
Other causes of toothache include:
- a damaged filling or crown;
- gum disease;
- food getting stuck between the teeth, especially if there are gaps between the teeth or plaque has formed;
- swelling, an abscess, or infection at the root of the tooth or in the gums;
- tooth trauma, including as a result of teeth grinding — bruxism;
- a crack or chip in the tooth or tooth root;
- wisdom teeth that cannot erupt or develop normally — impacted wisdom teeth;
- sinusitis, which may feel like pain in the teeth.
How Long Does Toothache Last?
It is impossible to determine exactly how long a toothache will last. It depends on the root cause. For example, if you have temporary gum irritation, it should go away on its own within a day or two. But if you have caries or an abscess, the pain may come and go, but it will not disappear completely until the cause is eliminated.
Medicines for Toothache
Pain-relieving medications can ease the symptoms of toothache, but their effect is temporary. However, while you are waiting for your visit to the dentist, you may take over-the-counter painkillers to reduce pain and sensitivity.
If you have mild pain, there are several remedies you can try at home.
Rinsing with salt water. Salt is a natural disinfectant. Rinsing with warm salt water can reduce inflammation, heal wounds in the mouth, and relieve toothache.
Use dental floss to remove pieces of food or plaque between the teeth.
Ice packs. Applying ice to the affected area helps constrict blood vessels and reduce pain and inflammation. You can wrap an ice pack or frozen vegetables in a clean towel and press it against the outside of the jaw for about 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day. This may be especially helpful in cases of tooth trauma.
However, we remind you that all these remedies may not help. In case of toothache, it is necessary to visit a dentist.
How Toothache Is Treated in a Dental Clinic
Dental fillings. If you have a small cavity in the tooth due to caries, or if a small piece of the tooth has chipped off, your dentist will most likely recommend a filling. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the damaged parts of the tooth and then fill the cavity with a durable dental filling material.
Dental crowns. A larger cavity or fracture may require a dental crown. This “cap” covers the entire tooth, strengthening it and reducing the risk of further damage.
Inlays or onlays. Sometimes a cavity or crack is too large for a filling, but not large enough to require a crown. In these cases, your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. This type of custom ceramic restoration fits into the tooth like a small piece of a puzzle.
Root canal treatment. If bacteria penetrate the tooth pulp, root canal treatment is needed. This procedure involves removing the inflamed nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue inside the tooth. In most cases, a crown will also be needed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Tooth extraction. Most dentists prefer to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. But if the tooth is severely damaged, tooth extraction may be necessary. During this procedure, your dentist will carefully remove the tooth from the socket and clean out any infection. If you need to have a tooth removed, talk to your dentist about replacement options. After the socket heals, for example, an implant can be placed.
Can Toothache Be Prevented?
You cannot always prevent toothache. Sometimes pain occurs for reasons beyond a person’s control. But there are things you can do to reduce the risk:
- brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush;
- use dental floss;
- limit your consumption of sweet foods and drinks;
- visit your dentist regularly for examinations and professional teeth cleaning.
Can Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
In certain situations, toothache can go away on its own. For example, if your gums are irritated after eating hard food, the discomfort will most likely disappear within a day or two. But a real toothache — pain that comes from the tooth itself — usually means that you have a problem that requires treatment. If toothache comes and goes, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment of the problem can protect you from complications and greater damage, including tooth extraction.
How to Determine What Kind of Toothache You Have
In most cases, you cannot accurately determine the cause until you visit a dentist.
In general, a dull, constant toothache may mean that you have an infected tooth. It may also be a sign that you grind your teeth during sleep.
Sharp, stabbing pain may mean that you have caries or a crack in the tooth. Sometimes it means that there is a problem with an existing filling or crown.
Severe, throbbing pain may mean that the infection has spread into the tooth pulp. Sensitivity to heat and cold may indicate a number of problems, including caries and gum disease. If the pain passes quickly, it may mean that your enamel is worn down.
Toothache can be so mild that it causes only slight discomfort, or so severe that it disrupts your daily life. Toothache is a symptom that indicates that something is wrong and that you need to see a doctor.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.