What can help tooth nerve pain. Effective Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
What causes wisdom tooth pain. How can you relieve wisdom tooth discomfort at home. When should you seek professional dental care for wisdom teeth issues. What are the best ways to prevent wisdom tooth complications.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Development and Potential Issues
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the oral cavity. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 21, long after all other adult teeth have developed. This late arrival can often lead to complications and discomfort.
Why do wisdom teeth often cause problems? The primary reasons include:
- Lack of space in the jaw for proper eruption
- Emerging at awkward angles
- Becoming impacted (stuck beneath the gum line)
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can create a host of issues. The partial eruption leaves the gums vulnerable to food particles and bacteria, potentially leading to:
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Cysts
- Damage to adjacent teeth
Identifying the Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
How can you tell if your wisdom teeth are causing problems? Common symptoms include:
- Persistent aching in the back of the mouth
- Swelling of the gums around the affected area
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Headaches or jaw pain
Is the pain always severe? Not necessarily. Some individuals may experience only mild discomfort, while others might suffer from intense, debilitating pain. The severity often depends on the specific positioning of the wisdom teeth and the extent of any infection or inflammation.
Effective Home Remedies for Wisdom Tooth Pain Relief
While professional dental care is often necessary for long-term resolution, several home remedies can provide temporary relief from wisdom tooth pain. Here are some effective options:
1. Saltwater Rinse: Nature’s Antiseptic
A saltwater rinse is a simple yet effective method to alleviate wisdom tooth discomfort. How does it work? The salt acts as a natural disinfectant, helping to reduce bacteria in the mouth and soothe inflamed gums.
To prepare a saltwater rinse:
- Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of salt in a cup of warm water
- Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds
- Spit out and repeat 2-3 times daily
2. Clove Oil: Nature’s Numbing Agent
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tooth pain. Its active ingredient, eugenol, possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. How can you use clove oil for wisdom tooth pain?
- Apply a small amount of clove oil directly to the affected area using a cotton swab
- Alternatively, chew on a whole clove, positioning it near the painful tooth
Why is clove oil effective? A 2006 study demonstrated its potential as a topical pain reliever due to its numbing effect on oral tissues.
3. Cold Compress: Inflammation’s Nemesis
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the pain associated with wisdom tooth eruption. How long should you apply the cold compress? Use it for 15-20 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks in between applications.
Over-the-Counter Solutions for Wisdom Tooth Discomfort
In addition to natural remedies, several over-the-counter options can provide relief from wisdom tooth pain:
1. Numbing Gels: Targeted Pain Relief
Oral numbing gels containing benzocaine can offer localized pain relief. How do you use these gels? Apply a small amount directly to the affected gum area. However, be cautious not to use too much, as benzocaine can cause rare but serious side effects if overused.
2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage both pain and inflammation associated with wisdom tooth issues. How do these medications work? They reduce the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, certain symptoms indicate the need for professional dental intervention. When should you consult a dentist about your wisdom teeth?
- Persistent or severe pain that doesn’t respond to home treatment
- Swelling that extends to the cheek or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth
- Fever, which may indicate an infection
What can a dentist do for problematic wisdom teeth? Treatment options may include:
- Prescribing antibiotics for infection
- Performing a simple extraction for fully erupted wisdom teeth
- Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth
Preventing Wisdom Tooth Complications
Can wisdom tooth problems be prevented? While you can’t control how your wisdom teeth develop, you can take steps to minimize complications:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection
- Attend regular dental check-ups for early detection of potential issues
- Consider prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth if recommended by your dentist
Why might a dentist recommend prophylactic removal? In some cases, removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems can prevent future complications and make the extraction process easier.
The Role of Diet in Managing Wisdom Tooth Discomfort
Did you know that your diet can impact wisdom tooth pain? Certain foods can exacerbate discomfort, while others may provide relief. What should you eat when experiencing wisdom tooth pain?
- Soft foods: Yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies
- Cold foods: Ice cream, chilled soups (can help numb the area)
- Vitamin C-rich foods: Can promote healing and boost immune function
What foods should you avoid?
- Hard or crunchy foods that may irritate the gums
- Acidic foods that can increase sensitivity
- Very hot or cold beverages that may trigger pain
Long-Term Considerations: Life After Wisdom Teeth
What happens after wisdom teeth are removed? The recovery process typically involves:
- Initial healing period of 3-4 days
- Gradual return to normal activities over 1-2 weeks
- Complete healing of the extraction site within 3-4 weeks
Are there any long-term effects of wisdom tooth removal? Generally, the removal of wisdom teeth doesn’t impact oral function or overall health. In fact, it often prevents future dental problems.
How can you ensure a smooth recovery after wisdom tooth extraction?
- Follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions carefully
- Maintain good oral hygiene, being gentle around the extraction sites
- Avoid smoking and drinking through straws, which can disrupt healing
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
Emerging Technologies in Wisdom Tooth Management
How is technology changing the landscape of wisdom tooth treatment? Several innovative approaches are being developed:
1. 3D Imaging for Precise Planning
Advanced 3D imaging techniques allow dentists to visualize the exact position of wisdom teeth and surrounding structures. How does this benefit patients? It enables more precise treatment planning and can potentially reduce surgical complications.
2. Laser-Assisted Extraction
Some dental practices are now using laser technology to assist in wisdom tooth extraction. What are the potential benefits of laser-assisted extraction?
- Reduced bleeding during the procedure
- Less post-operative pain and swelling
- Faster healing times
3. Stem Cell Preservation
Did you know that wisdom teeth contain valuable stem cells? Some companies now offer services to extract and preserve these cells during wisdom tooth removal. Why might this be important? These stem cells could potentially be used for future medical treatments, though research in this area is still ongoing.
As dental technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative approaches to wisdom tooth management in the future. These developments aim to make the process more comfortable for patients and improve long-term outcomes.
In conclusion, while wisdom tooth pain can be challenging, a combination of home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and professional care can effectively manage discomfort and prevent complications. By understanding the causes of wisdom tooth issues and taking proactive steps, you can maintain optimal oral health throughout the wisdom tooth eruption process and beyond.
Causes, home treatment, and prevention
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People often decide to have their wisdom teeth removed, as they can cause painful, aching gums. How can wisdom teeth pain be relieved at home before their removal?
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to break through the gums. They grow at the very back of a person’s mouth. There are normally four wisdom teeth in total, with one in each of the furthest corners of the top and bottom gums.
Pain in the wisdom teeth may resolve on its own, but in some cases it will need either active home management or treatment in a hospital or dental surgery.
This article looks at options to relieve the pain as well as the causes.
Wisdom teeth usually emerge after all the adult teeth. They may emerge at an awkward angle, or there may not be enough room for them.
Wisdom teeth normally push their way through the gums when a person is between the ages of 17 and 21. The sensation of a tooth pushing through the gums can be painful.
In addition, there is often no room for the wisdom teeth in a person’s mouth, as the adult teeth have already developed. This lack of space may cause wisdom teeth to come through at an angle, or getting stuck and not come through fully.
When this happens, the wisdom teeth are impacted. Having impacted wisdom teeth leaves the gums vulnerable, as the surface breaks and the teeth are not fully through. Food and bacteria can get trapped in the gums and lead to several issues, including:
Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain, aches, and tenderness. Ultimately, removing the wisdom teeth can help resolve these problems.
In the meantime, there are several over-the-counter medical treatments and natural home remedies available.
1. Numbing gel
A numbing dental gel may help reduce feeling in the gums and dull the pain. These gels are available over the counter or online and contain the active ingredient benzocaine.
Most dental gels can be applied directly to the affected gums throughout the day. However, it is important for a person to follow the instructions included in the product. Also, it is possible to be allergic to benzocaine.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter pain relief medication that helps reduce inflammation.
Taking the recommended dose on the packet may help relieve discomfort. It can also reduce inflammation of the gums associated with wisdom teeth development.
Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be effective pain management until a person can see a dentist for treatment.
3. Ice pack
Applying an ice pack to the jaw can help reduce inflammation, which in turn may relieve pain. Using ice can also have a numbing effect.
A person can try holding an ice pack with a tea towel around it against their jaw for up to 15 minutes.
The ice pack can be applied off and on with 15 minute breaks until the pain has subsided.
4. Salt water rinse
Share on PinterestRinsing the mouth with salt water several times a day may help to reduce symptoms such as pain.
Salt water has natural disinfectant properties. A 2010 study showed that rinsing the mouth with salt water can help reduce bacteria.
Sometimes, a build-up of bacteria in the broken gums around wisdom teeth can be the cause of pain. As such, rinsing with salt water may help treat the infection and reduce the discomfort.
To make the salt water rinse, a person can dissolve a few tablespoons of salt into a glass of freshly boiled water. When the water has cooled slightly, it can be swirled around the mouth for several minutes, then spat out.
A person may want to rinse their mouth with salt water two or three times a day, or until the pain starts to reduce.
5. Cloves
Research into the effectiveness of cloves to relieve wisdom tooth pain is positive. A 2006 study showed that there is promise for cloves as a topical pain reliever due to their numbing effect.
To try this home remedy, a person can use a whole clove or clove oil. If using a whole clove they should:
- place the clove over the wisdom tooth that is causing pain
- hold it in place by closing their jaw, but without chewing
- leave it there until the pain reduces and then spit it out
To try this remedy using clove oil, a person can:
- put a few drops of clove oil on a ball of cotton wool
- put the cotton wool on the wisdom tooth that is causing pain
- hold the cotton wool in place until the pain reduces and then remove it
Both clove oil and whole cloves are available to purchase online.
6. Onion
A 2007 study found that onions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These advantages of onions mean they can help reduce swelling and fight bacterial infections.
To use onions as a home remedy, a person should:
- cut off a piece of onion
- chew the onion on the side of the mouth that has the pain
- keep chewing for a few minutes until pain reduces and then spit out the onion
This process allows the juice from the onion to go into the gum so that it can reduce inflammation and bacteria.
7. Tea bags
A 2016 study found that tannins contained in tea bags have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This means tea bags may help reduce swelling and fight bacterial infections.
To use tea bags as a home remedy, a person should make a cup of tea and put the cup in the fridge with the tea bag left in it. Once the tea is cold, the tea bag can be taken out and placed inside the mouth where the pain is located.
No milk, cream, or sugar should be added to the tea. Suitable plain tea bags are available to buy online.
In some cases, home remedies may not alleviate the pain of an impacted wisdom tooth.
A wisdom tooth may be removed in a dental surgery by a dentist or in a hospital by a dental surgeon. Local anesthetic will be injected into the affected area to numb the pain of surgery. The practitioner will apply pressure to the tooth to lossen it from its socket.
Small cuts are made around the tooth, and the wisdom tooth may be cut into smaller pieces before removal. The procedure is a short one that normally takes only a few minutes but can last up to 20 minutes and sometimes more.
The gum is normally only sore from the time until anesthetic wears off until around three days later, but the pain sometimes lasts for two weeks.
When a person’s wisdom teeth are coming through, there are practical things they can do to make it less likely that their gums become infected. These actions include:
- Practicing good oral hygiene: Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can help reduce the bacteria in the mouth that cause infections.
- Drinking plenty of water: This helps to flush food and bacteria away from the teeth and gums.
- Avoid sugary foods: Sweet foods can get stuck inside the broken gums, encouraging bacteria to grow.
While the remedies in this article have been proven to reduce pain caused by wisdom teeth, they are only short-term solutions.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, a dentist will normally advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief.
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Dental abscess: Symptoms, treatment, and causes
A dental abscess, or tooth abscess, is a buildup of pus that forms inside the teeth or gums.
The abscess typically comes from a bacterial infection, often one that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth.
Bacteria exist in plaque, a by-product of food, saliva, and bacteria in the mouth, which sticks to the teeth and damages them and the gums.
If the plaque is not removed by regular and proper brushing and flossing, the bacteria may spread inside the soft tissue of the tooth or gums. This can eventually result in an abscess.
Signs and symptoms of a dental abscess include:
- pain in the affected area when biting or when touching the affected area
- sensitivity to cold or hot food and liquids
- a foul taste in the mouth
- fever
- a generally unwell feeling
- difficulties opening the mouth
- swallowing difficulties
- insomnia
The main symptom of a dental abscess is pain. This may be a throbbing pain and is often intense. The pain usually starts suddenly and becomes more intense over the following hours or days. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the ear, jawbone, and neck.
Types
There are three types of dental abscess:
- Gingival abscess: The abscess is only in the gum tissue and does not affect the tooth or the periodontal ligament.
- Periodontal abscess: This abscess starts in the supporting bone tissue structures of the teeth.
- Periapical abscess: this abscess commences in the soft pulp of the tooth.
The type of abscess will dictate the severity and location of symptoms.
Any person with symptoms linked to a dental abscess should see a dentist immediately. Dental abscesses are easily diagnosed by a qualified dentist.
People who have swallowing and breathing problems should go straight to the emergency department of their local hospital.
If you cannot get to a dentist immediately, visit a family doctor.
A doctor cannot treat an abscess, but they may prescribe medication and advise on self-care and pain management and are also likely to know the fastest way of getting emergency treatment if required.
Incision: The abscess needs to be cut out and the pus, which contains bacteria, drained away. The doctor will administer a local anesthetic.
Treating a periapical abscess: Root canal treatment will be used to remove the abscess. A drill is used to bore a hole into the dead tooth so that the pus can come out. Any damaged tissue will be removed from the pulp. A root filling is then inserted into the space to prevent subsequent infections.
Treating a periodontal abscess: The abscess will be drained and the periodontal pocket cleaned. The surfaces of the root of the tooth will then be smoothed out by scaling and planing below the gum line. This helps the tooth heal and prevents further infections from occurring.
Surgery
People with a periapical abscess and a recurring infection may need to have diseased tissue surgically removed. This will be done by an oral surgeon.
Those with a periodontal abscess and a recurring infection may have to have their gum tissue reshaped and the periodontal pocket removed. This procedure will be performed by an oral surgeon.
If a dental abscess comes back, even after surgery, the tooth may be taken out.
Pain management
Over the counter (OTC) painkillers may help reduce the pain while an individual is waiting for treatment. It is important to follow the information on the packet carefully. Painkillers are only there for pain reduction and cannot replace a visit to a dentist.
Aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol (paracetamol) are effective painkillers. However, some are unsuitable for certain types of patients (read below):
- Ibuprofen and asthma: If you are asthmatic, do not take ibuprofen.
- Ibuprofen and stomach ulcers: Do not take ibuprofen if you have, or ever had stomach ulcers.
- Aspirin and children: Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age.
- Aspirin and pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not take aspirin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading and may be taken together with painkillers. Examples of antibiotics include amoxicillin or metronidazole. In no way should antibiotics be seen as a way of substituting treatment with a dentist, or postponing treatment.
A dental abscess is, in most cases, a complication of a dental infection. Bacteria, often bacteria present in plaque, infect and make their way into a tooth.
Periapical abscess
Bacteria enter the tooth through tiny holes caused by tooth decay, or caries, that form in the hard outer layer of the tooth. Caries eventually break down the softer layer of tissue under the enamel, called dentine. If the decay continues, the hole will eventually penetrate the soft inner pulp of the tooth and become infected.
This is known as pulpitis. As the pulpitis progresses, the bacteria make their way to the bone that surrounds and supports the tooth, called the alveolar bone, and a periapical abscess is formed.
Periodontal abscess
When bacteria which are present in plaque infect the gums, the patient has periodontitis. The gums become inflamed, which can make the tissue surrounding the root of the tooth separate from the base of the tooth.
A periodontal pocket, a tiny gap, is formed when the periodontal ligament separates from the root. The pocket gets dirty easily and is very hard to keep clean. As bacteria build up in the periodontal pocket, a periodontal abscess is formed.
Patients can develop periodontal abscesses as a result of a dental procedure which accidentally resulted in periodontal pockets. Also, the use of antibiotics in untreated periodontitis, which can mask the symptoms of an abscess, can result in a periodontal abscess. Sometimes gum damage can lead to periodontal abscesses, even if no periodontitis is present.
There are actions you can take at home to relieve the pain.
- Avoid food and drink that is either too hot or too cold.
- Chewing on the side of your mouth without an abscess will probably be less painful
- Do not floss around the affected area.
- Use a very soft toothbrush.
While home remedies can help make a person more comfortable while they wait for treatment, it is important to visit a healthcare professional for treatment to avoid any of the complications of a dental abscess.
In the vast majority of cases, complications only occur if the abscess is left untreated. However, complications can occur, even after seemingly effective treatment, but this is very rare. Possible complications include:
Dental cysts: A fluid-filled cavity may develop at the bottom of the root of the tooth if the abscess is not treated. This is called a dental cyst. There is a significant risk that the cyst will become infected. If this happens, the patient will need antibiotics, and possibly surgery.
Osteomyelitis: The bacteria in the abscess gets into the bloodstream and infects the bone. The patient will experience an elevated body temperature, severe pain in the affected bone, and possibly nausea. Typically, the affected bone will be near the site of the abscess. However, as it may have spread into the bloodstream any bone in the body may be affected. Treatment involves either oral or intravenous antibiotics.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis: The spread of bacteria causes a blood clot to form at the cavernous sinus, a large vein at the base of the brain. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is treated with antibiotics, and sometimes surgery to drain the sinus. In some cases, the condition can be fatal. This is a very rare complication.
Ludwig’s angina: This is an infection of the floor of the mouth when the dental abscess bacteria spread. There is swelling and intense pain under the tongue and in the neck. In severe cases, the patient may find it hard to breathe. Ludwig’s angina is a potentially fatal condition. Patients are treated with antibiotics. People with severe Ludwig’s angina may require a procedure to open the airway if there are breathing problems.
Maxillary sinusitis: The bacteria spread into small spaces behind the cheekbones, called the maxillary sinuses. This is not a serious condition but can be painful. The patient may develop a fever and have tender cheeks. Sometimes the condition resolves on its own. Depending on the severity, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Bruxism: Causes and management
Bruxism is when a person grinds their teeth while not chewing. The teeth grind or rub together as the jaw moves forcefully either from side to side or back and forth. Often, the person is not aware that they are doing it.
Teeth clenching is when a person holds their teeth together and clenches the muscles, but without moving the teeth back and forth.
People can grind or clench their teeth during the day and the night, but sleep-related bruxism poses a bigger challenge because it is harder to control.
Bruxism is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is an unconscious neuromuscular activity.
Myofascial muscle pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and headaches may occur. Severe cases can lead to arthritis of the temporomandibular joints.
Grinding can wear down the teeth, which can become short, blunt, or fractured. Clenching puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around the jaw.
It can lead to:
- jaw pain and stiffness
- sore gums
- sensitive, loose or broken teeth
- clicking or popping of jaw joints
- a dull headache
Earache can occur, partly because the structures of the temporomandibular joint are close to the ear canal. There may also be referral pain, in which a person feels pain in a different location to its source.
Other key symptoms include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and insomnia. If the noise bothers a sleeping partner, relationship problems may develop.
Excessive bruxism can damage the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molars. It may contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Some people clench or grind their teeth without having symptoms.
The cause of bruxism remains unclear, but several factors may be involved.
In children, grinding usually happens after the first teeth appear, and again when the permanent teeth emerge. It usually stops once the adult teeth fully erupt.
Clenching and grinding often happen at times of stress, for example at times of anger, anxiety, or concentration. Research has found that brain activity and heart rate may rise before an episode of bruxism, suggesting that the central nervous system (CNS) plays a role.
Bruxism may be related to an abnormal bite, which means the teeth do not meet properly when the jaw closes. If the top and bottom teeth do not come together properly, this is called an occlusal discrepancy. However, the American Academy of Oral Medicine notes that scientific research has not proven this.
In some people, the facial muscles spasm during sleep.
Having teeth that are missing or crooked can prompt the teeth to grind, and irritation may be a factor.
Bruxism can be a side effect of certain medications, including some antidepressants and antipsychotics, and amphetamines.
Neurological conditions such as Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease can also cause it. Other factors that may be related include fatigue, alcohol consumption, smoking, sleep apnea, and snoring.
Figures cited by the National Sleep Foundation suggest that 8 percent of adults and between 14 and 20 percent of children under 11 years grind their teeth at night.
In another study, 38 percent of parents reported that their children under the age of 17 grind their teeth.
Bruxism is most common in childhood. The lowest rates are in people aged over 65 years.
In small children, bruxism may be a response to teething pain, or when they feel stressed, say, over a test or an argument. Children with hyperactivity disorder may have bruxism.
Below is a 3-D model of bruxism, which is fully interactive.
Explore the model using your mouse pad or touchscreen to understand more about bruxism. Press the “play” button to watch it in action.
A doctor or dentist will ask about the patient’s history and carry out an examination. Signs they will look for include:
- jaw discomfort on waking
- tooth wear
- enlarged jaw muscles
Tooth wear can also result from over-vigorous brushing, abrasives in toothpaste, acidic soft drinks, and hard foods, but a trained professional can tell the difference between the characteristic wear patterns of each cause.
The most reliable way to diagnose bruxism is through electromyographic (EMG) measurements. These pick up electrical signals from the chewing the masseter and temporalis muscles, the muscles used for chewing.
In the case of a child, a dentist may ask if they are worried about anything, or if they are angry, and how they feel at bedtime, to uncover any causes of stress.
Treatment will depend on the cause of the bruxism. There is no cure for bruxism, but options are available to relieve symptoms, and an underlying cause can be dealt with.
Daytime clenching or grinding may improve with increased awareness, physical therapy, or exercises, but nocturnal bruxism needs other strategies, as it is outside the individual’s control.
If the underlying problem is stress or sleep apnea, treating these conditions may help. After treatment, the situation can be reassessed.
In 2002, researchers found that treating sleep apnea reduced symptoms of bruxism.
Getting enough sleep at night or exercising regularly may help.
A mouth guard can be worn at night to protect the teeth, and short-term use of a muscle relaxant is a possible option.
The American Academy of Oral Medicine recommend a hard plastic mouth guard that covers all the teeth in either the upper or the lower arch.
Generic sports mouth guards are not advised, as they can come out of place, can be very bulky and cause more discomfort than they solve.
Over time, a mouth guard can wear down and lose its effectiveness. If the person stops using the mouth guard pain and symptoms may return, so it may not be a permanent solution.
Splints are another option. Some splints fit over the top teeth, some on the bottom. Depending on the design, a splint may keep the jaw in a more relaxed position or provide a barrier so that the splints, rather than the teeth, are damaged. Splints can be adjusted or replaced.
When bruxism is caused by a misaligned jaw or by crooked and uneven teeth, a dentist or orthodontist may offer to realign the jaw or fitting a person for braces to treat the condition. However, the AAOM do not advise this, as misalignment has not been proven as a cause.
Avoiding foods and drinks that contain high concentrations of caffeine or alcohol may be beneficial, as these can increase grinding. Chewing gum may encourage bruxism, as it can embed clenching and grinding into the muscle memory.
Another tip is to relaxing the jaw muscles with a warm washcloth or a heating pad at least once a day, to ease their tension.
Stress and anxiety management may help reduce or prevent bruxism in people who are susceptible to it.
The National Sleep Foundation encourages good sleep hygiene, including a cool, dark, quiet room to sleep in, with no televisions, computers or other work-related items.
They suggest relaxing in the hours before bedtime and maintaining a “soothing bedtime routine.” For children, this may include a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to music.
Other tips include sleeping on the side or stomach and getting plenty of exercise.
A pediatrician may help if a child has bruxism.
Toothaches: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth that may be caused by:
Symptoms of a toothache may include:
- Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
- Swelling around the tooth
- Fever or headache
- Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?
See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
- You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
- Your toothache is severe
- You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide
Proper identification and treatment of dental infections is important to prevent its spread to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.
What Happens When I Go to the Dentist for a Toothache?
To treat your toothache, your dentist will first obtain your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will ask you questions about the pain, such as when the pain started, how severe it is, where the pain is located, what makes the pain worse, and what makes it better. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck. X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache.
What Treatments Are Available for a Toothache?
Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, if necessary. A root canal might be needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner aspects of the tooth cause such an infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw.
How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?
Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent toothaches. Good oral hygiene practices consist of brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, flossing once daily, rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning. In addition to these practices, eat foods low in sugar and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.
10 Proven Ways to Treat a Toothache and Relieve Pain Fast
The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you can’t get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.
When to See a Dentist
While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isn’t right. If you have oral pain, it’s generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Oral pain can be caused by a variety of serious issues, including tooth decay, a damaged filling, a tooth fracture, infected gums or an abscessed tooth. If the latter has occurred, you could suffer serious complications without rapid treatment. These complications could include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. In some cases, bacterial infections can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to hospitalization or worse. For these reasons, it’s important to seek emergency treatment if you show any of the following signs of an abscessed tooth:
- Red, swollen gums
- A fever
- A swollen, red bump in the mouth
- Blood or pus
- Throbbing pain
- Unpleasant or salty taste in the mouth
- Swollen face or jaw
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, call one of our experienced dentists immediately.
Whatever the cause of your dental pain, it’s important to visit your local dentist for an evaluation. That said, if you suspect your dental pain is caused by a cavity or fracture, you can use the following strategies to minimize pain until you are able to see a professional.
10 Ways to Relieve a Toothache
If your toothache isn’t caused by a serious underlying issue or you are waiting for an upcoming dental appointment, you can reduce pain using the following strategies:
1. Apply a cold compress.
In general, there are two ways to stop or blunt toothache pain. The first involves reducing inflammation, while the second centers on interrupting the signals from the injury to the brain. You can accomplish the first goal by applying a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time. Just be sure to use a piece of cloth as a buffer, so you don’t accidentally damage your skin. This can help alleviate discomfort by blunting pain and reducing swelling.
2. Take an anti-inflammatory.
You can also reduce swelling and blunt pain signals by taking an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. If you do take ibuprofen, try to continue taking the medication every few hours, according to the product label. Avoid taking the medication once and then stopping when you feel relief, or the pain and inflammation is likely to return. If you don’t have ibuprofen, you can take acetaminophen instead; however, while this will help with the pain, it isn’t an anti-inflammatory medication.
3. Rinse with salt water.
In addition to cold packs and over-the-counter medications, there are some natural ways to stop a toothache. You can clean infections and promote temporary pain relief by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Treating a toothache with salt water can also help heal any oral wounds and reduce inflammation. Just make sure not to swallow any of the salt water while you rinse.
4. Use a hot pack.
You can reduce discomfort by applying a hot pack to the side of your jaw. If you don’t have a hot pack, you can make one by filling a clean sock with rice and tying one end. Then, place the rice-filled sock in the microwave and heat it for a couple of minutes. The heat from the pack will help interrupt pain signals from your mouth to your brain.
5. Try acupressure.
Some research suggests that acupressure may be able to reduce toothache pain by causing the body to release endorphins. There are specific key points on the body that are believed to be associated with oral discomfort. If you’d like to try acupressure, consider researching reputable internet resources for more information about these areas.
6. Use peppermint tea bags.
Generally considered safe, peppermint tea bags have mild numbing properties that can ease oral pain for a short time. Most people prefer to cool their tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes before use. You can also apply the tea bag while it’s still warm and then wait for it to cool. This can create a pleasing sensation that can help take your mind off your toothache.
7. Try garlic.
For thousands of years, garlic has been used for its medicinal properties. In addition to killing potentially harmful bacteria, it can also act as a pain reliever. To use garlic for toothaches, crush a clove to create a sticky paste and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can chew a clove of fresh garlic and spit it out afterword.
8. Rinse with a guava mouthwash.
Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, guava leaves also have antimicrobial traits that can blunt pain and sterilize oral wounds. You can either chew on fresh guava leaves or boil crushed leaves in water to make a mouthwash.
9. Use clove oil.
Used to treat dental pain throughout human history, clove oil can reduce inflammation and numb oral pain. It also contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic that can sterilize oral wounds. To treat a toothache, apply a small amount of the oil onto a clean cotton ball and dab it to the affected area. You can dilute the clove oil with a few drops of water or add carrier oil if it seems too potent.
10. Try a homemade thyme mouthwash.
Thyme has powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. To alleviate toothache symptoms, you can add a few drops of thyme essential oil to water and make a mouthwash. You can also dilute thyme essential oil with a few drops of clean water and add it to a cotton ball. Then apply it to the affected area.
What to Expect at the Dentist
To treat your tooth pain, a dentist will first review your medical history and conduct an exam. He or she will ask specific questions about your toothache, including when it started, where it is located, how severe it is, what makes it feel worse and what makes it feel better. The dentist will then examine your gums, teeth and any other relevant areas. X-rays and/or other tests may be needed to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Once the dentist determines the cause, he or she will outline available treatment options. For cavities, you may need a filling. If the tooth’s nerve is infected, you may require root canal therapy. If the area has become infected, the dentist may prescribe antibiotic medication to kill bacteria. Occasionally, dentists will use phototherapy with a cold laser, along with other treatments to reduce inflammation and pain.
Depending on the seriousness of the issue, you may receive treatment immediately or a few days after your exam. If the latter occurs, your dentist may choose to prescribe pain medication to help you cope with discomfort while you wait.
Preventing Tooth Pain
The best way to deal with a toothache is to avoid it in the first place. You can reduce the risk of oral health issues by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once. You should also eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugary or sticky foods and beverages. You should also be careful not to chew ice or hard items that might cause a fracture in your tooth. Finally, be sure to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups, so you can get treatment for minor dental issues before they become painful problems that demand expensive treatments.
How to Relieve Pain From a Cracked or Broken Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth may cause a very painful toothache, especially if the inner pulp of the tooth is exposed. That’s where the tooth’s blood vessels, nerve, and connective tissues are, and if that area becomes inflamed or infected, the pain can be excruciating.
While any damaged tooth needs to be seen and treated by a dentist, you can try some solutions for temporary pain relief while you wait to be seen.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
First Aid
You need to see your dentist as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage from occurring to the tooth and gum tissues. Don’t delay in calling for an appointment; many dentists leave slots on their schedule open for emergencies such as this.
While you’re waiting, gently bite down on a fresh piece of gauze. If only part of the tooth has broken off, you may wish to collect the broken piece (if possible) and take it with you when you see the dentist. Even though he or she won’t be able to use the broken piece to restore your tooth, the dentist may want to see if the piece that broke was enamel or part of a filling.
Things to Avoid
If you have a broken or cracked tooth and are unable to see your dentist immediately, do what you can to keep pain from worsening. Note that these are temporary measures because only a dentist or an endodontist can repair a damaged dental nerve.
Stay away from the following:
- Foods and beverages that are very cold or very hot. Since the dentin layer of the tooth (the tissue that lies underneath the outer enamel layer and surrounds the pulp) has likely been exposed by the crack or break in the tooth, extremes in temperature may cause pain.
- Foods and beverages that are very high in sugar or are very acidic, as they may irritate the nerve in the tooth
When a tooth cracks and the entire tooth remains in the mouth, avoid eating or biting down on it. A cracked tooth may or may not involve the root, so every effort to avoid contact with the tooth should be made in order to prevent the tooth from cracking further and potentially causing a root fracture.
Easing Your Pain
While these temporary remedies may not work (or work as you might like them to) in every situation, they may provide you the relief you need to make the time until your appointment more tolerable:
- Use an over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relief medication like Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Be sure these are safe to use with any other medications you may be taking. You’ll probably want to avoid aspirin, which can slow blood clotting and cause problems if and when you need a root canal.
- Floss between the teeth that are cracked or broken. Removing food particles and plaque, the sticky film that coats the teeth and contains bacteria may reduce pain. Be careful not to poke too deeply around the affected tooth.
- Use oil of cloves (eugenol), which can be found in most health food stores. A natural anesthetic, it’s been used in dentistry for over a century. Soak a small piece of cotton in the oil, then blot the cotton on a piece of tissue to remove the excess. Hold the cotton on the painful tooth for 10 seconds, making sure you don’t swallow any of the oil.
- Try an OTC dental anesthetic like Orajel (benzocaine) or Anbesol (lidocaine), which you can find at most pharmacies. Or you can seal the affected tooth with an OTC temporary filling material (Dentemp).
- Sleep with your head elevated. The inflammation of the nerve associated with a cracked tooth is very painful and is often what causes the most uncomfortable pain. Elevating your head when resting may ease some of the pressure in the area of a toothache.
- Rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day. Saltwater works as an antiseptic to remove bacteria from the infected area.
Professional Treatment
Your dentist will determine the best course of action to fix your tooth after he or she evaluates the damage. A cracked or broken tooth that’s causing a toothache is likely to need treatment of the dental pulp to permanently treat the pain.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding them. Although the pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development, the tooth can survive without it once it’s fully mature.
Treatment of dental pulp (nerve) injuries is called root canal or endodontic treatment. But the type of treatment for a damaged tooth depends on what type of tooth it is (baby or adult), its stage of development, and the characteristics of the injury.
Prevention
There’s no doubt that once you have a cracked or broken tooth, you don’t want to have one again. Be aware of the most common causes and do your best to avoid them:
- Chewing and biting into hard foods, like nuts and hard candies
- Biting on hard objects, such as a pen cap or pencil
- Brittle tooth structure caused by root canal therapy
- Old restorations that have begun to separate from the tooth’s structure
- Clenching or grinding of the teeth (a night guard can help)
- Trauma to the face and mouth
A Word From Verywell
A toothache caused by a crack or break in the tooth may come and go, but don’t be fooled. The longer you wait to have the tooth restored, the more serious complications may arise. See your dentist as soon as you can after you develop a toothache. Otherwise, your pain will inevitably increase.
12 Home Remedies for Toothaches That Actually Work
If you’ve ever dealt with a toothache, you have one concern – getting relief. Whether the pain is sharp and intermittent, or dull and constant, a toothache can be more than an unforgiving annoyance; it can ruin your entire day or keep you from sleeping at night.
Because you want the pain to go away as quickly as possible, you may wonder if there are any at-home solutions you can try. Of course, you want to safeguard your oral health, so anytime you are experiencing an issue with your teeth or gums, visiting the dentist is a must! But to alleviate the pain until you can see your dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, give some of these methods a try for addressing your toothache at home.
Twelve Toothache Remedies You Can Try at Home
Toothaches can be caused by various reasons such as tooth decay, gum irritation from food, a broken tooth, repetitive motions such as chewing, removal of a tooth, or an abscessed tooth. Although these are all possibilities, the most common reason people experience toothaches is because there’s an irritation of the nerve in the root of the tooth.
Many of the remedies below work by calming inflammation in your mouth, killing harmful bacteria, or acting as a numbing agent for minor issues. Most of these types of toothaches are preventable by regularly flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and going to your 6-month dental cleanings.
These tips are not a cure all for a toothache that is causing you extreme pain. Tooth decay can progress into the nerve, creating sensitivity to hot and cold and if left unattended can turn into pain or throbbing sensation. If you’re experiencing an intense toothache, it will need treatment right away. Please contact your dentist and book an appointment.
Note: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition that might preclude using treatments that utilize herbs, consult your doctor before use.
1. Ice
Applying ice to the area of the painful tooth can help to numb the pain. You can try different versions of this technique. Wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area. Keep the compress in place for 15 minutes at a time. Also, you could try holding ice water in your mouth for several seconds at a time. Don’t bite the ice, however, as it could break your teeth.
2. Elevate Your Head
Although it may be difficult to get to sleep when you have a toothache, lying down can exacerbate your pain because blood pressure to your head increases when you are in a flat position. When going to sleep, try propping your head up with pillows or sleep upright in a chair, if possible.
3. Over the Counter Medications
Medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen target inflammation and can thereby give you some pain relief. Alternating acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) can give better pain relief. Certain gels can also be applied directly to your tooth and gums to ease your pain.
4. Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can serve two purposes. The rinsing action can help to dislodge substances stuck between your teeth. And because salt is a natural disinfectant, it can help deal with any infection by reducing inflammation. Mix a ½ teaspoon of salt with warm water and gargle like a mouthwash.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is also useful for attacking inflammation and bacteria. When using a hydrogen peroxide rinse, mix 1 part three percent hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Do not swallow the solution. Use it as a mouthwash.
6. Tea Bags
You can apply either a cold or warm tea bag to your tooth. If applying a used tea bag, make sure that it has cooled down so that it is not hot but is still warm. If you prefer the cold option, try placing a used tea bag in the freezer for a few minutes, then apply it to your tooth.
Peppermint tea may be especially good for toothaches due to its bacteria-fighting properties. However, tea can stain your teeth, so don’t use this method often.
7. Garlic
In addition to combating bacteria, garlic is also a pain reliever. You can make a paste out of crushed garlic that you can apply to your tooth. You can also chew on a piece of fresh garlic clove or soak a cotton ball in garlic oil and place it on your tooth.
8. Vanilla Extract
Another natural anti-inflammatory, vanilla, can also help to numb the pain caused by a toothache. Try putting a small amount on your finger or a cotton swab and applying it to the affected area a few times a day.
9. Clove
There are several ways you can use this spice to treat your toothache. Since clove is an antiseptic, it is useful for reducing inflammation and pain. You can put clove oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the painful area or place a drop of the oil directly on your tooth. Alternatively, you can also put a drop of clove oil into a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.
10. Guava Leaves
Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that can help to soothe your aching tooth. You can use the leaves to make a tea that you allow to cool and use as a rinse or simply chew on the leaves to get some relief.
11. Wheatgrass
There are many benefits of wheatgrass that make it a useful means of treating your toothache. Like many of the other methods mentioned, it is great for addressing infections caused by bacteria. So, simply get some wheatgrass juice and rinse it in your mouth a few times a day.
12. Thyme
Thyme oil can be used as a rinse or applied directly to your tooth. To rinse, add a drop of oil to a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash. To apply to your tooth, dilute some oil with water, place a few drops on a cotton ball, and put on your tooth.
While these remedies can provide temporary relief, you should not consider them replacements for professional dental care. When you are experiencing a toothache, it’s vital that you call us and make an appointment to have the tooth evaluated and treated.
At Klement Family Dental, we have been providing quality dental services to the St. Petersburg community for over 40 years.
We are happy to offer same-day appointments in the event of a dental emergency like a toothache. If you are dealing with mouth pain caused by a tooth or other condition, please contact us as soon as possible so you can be seen by a dentist right away.
90,000 Folk remedies for toothache
What to do if a toothache hurts, but there is no way to get to the dentist? To temporarily relieve pain, folk remedies will come to the rescue. But it should be remembered that the pain will go away, and the problem in the form of a sick tooth will remain, and each subsequent exacerbation will bring more and more suffering, complicate and increase the cost of the inevitable treatment.
You can easily relieve toothache with folk remedies using:
1) Rub a sore tooth with aloe juice or its pulp, you can squeeze the juice onto a brush and brush the disturbing tooth or gum with it
2) In the ear, from the side where the tooth hurts, put the plantain root
3) Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm sage broth is an excellent remedy for toothache.
4) Wrap the chopped garlic in cheesecloth, wrap it with a bandage on the wrist opposite to the side on which the tooth hurts.
5) Suck a tablespoon of unrefined vegetable oil for 15-20 minutes
6) Putting a piece of propolis on a sore tooth is another effective home remedy for toothache.
7) Massage the point where the bones of the thumb and forefinger converge on the opposite hand from the diseased tooth, with intense circular movements
8) Intensive pressure on the point under the nose in the “hollow” of the upper lip
9) Massage of the auricle on the side of the causative tooth
10) Put a cotton swab moistened with clove oil
into the carious cavity
11) Peel the onion, pour boiling water over the husk, let it brew and rinse your mouth with this slightly warm solution.
All of the above folk remedies for the treatment of toothache will relieve pain for a short time, and in no way replace a visit to the dentist for a professional and final solution to your dental problem.
Doctors of the MedGarant dental clinic strongly recommend that you do not experiment on your body (if you use a folk remedy for tooth pain), and when the first symptoms appear that require the attention of the dentist, sign up for a free consultation.
Reception of patients with acute toothache in the MedGarant clinics is carried out without queues and prior appointments.
Occupational hygiene – easy prevention
We explain why it is better not to get sick, and not to be treated
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How to urgently relieve a toothache at home
How to urgently relieve a toothache at home
Toothache is a lot of concern.It hurts when you smile or frown, eat or drink, when you clench or open your jaw, or turn your head. Sometimes it hurts even when you breathe because cold air rushes into your mouth and passes over a sensitive tooth.
If an attack of acute toothache happened late at night or on a weekend, and there is no way to run to a round-the-clock dental clinic, it remains to resort to emergency methods to temporarily relieve suffering.
Here are some proven guidelines for toothache relief at home
- Gently brush your teeth – remove all food debris from the interdental spaces and from the cavity in the tooth, and then keep it clean.
- Rinse your tooth with warm baking soda solution (1 teaspoon per glass of water), you can add a drop of iodine.
- Suck on a piece of ice. You can also apply ice to a sore tooth or adjacent cheek for 15 minutes, at least 3 or 4 times a day.
- Massage your hand. It can relieve up to 50% pain when a tooth hurts. Rub an ice cube over the V-shaped area where the bones of your thumb and index finger meet. Gently press the ice on this area in jerks for 5-7 minutes.The action of this procedure is based on the fact that during friction, impulses are sent along the nerve pathways, along which toothache is normally transmitted. Since these pathways can only carry one signal at a time, friction displaces the pain.
- Don’t chew on the sore side.
- Keep your mouth closed if the flow of air over the aching tooth intensifies the pain.
- Keep your mouth open. Sometimes a toothache is aggravated by the fact that a person has a wrong bite. In this case, cover your mouth as little as possible until the dentist sees it.
- Take a pain reliever (ketanal, nurofen, analgin, baralgin), but do not get carried away – pain relievers in large quantities are harmful to the body. Do not take aspirin – its analgesic effect is small and you need to take it in large quantities that are unsafe for your health. It is necessary to stop taking painkillers no later than 3 hours before the visit to the doctor, because this can distort the picture of the disease and complicate the diagnosis.
- It is important not to do any warming compresses and lotions – this procedure can significantly worsen the situation and complicate further treatment.
- Don’t take antibiotics! It is absolutely impossible to take them without a special doctor’s appointment. In general, taking antibiotics for any disease is a very responsible procedure. These drugs are taken according to a special scheme, and not 1 tablet 3 times a day, as is often thought.
These are all helpful tips you can follow before your dentist appointment. And do not be afraid of the clinic on duty, because in most cases it is possible to remove acute symptoms without tooth extraction.
Related articles
90,000 What to do if a tooth hurts badly? 10 ways to relieve acute toothache at home
Almost everyone has experienced a toothache.It has been scientifically proven that the nerves of the tooth send pain impulses to 3 centers of the human brain, while signals from other senses are directed only to one.
We do not always make an appointment with the dentist, but this step is ideal. Many in such cases resort to the cases described below, most of which can even be called folk remedies for acute and aching toothache:
- Drink a strong pain reliever (tablet).It helps to calmly, without stress, complete urgent matters.
- Clean the tooth from food debris (with dental floss, toothpick, etc.), as they note that the tooth hurts when pressed.
- Rinse the mouth with a sedative and anti-inflammatory agent, for example, a decoction of chamomile.
- Apply a mixture of pepper and salt to the problem tooth. And they keep it for 7-10 minutes.
- Massage some points on the body with ice, namely, rub the surface of the hands with it between the index and thumb.
- Many people prefer homeopathic medicines made exclusively from natural ingredients.
- It was noted that being active is better than lying on the couch. In spite of everything, the recumbency of the body is fraught with acceleration of blood circulation in the oral cavity, this leads to increased pressure on the teeth. This becomes a source of increased pain.
- Make every effort to distract themselves (start tying a long-put off scarf, turn on a favorite movie, etc.)etc.). The main thing is to plan the date of the visit to the dentist before that, without waiting for the moment when the cheek swells.
- If a person has a malocclusion, the pain is often relieved by keeping the mouth open.
- Some people point out that “tricking” the brain helps. For example, a right-hander starts doing everything with his left hand, etc. The brain will begin to be distracted by abnormal signals and may reduce pain
Important! None of these methods are 100% pain relief and are not a substitute for a visit to the dentist.Even if the pain syndrome has passed, the tooth decay can continue to develop.
Contact your treating doctor for consultation and the initiation of timely treatment of the tooth in order to preserve it in the future. Phone for appointment: +7 (342) 255-40-32
Tooth hurts at night: what to do
Tooth pain always indicates a pathological process. Painful sensations signal that something is wrong. Sometimes soreness appears only at night, which is associated with a number of reasons:
- Daytime affairs distract from unpleasant symptoms, and only at night does a person notice that a tooth hurts;
- in a horizontal position, blood rushes to the focus of inflammation, which leads to increased pain that was not noticed during the day;
90 055 food residues after dinner get into the carious cavity, which leads to tissue irritation.
There can be several reasons for pain.
Possible Causes
- Deep caries. With superficial caries, pain does not occur. But as the pathological process deepens, increased tooth sensitivity and pain may occur. Unlike pulpitis, with deep caries, unbearable, acute pain is not observed. The symptom can occur spontaneously, including at night.
- Chronic pulpitis. This disease consists in inflammation of the neurovascular bundle of the tooth.Chronic pulpitis is a consequence of acute inflammation in the absence of timely treatment. In this case, persistent night pains are preceded by acute throbbing pain. Pulpitis in the overwhelming majority of cases is the result of carious tooth decay.
- Chronic periodontitis. Inflammation of the peri-root tissues of the tooth can be the result of untreated caries or pulpitis, trauma. A sluggish inflammatory process may not make itself felt or manifest itself in moderate night pains, aggravated by pressure on the tooth while biting food.Sometimes there is a small lump-like formation on the gums. With periodontitis, pus accumulates near the apex of the root, a cyst or granuloma forms. Due to the fact that the purulent process is limited by the walls of the formation, the pain can be moderate and occur from time to time, and not be observed constantly. In severe cases, the mobility of the diseased tooth is observed.
- Neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve, neuritis. With this disease, periodic pains occur not only in the tooth, but also in the area of the lips, chin, tongue, etc.Usually this is preceded by hypothermia or an infectious disease, undergone surgery in the maxillofacial region.
- Alveolitis. Inflammation of the socket is preceded by tooth extraction. Not only a violation of hygiene rules, but also other reasons can lead to the disease: leaving a fragment of the root in the hole, insufficient formation or leaching of a blood clot that prevents the penetration of pathogenic bacteria.
- Pericoronaritis. Inflammatory disease affecting the gum tissue during teething.More often observed with the appearance of wisdom teeth. It is accompanied by severe pain, difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing, swelling and redness of the gums, sometimes bloom and / or purulent discharge, and bad breath.
- Endodontic treatment performed. In some cases, in the treatment of pulpitis, pain may be observed for 3-4 days after the procedure. This may be due to the natural reaction of tissues to the intervention or complications in the form of removal of the filling material by the apex of the root – this is how the periodontal tissues react to a foreign body.If, on the contrary, there is not enough material, pain appears after a long time – from several days to several weeks or months – after endodontic treatment. It is associated with the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria, which leads to inflammation of the tissues near the root apex and the appearance of periodontitis.
- Secondary caries. If a previously filled tooth hurts, it is possible that a repeated caries infection has occurred. With the development of a pathological process under the filling, outwardly signs of the disease may be imperceptible.At the same time, tooth decay continues inside, and if the inflammation affects the dentin / pulp, pain occurs.
- Bruxism. Teeth grinding during sleep can lead to increased stress on the ligamentous apparatus of certain groups of teeth, destruction of crowns, abrasion of enamel and increased sensitivity of the teeth.
It is important to understand that in acute inflammatory diseases, pain is usually severe and occurs regardless of the time of day, paroxysmal or constant. Night toothaches are often associated with sluggish processes, but you should not postpone a visit to the doctor in both cases.
Diagnostic Features
To find out why the tooth hurts at night, the doctor will examine the oral cavity and prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures:
- X-ray of one / several teeth or OPG – panoramic X-ray of the entire jaw;
- thermal test;
- percussion or tapping;
- probing in the presence of a cavity;
- electroodontodiagnostics, etc.
On examination, the doctor can detect inflammatory diseases of the gums, carious lesions of the teeth, fracture or breakage of the crown.However, in order to establish the depth of the lesion, it is important to resort to additional diagnostic methods. A targeted X-ray does an excellent job with this. It allows not only to assess the depth of the carious process, to see pulpitis or periodontitis, but also to draw conclusions regarding the endodontic treatment performed. In the picture, the doctor will see the features of root canal filling.
For the diagnosis of neuralgia and neuritis, additional methods may be required, as well as the involvement of another narrow specialist – a neurologist for consultation.
How to relieve pain
If you cannot go to the dentist at night, you can help yourself. Take a pain reliever to help ease the pain. Choose a drug that you have already taken if you are not aware of possible intolerance or allergic reactions.
Ice or cold compress will help to relieve painful sensations for a while.
Saline solution can help if the pain is caused by food particles entering the tooth cavity.You can rinse your mouth with water and a teaspoon of salt dissolved in it. Do not use hot solutions, this will increase the discomfort and may cause complications. It is also not worth warming a sick tooth with hot compresses, this will aggravate the situation and can cause serious consequences if the pain is associated with inflammation and / or a purulent process.
When to see a doctor
It is necessary to consult a dentist immediately after the onset of a toothache, regardless of what nature it is and at what time of day it occurs.Pain after tooth extraction, surgical procedures, and implantation is considered normal. In other cases, it acts as a symptom of a chronic disease. The sooner you can go to a specialist, the higher the chances are to prevent complications of the disease and get rid of the pain, saving the tooth.
How can a dentist help
The doctor will determine the cause of the pain and provide or prescribe the appropriate treatment. If the pain is caused by a tooth decay, it will remove the softened tissue and fill the cavity.In chronic pulpitis, removal of the nerve, treatment and filling of root canals, filling of the coronal part of the tooth is indicated. In case of detection of poor-quality endodontic treatment, the specialist will refill the root canals and the necessary procedures to relieve inflammation.
If periodontitis is the source of pain, the dentist will make a decision based on the results of the targeted X-ray. If the root cyst is large, surgery is recommended.With a small size of the formation, conservative therapy can be carried out. Root canal filling is indicated in both cases.
Alveolitis and pericoronaritis suggest antibiotic therapy. In case of violation of teething, the dentist will perform surgery and prescribe medications to relieve inflammation of the soft tissues.
Bruxism and its consequences, as well as neuritis and neuralgia, require an integrated approach. The treatment will take longer.
90,000 What to do if a tooth hurts at home: with a hole, wisdom
Any pain that a person is able to feel is an alarm bell, signaling any malfunction in the body. To endure pain is extremely harmful, not only because of the discomfort it causes, but also because it can be a symptom of a serious illness. Doctors say that there are no spontaneous pains: any painful sensations are an indicator of various disorders in the work of certain organs or systems.Moreover, the strength of pain often determines the degree of the disease: the more noticeable it is, the more severe the disease.
Toothache is also no exception to this rule. “A healthy tooth cannot hurt” – this is what dentists say, so a toothache should also be regarded as a call to action. In order to know what to do in case of severe toothache, it is important to establish the cause of the ailment as accurately as possible.
WHY DOES HURT
A person can feel a toothache for a variety of reasons.Among the most common of them are:
- caries;
- pulpitis;
- periodontitis, etc.
Often, even gum inflammation is accompanied by acute pain. A prime example of this is young children, whose gums swell and turn red during teething. This process always provokes pain and causes considerable discomfort.
A person feels severe pain when teething wisdom teeth.In this case, the pain can even cover the adjacent teeth. Sometimes, people note that the whole right or left side begins to hurt, and sometimes the entire jaw. The pain caused by teething can radiate down the throat or ear, often misleading us.
As a rule, the nature of toothache determines the type of disease. For example, diseases of carious and non-carious origin cause various painful sensations. It is believed that the most severe pain is accompanied by pulpitis – a disease caused by structural changes in the pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth or “dental nerve”).
The bottom line is that the pulp is an accumulation of nerve fibers that provoke acute pain. If there is an inflammatory process, the pain can be so unbearable that a person will be ready, literally, to climb a wall.
The pulp is often referred to as the dental nerve. According to statistics, of all people who find themselves in a dental chair, pulpitis occurs in 20%. Almost always, pulpitis is provoked by an infection that has penetrated the dental nerve. Tooth infection can be caused by caries, surgery, the use of chemicals, etc.Removal of the pulp is a likely outcome of pulpitis treatment.
However, pulpitis is just one of the causes of toothache. Regardless of what kind of disease caused pain, it is important to choose the right way to eliminate them. In situations like this, some people swallow handfuls of pain pills, hoping that the symptoms that cause discomfort will go away on their own. Others attribute this condition for too long to the eruption of wisdom teeth, but if the cause of the painful teeth is an inflammatory process, it is important to start medical therapy as soon as possible in order to avoid possible complications.
QUESTION TO THE SPECIALIST:
What to do if headache begins to ache against the background of toothache?
As practice shows, a toothache can really be given to the head, causing an acute migraine. It can be recognized by the characteristic “lumbago”, which quickly pass, but after a while they return again with increasing intensity. |
There are situations where this kind of headache becomes permanent.For example, improperly growing wisdom teeth literally “bite” into their neighbors, causing pain in the entire jaw. If this is your case, the wisdom teeth should be removed and the headache problem will be solved.
Deep caries can become another cause of headache “from teeth”. If carious teeth are properly treated, the pain will disappear.
So, let’s say that you have a toothache, but you’re not entirely sure how to proceed: just endure the pain in the hope that in a few days it will subside safely, or still, call the dentist and consult a doctor.
For the most accurate setting of the cause of toothache, it is worthwhile to disassemble in detail each disease that can provoke these sensations.
It is very important to promptly cure the disease and prevent irreversible damage.
CARIES
Let’s start with the most common dental disease – caries. The very first symptoms of caries may be a set of teeth, as well as increased sensitivity of teeth with damaged enamel. With caries, such destruction of enamel occurs due to the leaching of minerals, which entails subsequent damage to the hard tissues of the tooth.The easiest way to stop the leaching of minerals is to undergo treatment with a special mineralizing toothpaste. In addition to toothpaste, there are various rinses, ointments and tooth powders that can prevent the deterioration process.
Painful sensations almost always occur with moderate to severe caries. Most often, severe discomfort is felt when caries has reached the boundary between dentin and enamel.
Dentin consists of a large number of small tubes that provide nutrition to the tooth, as well as determine the degree of its sensitivity.These tubes are associated with the pulp, therefore, if the problem is not resolved in a timely manner, inflammation of the dental nerve is possible.
If dentin breaks down, a so-called “dentinal wound” can form.
In this case, there may be strong pain sensations for some food:
- hot;
- cold;
- sweet;
- sour.
In this case, the pain will go away immediately after the treatment of carious teeth. The surest way to recover is to visit the dentist, who will place a filling, prescribe mineralizing agents, etc.d.
QUESTION TO THE SPECIALIST:
Why is a filled tooth worried and how to act in such a situation?
As practice shows, fillings that are more than 5 years old give significant shrinkage. As a result, it may be detached at the edges of the tooth, which often leads to increased sensitivity of the teeth. |
It all depends on the quality of the filling: if the doctor followed the technology during its installation, such phenomena are practically excluded.
If the tightness of the filling is broken, food begins to enter the sealed canals, and with it all kinds of bacteria. Over time, an inflammatory process may develop, and the tooth begins to bother. In addition, pain in a filled tooth can occur when using a non-sterile instrument during filling. Infections can damage the dentin or the root of the tooth over time.
In any case, if there is pain in a filled tooth, you should visit a dentist, because painful such pain sensations are a clear symptom of any pathological process.
PULPIT
The next most common dental disease is pulpitis. It has already been discussed in this article, but in order to determine the presence of this particular pathology, it is important to consider the disease in more detail.
Acute pulpitis is a phenomenon in which the pulp (dental nerve) is severely affected. Bacteria, toxins and viruses that damage the nerve lead to the development of a strong inflammatory process and gradual death.
First, there is swelling: the pulp begins to increase in size and press on the walls of its chamber.The pain is caused by the fact that the nerve endings begin to intensely squeeze each other. In such a situation, only strong pain medications can help.
If you have pulpitis, a simple filling is unlikely to get rid of the pain. Most likely, a specialist will advise canal cleaning followed by tooth filling.
QUESTION TO THE SPECIALIST:
Why is there sometimes severe pain after installing a temporary arsenic filling, and how to avoid it?
Some doctors still use arsenic as a temporary filling.But, many patients are afraid of such fillings because of the possible toxic effects of arsenic on the body. Pain under an arsenic filling can occur if you neglect the technology of installing arsenic. |
The main criterion for the “safety” of arsenic in the tooth is the time it is there. However, in practice, it is quite difficult to come to the doctor to change the arsenic filling to a permanent one, clearly after a set period of time. And the dose of arsenic paste is conditional: it can vary depending on the size of the affected area of the tooth.
Researches of scientists related to the influence of arsenic on tooth tissues have proved that inflammatory processes can indeed develop due to such fillings. That is why, in modern clinics, other formulations for temporary filling are purchased.
There are cases when arsenic is placed on an unopened chamber containing the pulp. Then arsenic will take longer to kill the nerve. As long as arsenic is in the tooth, it will irritate the dentinal tubes and cause severe pain.If you are faced with a similar situation, you need to urgently visit the dentist, without waiting for the appointment.
FOLK MEDICINE AGAINST TOOTHACHE: THE MOST POPULAR DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS
Of course, if you experience pain in a tooth, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible. But, there are situations when it is impossible to do this this very second. A business trip, vacation, lack of financial resources and many other reasons can force us to postpone the visit to the clinic.
In situations like this, many people turn to traditional medicine.Natural remedies for toothache have proven effective over the years, but not all of them will work in one way or another.
The most famous way to combat toothache is soda-salt solution. There are different recipes for its preparation, but, most often, 1 teaspoon of soda and 1 teaspoon of salt are placed in a glass of warm boiled water. The frequency of rinsing depends on the severity of the pain: the stronger the pain, the more often the mouth should be rinsed.It is advisable to do the procedure at least once every half hour throughout the day. This method is the most affordable: the ingredients of the solution are almost always at hand.
Another method used in folk medicine is sage infusion. You can buy it at any pharmacy, at the same time, it is quite cheap. To obtain the desired concentration, you need to take 1 tablespoon of dried sage and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Sage should be infused for 40-60 minutes. Rinsing is repeated every 15-20 minutes.
Sage is a powerful pain reliever that has anti-inflammatory effects. Gargling with sage will help pain provoked by various pathologies:
- – swelling of the gums;
- – teething;
- – the appearance of a flux.
For the effectiveness of rinsing, it is important to observe the temperature of the infusion: it should be practically hot, but not cause discomfort.
GOOD TO KNOW! By and large, you can rinse a sore tooth even with a simple tea brew, the main thing to remember is that warming up should be internal. |
Some people are saved from toothache with propolis. To minimize discomfort, put a small piece of propolis on the affected tooth and press it tightly closing the jaw.If the problem is not too serious, this method starts working in a couple of minutes.
In folk medicine, it is believed that lard is good for sore teeth. It is necessary to cut off a small slice and place it between the cheek and the affected tooth. Within 30-60 minutes it is necessary to “dissolve”, trying not to displace it relative to the diseased tooth. Fat relieves a aching toothache well, therefore this method is also widely used among the people.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO
To enhance the effectiveness of the above methods, you can use the following recommendations:
- Hot foot baths.This procedure enhances blood circulation, due to which, in the dental nerve, metabolic processes are activated, which contribute to the elimination of toxic substances. To get the result, you need to take hot water into a basin or bathtub and steam your feet for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, be sure to put on insulated socks and go to bed.
- Garlic on the wrists. This very unusual method has not yet received widespread publicity, but in vain. It gives good results when combined with topical treatments.In order to test the method for yourself, grate the garlic with a grater or pass through a press. Apply the resulting gruel to the wrist opposite the damaged tooth. If your skin is too sensitive, use a gauze pad or bandage to prevent the garlic from burning your hands.
TOOTH PAIN AND TRADITIONAL MEDICINES
If you have the opportunity to purchase medications with an analgesic effect, it will be even easier to eliminate pain in your teeth.The most effective among them are:
- Nurofen;
- Nimesil;
- Analgin;
- Ketans;
- Solpadein.
They all contain powerful active ingredients that block pain receptors. The most powerful drug is Ketanov (the active substance is Ketorolac). Analgesic drugs also quickly relieve toothache, but their use is prohibited in many European countries.
QUESTION TO THE SPECIALIST:
How to relieve pain if a child has a toothache?
The child’s body is not yet a fully formed system, therefore, in the treatment of toothache in children, more gentle drugs are used. Pediatric dentists recommend Dentokind and Kalgel for 12 months. |
Teething is a common cause of pain in children. To alleviate the fate of the child, you can use both local remedies (the same Dentokind), and general ones, such as Nurofen or Panadol.
If, however, the problem of painful teeth in a child is associated with caries or other dental diseases, take the child to the doctor as soon as possible to keep the teeth healthy and strong.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A DENTIST?
Despite the fact that many people are afraid of dentists, there are situations when a visit to the dental office is a necessary measure, which is impossible to do without.
The dentist’s actions will depend on the cause of the pain in the teeth.
So, what awaits you at the doctor if your teeth are affected by caries?
If caries is at an early stage, it is quite easy to eliminate pain and save the tooth from further damage. To do this, the specialist will clean the carious cavity, treat the damaged area of the tooth with an antiseptic and place a filling. To get rid of the pain, in this case, you will only need to visit the doctor once.
If there is damage to the dental nerve, the treatment method will be more complex and time-consuming.
You will most likely have to visit the dentist more than once. At the first appointment, the doctor will open the pulp chamber and remove the damaged nerve. This procedure can be performed with or without local anesthesia. This will be followed by cleaning and processing of the channels. Often, after cleaning the canals, a temporary filling with an anti-inflammatory or antiseptic agent is placed. At the next appointment, the dentist removes the temporary filling and places a permanent one.
At the request of the patient, the tooth can be treated with a special protective compound.
If a person experiences a toothache for a long time, the cause of it may be damage to the root of the tooth. This phenomenon is called periodontitis. In this case, the dental nerve is already dead, and the infection spreads to the tooth root and gums. In this case, there is an acute “bursting” pain. Usually, with periodontitis, the canals contain pus.
At the reception, the dentist opens the canals, cleans them as much as possible and leaves them in this state so that the pus has a place to flow out.The patient receives recommendations, in which rinsing with antiseptic agents is mandatory. In the most difficult cases, a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed.
Severe pain is accompanied by the eruption of wisdom teeth. Usually, it is aching in nature and tends to grow as the tooth moves inside the gum. If the process proceeds relatively calmly, such pain can be endured, and if the tooth grows incorrectly, squeezing the adjacent teeth, it is better to visit a dentist-surgeon.In some situations, the doctor will make a small incision in the gums and facilitate teething, and in some, he will simply remove the problem tooth and relieve you of the pain.
CAUSES OF PAIN IN “DEAD” TEETH
There are cases when a tooth begins to ache in which there is no nerve. At first glance, it is nonsense, however, such situations exist. For example, cases of periodontitis, when the nerve dies and the decomposition process begins. Toxic products affect the root and gums, and a purulent-inflammatory process begins.
In dental practice, there are also so-called “post-filling” toothaches. They appear immediately after filling and can last from 10 to 14 days.
If post-filling pain persists, it makes sense to consult a dentist. Perhaps, during the filling process, an infection was introduced that provokes inflammation.
WHEN TOOTH EXTRACTION IS IMPOSSIBLE
Problematic wisdom teeth are just one of several reasons for pulling teeth.
Most often, with caries and pulp inflammation, it is possible to save the tooth. The main thing is to go to a competent dentist in a timely manner.
It is quite difficult to correct the situation with periodontitis. The initial stages of this disease are still treatable, but situations in which cysts and abscesses occur are no longer. Although, cysts are also different, and only the doctor should choose the method of treatment after examining the patient.
Indications for tooth extraction can be:
- Abscesses;
- Osteomyelitis;
- Cellulitis;
- Periostitis.
Sometimes, a tooth with pus poses a danger to the maxillary sinuses. If the pus is too close to them, the doctor always prescribes the removal of the diseased tooth.
QUESTION TO THE SPECIALIST:
What is the likelihood that aching upper teeth will lead to the development of a chronic rhinitis?
According to statistics, 20% of all sinusitis occurs due to infection, the focus of which is concentrated in the canals of the upper teeth. In order to determine the cause of sinusitis, the doctor always prescribes an x-ray of the upper jaw.Often, persistent nasal congestion resolves immediately after treatment of diseased upper teeth. |
3 STEPS TO HEALTHY TEETH
If you want to experience toothaches as little as possible, remember three simple rules to help keep your teeth healthy:
- From early childhood, make friends with a toothbrush, and use it 2 times a day;
- Limit as much as possible the consumption of chocolate, caramel, sweet pastries and other foods that can destroy tooth enamel;
- Buy a special dental floss that perfectly cleans the gaps between the teeth, removing food debris from them that corrode tooth enamel;
- Visit your dentist at least once every 2 times a year.Preventive examinations will help identify problems in the early stages and eliminate them as quickly, cheaply and painlessly as possible.
The health of your teeth is only in your hands! Remember this and be healthy!
Toothache | The nature of toothache, remedies
The content of the article:
When your teeth hurt, you can’t do anything. At the same time, a person cannot eat, work or sleep. Toothache is considered the most unpleasant and painful, so everyone who comes across it tries to get rid of it faster.The best way to relieve your condition is to see a dentist, but this is not always possible. Therefore, you need to know how you can cope with a toothache on your own. Although it should be borne in mind that medications and traditional methods can help temporarily, only dental treatment will get rid of this condition.
Toothache doesn’t just happen. She always indicates some kind of pathology of the oral cavity. There is such a sensation when a nerve is involved.It can be affected due to inflammation, infection, or tooth decay.
If you do not go to the dentist, you can temporarily relieve pain with medication. But the pathological processes will continue, so she will return. In this case, the tooth will be destroyed even more, the infection will spread. If it penetrates the periosteum, it threatens the development of an abscess.
Therefore, only professional treatment can relieve toothache and associated complications.Seeing your dentist on time can help keep your oral cavity healthy. In case of acute pain, you can get an appointment with a doctor without an appointment.
Causes of toothache
A toothache appears for various reasons. Depending on what caused it, it can be aching or sharp, constant or appearing when exposed to hot and cold food. It can occur when the enamel is damaged, inflammatory processes. Before eliminating pain, you need to find out what causes it.
Caries
The most common cause of pain is tooth decay. At the initial stage, it does not cause any problems. But if you do not start treatment of superficial caries, it will spread deeper. In this case, the pulp is affected and the enamel becomes thinner. Therefore, toothache occurs. It is not strong at first, but becomes more painful over time.
Painful sensations with caries can occur when brushing teeth, exposure to cold or hot food.Gradually, the pain occurs more often. Its peculiarity is that it disappears after the cessation of the influence of external factors or after rinsing the mouth. If caries is not cured, various complications develop, the most common of which is pulpitis.
Pulpitis
This is the name of the inflammation of the soft tissues of the tooth, in which the nerve is located. Therefore, such pain is more excruciating, it is acute, often spreads to the temple, ear, throat.It can also arise under the influence of external factors. But pulpitis is often manifested by aching pains at night.
They can also be shooting, burning, throbbing. From time to time, the pain subsides, but then resumes again. Therefore, you must definitely go to the doctor at the first signs of pulpitis.
Flux
If a purulent infection penetrates the root of the tooth, periostitis develops. This pathology is better known as flux.It is characterized by painful compaction, swelling of the gums, often extending to the half of the face.
Increased sensitivity of teeth
A common cause of pain is increased sensitivity of the tooth enamel. If it is thin, there are cracks or chips on it, the tooth will ache when exposed to cold, sour and sweet, when brushing.
Inflammatory diseases
If inflammation occurs in the oral cavity, pain may occur.It appears due to swelling of soft tissues that squeeze nerve endings. This happens with periodontitis, periodontitis. Painful sensations with these pathologies are characterized by a diffuse character and an increase in pressure.
After deletion
After a tooth is removed, pain is bound to occur. It can last for several days, this is normal. Usually it is aching, constant, or appears with mechanical stress.
Due to improper treatment
Part of the cause of toothache is an incorrectly applied filling. If microorganisms fall under it or there are cracks in it, a purulent process develops. The same can happen if a bridge is installed. In these cases, urgent treatment is necessary, otherwise you can lose a tooth.
Wisdom teeth
The growth of wisdom teeth presents many challenges.This process is often accompanied by severe painful sensations. After all, they have to break through the gums. Pain appears even if the wisdom teeth are growing correctly. But it happens that this process is violated. Then they can damage the adjacent teeth. And caries or pulpitis joins the painful sensations of gum inflammation.
Tooth trauma
Damage to the enamel may occur with mechanical stress, frequent consumption of solid food, opening plugs with teeth or using them to crunch nuts.It becomes thinner, cracks appear on it, a piece can break off. Sometimes a piece of a tooth also breaks off. In this case, the nerve is exposed, and severe pain occurs. This situation is possible with injuries to the jaw.
Toothache during pregnancy
Women are advised to have all of their teeth treated at the planning stage of pregnancy. After all, at this time you cannot take most drugs, and filling with anesthesia is also undesirable. But even in this case, a pregnant woman may have such a problem.Hormonal disruptions and a lack of minerals lead to an increase in the sensitivity of the enamel, to the rapid development of caries.
If you have a toothache during pregnancy, you urgently need to go to the dentist. It is best to relieve painful sensations with rinses and lotions of soda or sea salt. Herbal decoctions should be used with caution, since allergic reactions are more common during pregnancy.
From medicines for pain relief are allowed in small doses “Paracetamol” or “Nurofen”.In extreme cases, you can drink “Analgin”. But any pills are contraindicated in the early and late stages. Moreover, they are very weak, and often they cannot be accepted. Therefore, it is best to have regular check-ups with your dentist. This will help avoid situations where severe pain occurs.
How to get rid of a toothache
There are many ways to get rid of a toothache. But all of them should be used only as a means of first aid. They can reduce pain or even relieve it entirely.But the cause of the problem will not be eliminated. Only dental treatment can completely eliminate suffering and prevent complications.
Medicines for toothache
The fastest and most effective method for toothache pain relief is medication. But you should not self-medicate, you need to take those drugs that the doctor has prescribed. Many tablets irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and may cause other side effects.In any case, even if there are no contraindications to taking the medicine, it should not be taken longer than 3 days. This is a method that should be used in case of emergency, the tablets will help relieve suffering before visiting the doctor.
The most effective drugs for toothache are:
- all drugs based on ketoprofen – Ketorolac, Ketanov, Ketorol;
- “Ibuprofen” other means based on it – “Mig”, “Nurofen”, “Faspik”;
- “Nimesulide”, “Nise”;
- “Indomethacin”.
Such popular pain relievers as “Analgin”, “Aspirin” and “Paracetamol” are of little help for toothache . To enhance the effect of “Analgin”, it can be crushed and put on a sore tooth, covered with a cotton swab.
Folk remedies for toothache
For a short time, you can soothe the pain with the help of folk recipes. They have a mild effect and have no contraindications. Due to the fact that all such remedies are local, they do not cause side effects.But they also relieve pain temporarily, they are used only to wait for a visit to the doctor.
- The most popular method is to rinse with soda solution. Diluted in a glass of warm water 1 teaspoon. When rinsing, you need to keep the solution over a sore tooth, soda disinfects, relieves inflammation. To enhance the effect, you can add a little salt and a few drops of iodine.
- It is necessary to make a decoction of herbs that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.Sage broth helps with toothache best of all, but chamomile, St. John’s wort, oregano, mint are also effective. When rinsing, make sure that the water is not hot.
- You can rinse the tooth with a hydrogen peroxide solution. It will work better if you hold it a little over the sore spot. This product must not be swallowed.
- Moisten a cotton swab with tincture of valerian, motherwort or propolis, apply to the tooth. Essential oils such as tea tree, cloves, and fir have the same effect.In case of an overdose, these products can cause burns to the gums.
- Acupressure massage helps to cope with pain. If the diseased tooth is on the upper jaw, you need to press on the point located in the middle of the chin under the lower lip. And the point at the base of the jaw near the ear helps to relieve pain in the lower teeth.
How to avoid toothache
To avoid these painful sensations, you need to monitor your oral health. Brushing your teeth correctly twice a day, using dental floss and rinsing with antiseptic solutions can help prevent tooth decay.It is also recommended to visit the dentist twice a year. He will carry out professional cleaning, remove tartar and heal existing caries.
In our clinic, we treat any dental diseases that cause toothache. The use of the latest filling technologies and modern drugs will help to quickly and effectively relieve suffering and prevent its occurrence in the future.
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How to get rid of a toothache?
People have different attitudes towards visiting the dentist.Some calmly and regularly go to the reception, others endure, trying to postpone treatment until the last. However, both of them can be trapped by a sudden toothache. In such cases, it is important to have checklist “how to soothe a toothache before visiting a doctor” .
What to do if a tooth hurts
Why does the tooth hurt
The cause of pain is any inflammatory process that affects the pulp, dentinal tubules or periodontium. Toothache can be provoked by:
Discomfort can appear even with advanced caries.In this case, the pain appears as a reaction to an external stimulus, and disappears after a few moments.
What to do if a tooth hurts
If you cannot immediately visit a doctor, you should try to get rid of the toothache yourself. You need to act quickly, but not panic.
First of all, remove food residues carefully. Thoroughly brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth will help get rid of bacteria, partially relieve inflammation and reduce the intensity of pain.Then it remains to take a pain reliever suitable for toothache, and rinse the diseased tooth with solutions before visiting the doctor to reduce the inflammatory process.
How to get rid of a toothache with pills
There is sure to be a suitable medicine for a toothache in your home medicine cabinet. It is important to remember that it is quite difficult to remove it. Even if it was possible to eliminate the discomfort, it is impossible to postpone the treatment of a diseased tooth. As soon as the pill stops working, the pain will return.
Tablets for toothache should be taken in accordance with the instructions. If the indicated amount of the drug does not help, it is better not to increase the dose to avoid side effects.
Toothache remedies include:
- analgin – quickly acts in case of mild pain syndrome;
- means based on ketoprofen – Ketanov, Ketarolac and others;
- nimesulide – works great for intense pain;
- indomethacin – has a strong analgesic effect, quickly relieves inflammation;
- diclofenac is an effective, but not very common agent in dentistry.
Many people have noted the positive effect of antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol.
How to relieve a toothache if there are no pharmaceutical preparations
There are many popular recipes for relieving toothache. Recommended to apply to the tooth:
- garlic;
- salted lard;
90,055 beets.
In case of severe pain syndrome, the effectiveness of these measures is selective. Reducing the discomfort in the absence of medication can be done by reducing inflammation.For this, rinsing with baking soda and sage are suitable.
A teaspoon of soda is dissolved in a glass of warm (not hot) water and half a spoonful of salt is added. The resulting solution is rinsed every 40-60 minutes. Can be alternated with sage broth rinses.
Brief relief brings ice. By wrapping it with a napkin and applying it to a sore spot, you can get rid of unpleasant sensations for 10-15 minutes.
How to relieve a toothache
What to do if a pregnant woman has a toothache
While carrying a child, women are not advised to take medications.This can negatively affect the course of pregnancy. If the toothache becomes unbearable, you can take “No-shpa” or “Paracetamol” before visiting the dentist. Read more in the article: “Can teeth be treated during pregnancy?”
What not to do with toothache
There are long-standing advices that can do more negativity than good to the person suffering from pain. These include the application of gruel from crushed analgin to a sore tooth. Despite its analgesic effect, in this application, Analgin will lead to further tooth decay and an increase in the inflammatory process.
It is also impossible to warm up the diseased area with compresses. This will increase blood flow and cause even more intense pain.
Do not take hard, sour, salty, sweet foods, so as not to irritate the already inflamed tissues. It is unacceptable to take any antibiotics on your own, without a doctor’s prescription. The problem will not go away with these drugs, but it can get worse.
At home, you can relieve a toothache, but it is impossible to cure a damaged tooth.Pain relief is only a short-term measure. If you experience pain in the oral cavity, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.