What is toothache? Causes and relief methods

Toothache is pain that occurs in or around a tooth, ranging from mild to severe. Since the cause can vary, it's important to have it evaluated promptly by a dentist.

Toothache can be caused by tooth decay, infection, gum disease, trauma, a cracked tooth, poorly done fillings or root canal treatment, and joint disorders. There are also cases where problems outside the mouth cause pain that is felt inside the mouth. Heart problems can cause pain in the teeth and jaw. Sinus problems can be felt in the upper jaw teeth. During pregnancy, when hormone levels change, gum problems can be more bothersome.

What Helps Toothache?

When toothache develops due to inflammation, applying ice or cold compresses can reduce the pain. Clove oil is an effective natural remedy for relieving pain thanks to its antiseptic and sedative properties. You can rinse your mouth by dropping it in a glass of water, or bite on a cotton ball soaked with a few drops. Mouthwashes can be used. This is only a temporary solution until you can see a dentist. The inflammation and pain will not go away completely without resolving the underlying problem.

Sometimes toothache can be caused by very simple problems. Food particles stuck between teeth can press on the gums and cause pain. Brushing your teeth and using dental floss or interdental brushes can easily solve the problem. Mild gum irritation can be reduced with salt water gargles.

When toothache is severe, the infection has likely spread to the tooth's nerves. In this case, root canal treatment to remove the nerves or tooth extraction may be considered. It is not possible to get rid of the problem without treating the tooth or addressing the issue. Suppressing the pain with antibiotics and painkillers and avoiding treatment will only make the problem worse.

Applying products like aspirin or alcohol directly to the tooth to relieve toothache is not correct. The acid in aspirin can irritate the gums and increase pain. Similarly, using alcohol does not provide any benefit.

Why Does Toothache Increase at Night?

When lying down at night, increased blood flow to the head makes pain feel more intense. The pain can be severe and throbbing. The cause of such pain is usually a tooth that requires root canal treatment or extraction.

People who grind or clench their teeth at night may wake up with pain and tension in their jaw joints and chewing muscles. This is usually due to emotional stress or bite problems. A night guard can be applied to help the person relax and prevent damage to the teeth. In some cases, botox applications can be beneficial.

To avoid toothache at night due to food impaction, brushing your teeth and using dental floss before bed is recommended.

Toothache in Babies and Children

Since babies go through a long teething period, they may experience pain from time to time. While this pain is physiological and usually not very severe, it can bother the baby. Problems such as sleeplessness, decreased desire to nurse, loss of appetite, increased drooling, increased desire to bite, fever, and swelling of the gums can occur. In this case, it is helpful to take them to a doctor to rule out other possible causes. If the problem is thought to be due to teething, massaging the gums and using gels for this purpose can be helpful. In children, the most common cause of toothache is tooth decay. Excessive consumption of junk food and inadequate oral care can cause this. The thin enamel layer in baby teeth allows cavities to spread quickly to other tissues and increases the risk of infection. Visiting a dentist without delay is recommended.