A minor toothache may be caused by temporary gum irritation that can be treated at home. If a tooth hurts a lot, it can be caries, infection or other dental diseases that will not go away on their own. If you have a severe toothache, you will need professional dental treatment.
An excruciating toothache along with fever and chills means you have an emergency. You should immediately consult a dentist. In rare cases, an infection in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and bloodstream.
Types of toothache
There are different types of toothache depending on the underlying cause. The specific symptoms of a toothache can 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 bad taste in the mouth.
Causes of toothache
There are many reasons why people have a toothache.
Caries is the most common cause of toothache in most children and adults. The bacteria that live in your mouth thrive on the sugar and starch in the food you eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that sticks to the surface of the teeth. Acids produced by bacteria in plaque can damage the enamel on the outside of the teeth. And this eventually leads to the formation of cavities (holes) in the teeth. The first sign of tooth decay can 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:
- damaged seal or crown;
- gum disease;
- food stuck between the teeth, especially if there are gaps between the teeth, or plaque has formed;
- swelling, abscess or infection on the root of the tooth or in the gums;
- tooth trauma, in particular due to teeth grinding (bruxism);
- a crack or chip of a tooth or tooth root;
- wisdom teeth that cannot erupt or develop normally (retained wisdom teeth);
- sinusitis, which can feel like a toothache.
How long does a toothache last?
It is impossible to determine 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 in a day or two. But if you have a cavity or abscess, the pain may come and go, but it won’t go away completely until the cause is addressed.
Medicines against toothache
Painkillers can relieve the symptoms of toothache, but their effect is temporary. However, while you wait for your dental appointment, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and sensitivity.
If you have mild pain, there are a few remedies you can try at home.
Rinsing with salt water. Salt is a natural disinfectant. Gargling with warm salt water can reduce inflammation, heal mouth sores, and relieve toothaches.
Use dental floss to remove bits of food or plaque between your 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 hold it against your outer jaw for about 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day. It can especially help with tooth injuries.
However, we remind you that all these means may not help. If you have a toothache, you must visit a dentist.
How to treat a toothache in a dental clinic
Dental fillings. If you have a small cavity in your tooth due to decay, or if a small piece of tooth has chipped off, your dentist will likely recommend a filling. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the damaged parts of the tooth and then fill the cavity with a strong 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.
Tabs or overlays. Sometimes the cavity or crack is too big for a filling, but not big enough to fit 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 puzzle piece.
Treatment of root canals. If bacteria penetrates into the pulp of the tooth, it is necessary to treat the root canal. 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 badly damaged, it may be necessary to remove the tooth. During this procedure, your dentist will gently 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 hole heals, it will be possible, for example, to install an implant.
Can toothache be prevented?
You can’t always prevent a toothache. Sometimes pain occurs for reasons beyond a person’s control. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk:
- brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush;
- use dental floss;
- limit the consumption of sweet foods and drinks;
- visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional teeth cleaning.
Can a toothache go away on its own?
In certain situations, a toothache may disappear on its own. For example, if you have irritated gums after eating solid food, the discomfort will likely go away after a day or two. But a true toothache—pain that comes from the tooth itself—usually means you have a problem that needs treatment. If a toothache occurs, then disappears, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment of the problem can prevent complications and greater damage: tooth extraction.
How to determine what kind of toothache you have
In most cases, you can’t pinpoint the cause until you visit the dentist.
Generally, a dull, constant toothache may mean you have an infected tooth. It can also be a sign that you grind your teeth while you sleep.
A sharp, stabbing pain may mean that you have a cavity or a crack in your tooth. Sometimes this means there is a problem with an existing filling or crown.
Severe, throbbing pain may mean that the infection has spread to the pulp of the tooth. Sensitivity to heat and cold can indicate a number of problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. If the pain goes away quickly, it may mean that you have worn enamel.
A toothache can be mild enough to cause minor discomfort or severe enough to interfere with your daily life. A toothache is a symptom that indicates that something is wrong and you need to see a doctor.