Dental advice within 24 hours
The feel-good dentists
Dental advice within 24 hours
The feel-good dentists
5 Fast Ways to Stop Toothache
29 November 2023
When toothache strikes, you may experience almost unbearable sudden pain, and your top priority becomes finding relief. Also known as a dull ache, toothache can make it difficult to eat, hinder your ability to focus on everyday tasks, and even disrupt your sleep. Yep, toothache can be a real pain in the, well, tooth.
While it’s worth noting that the UK’s oral health has never been better, toothache and those who are at an increased risk of tooth decay remains high. According to dentalhealth.org, around six million adults in the UK have long-lasting pain (over two weeks) caused by toothache. Published on dental-nursing.co.uk, data shows that around eight in ten adults in the UK have one or more teeth with decay, that are filled or have been pulled out due to decay.
So, let’s learn how to stop toothache, fast.
What Causes Toothache?
Toothache can be caused by several factors and the pain can differ. Common causes of toothache include:
- Cavities: Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothaches. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids, which can erode the tooth’s enamel. When the inner layers of the tooth are exposed, pain occurs.
- Gum disease: Inflammation of the gyms can cause toothache.
- Abscesses: When a bacterial infection spreads to the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth) an abscess will occur. Full of puss, the abscess forms at the root tip or in the gums resulting in a throbbing pain.
- Cracked teeth: Fractured teeth can be caused by many things – think trauma, teeth grinding or simply biting into something hard. When the inner layers of the teeth are exposed, pain can occur when you chew or eat something too hot or cold.
5 Ways to Stop Tooth Pain
Cold Compress: Cold compresses not only help with providing quick relief, it will also help with reducing inflammation should your toothache be due to swelling or an injury. Wrap some ice in a tea towel – a bag peas work well, too – and hold it against your cheek for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse with Warm Saltwater: Saltwater is one of the quickest ways to alleviate tooth pain and cleanse the mouth. A natural disinfectant, swishing your mouth with saltwater will help release any food particles that are stuck between the teeth and gums that could be causing pain. Saltwater also helps with inflammation. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and wash around your mouth for 30 seconds.
Over the counter medications: At times, toothache can almost seem unbearable, which is why it’s useful to have over the counter medications at your disposal. Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation quickly.
Floss and Rinse: Toothache can be caused by debris lodged between your teeth or along the gum line. A thorough clean – brushing for two minutes and flossing along with a good rinse – can help remove any trapped food particles. Make sure you clean your teeth carefully and gently to avoid causing further discomfort.
Visit Your Dentist: If you’re in pain, seeking a solution that offers relief is a good idea. But it’s worth highlighting that the methods above only provide temporary relief. It’s essential to address the underlying cause of tooth pain, which is why it’s important to book an appointment with your dentist for a proper diagnosis as quickly as possible. Delaying things could cause further damage and pain down the line.
You can book an appointment at the Quality Dental Group by hitting the link.
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