Why Do Teeth Hurt?
Tooth pain can have various causes, and understanding the pain’s mechanism can help determine whether immediate dental attention is necessary or if a temporary anesthetic will suffice.
Common Causes of Toothache
- Cavities: The initial stage is characterized by sensitivity and stiffness in the enamel. Teeth may respond sharply to hot and cold stimuli. This sensation disappears once the irritant is removed. Throbbing or aching pain can occur when cavities destroy the dentin, allowing bacteria to reach the nerve cavity.
- Pulpitis: This is the next phase of untreated cavities, where a patient experiences severe pain in a tooth that has a cavity, indicating inflammation within the nerve bundle.
- Periodontitis: This complex condition arises from neglected pulpitis, resulting in inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the tooth root, leading to acute pain in the gums.
- Enamel Damage: Injuries can create chips and cracks, allowing bacteria to penetrate the dentin and harm the inner tooth lining.
- Gum Disease: This involves bleeding and inflammation of the gums, which can result in loosening and loss of otherwise healthy teeth if left untreated.
- Wisdom Tooth Issues: Prolonged eruption of wisdom teeth can lead to gum inflammation.
Cavities often serve as a primary cause of tooth pain. If left untreated, they can lead to significant oral health issues. The death of the nerve in a decayed tooth can lead to inflammatory processes in nearby teeth, and harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting the entire body.
Diagnosing and Recognizing Symptoms
Diagnosis is typically straightforward, as the swelling of the gums can indicate underlying problems. The initial symptoms often include persistent pain when pressure is applied to the inflamed gum area or pain even without touch. When such symptoms arise, prompt dental consultation is essential.
If an abscess forms on the lower gums, the cheek may swell, and nearby lymph nodes might enlarge. In contrast, an upper jaw abscess may cause swelling under the eyes and in the eyelids, along with sharp pain in the ear and upper lip. An infection can often trigger a fever, leading to feelings of malaise and fatigue, which can escalate to severe headaches.
Emergency Measures at Home
If tooth pain arises unexpectedly, various medications commonly found in first aid kits can help. For instance, No-Shpa (Drotaverine) provides antispasmodic relief. Analgin, Paracetamol, or Aspirin also effectively manage pain.
For rapid relief from intense tooth pain, saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in 200 ml of warm boiled water) can be beneficial. The alkaline solution soothes the affected area, reducing inflammation and disinfecting the gums.
If salt or baking soda isn’t available, rinsing with warm boiled water can also help ease the discomfort.
Causes of Abscess
Abscesses typically arise from various infections that may develop in situations such as:
- Advanced tooth decay affecting the root (leading to pulpitis).
- Inflammation of the gingival pocket (space between the gum and tooth).
- Improper aseptic practices during treatment (introduction of infection).
- Incomplete filling of root canals.
- Use of temporary fillings in decayed teeth.
- Presence of chronic infections in the body (like sore throats).
- Mechanical trauma (injuries or contusions).
Stages of Disease Progression
Like all health conditions, abscesses have stages of progression. The absence of swelling or purulent inflammation indicates the early stage of an abscess. Delaying dental visits can lead to pus formation in later stages.
How to Handle Severe Pain
For immediate relief from intense tooth pain, modern painkillers or traditional home remedies can be effective.
Recommended Painkillers
- Ketanov (also known as Ketorol or Ketorolac): This fast-acting medication alleviates pain within about 30 minutes. A maximum of three capsules can be taken daily and is particularly useful for pain under crowns where the source is not immediately visible.
- Naiz: This drug is effective for chronic pain, with effects noticeable 40 minutes after ingestion.
- Novocaine, Lidocaine, or Ultracaine: Applying cotton wool soaked in these anesthetics to the sore spot can help relieve intense pain without swallowing saliva during the process.
- Analgin: This medication is effective for sudden tooth pain, but those with heart issues should avoid it.
- Citramon: Useful for pain after nerve removal, though it’s contraindicated for pregnant women and adolescents under 15.
- Paracetamol: This medication provides antiseptic effects, alleviates gum irritation, and decreases inflammation.
The last dose of pain relief should be taken at least 10 hours before visiting the dentist. Taking pain medication right before a dental appointment can hinder proper diagnosis.
If dental care isn’t immediately accessible, traditional remedies can offer temporary relief.
The Best Folk Remedies for Toothache
- Propolis: Place a piece on the painful area and press your jaw against it for 10-15 minutes for quick relief.
- Salt and Baking Soda Rinse: Particularly effective at night for throbbing pain. Mix 0.5 teaspoons of each in a glass of hot water and rinse for at least 15 minutes. Adding a drop of iodine can enhance antiseptic properties.
- Sage Leaves: Known for anti-inflammatory effects, steep a spoonful in boiling water for an hour to create a soothing rinse for post-extraction pain.
- Onion Peel Infusion: Useful for pain after filling the tooth canal. Hold the rinse in your mouth for 10-15 minutes and repeat three times; pain usually subsides after the third rinse.
- Camphor Oil: Effective for early-stage suppuration; soak a cotton ball in the oil and apply to the affected area for 10 minutes, then replace.
While these remedies can alleviate symptoms, they do not address the underlying issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a dentist promptly. Dental complications can become significantly more complicated than treating simple cavities.
What to Do Next
Remember that seeing a dentist is still necessary. Although these methods can relieve pain, they don’t address the root causes of dental issues, such as diseases affecting teeth, gums, or nerves. Thus, even if you manage to relieve the pain, ensure you consult with a dentist who can provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Seek dental care immediately if tooth pain persists for a day or longer, especially if swelling or fever develops. There’s a risk of the infection entering the bloodstream, which could lead to severe consequences.
Managing Tooth Pain During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings unique physiological changes, making some medications unsuitable. If a pregnant woman experiences sudden severe tooth pain, it’s permissible to take a single dose of Nurofen, Paracetamol, No-Shpa, or Ibuprofen during the first two trimesters. These medications are generally safe for the developing fetus and effectively alleviate toothache.
Later in pregnancy, it’s best to avoid medications and use gentler alternatives instead.
Gentle Remedies for Toothache in Pregnant Women
- Rinsing with warm salt water for 5 minutes.
- Using herbal rinses made from chamomile, calendula, or oak bark.
- Applying topical gels like Dentinox, Kamistad, or Cholisal.
- Using cotton wool moistened with tooth drops, Corvalol, or peppermint oil.
Treating a diseased tooth during pregnancy is essential to prevent potential fetal infection through the placenta.
Quick Tips for Immediate Relief
If tooth pain strikes suddenly, several techniques can offer momentary relief, including:
- Rinsing with a baking soda solution.
- For cases involving dental issues with malocclusion, keeping the mouth slightly open may alleviate pain.
- Antibiotics should never be used unless prescribed by a doctor due to potential side effects and risks.
- Massaging the hand corresponding to the painful side of the jaw may provide relief; pay special attention to the space between the fingers.
What to Do When a Child Has a Toothache
In cases of severe tooth pain in children:
- Identify the pain’s source by checking the mouth with a flashlight for any foreign objects. Remove anything stuck in the gums with sterile tweezers, and brush their teeth gently.
- Incorrect tooth positioning or enamel damage may also require immediate dental care.
- Teething in infants can cause pain; using Dentinox gel, Kamistad, or Calgel is safe and effective. These products provide relief within minutes.
- For older children, a salt and baking soda rinse or herbal teas can help, and pain relievers like Nurofen or Cefecon based on ibuprofen or paracetamol can be administered.
Important Note!
If a child’s toothache source is identified, dental treatment is crucial. Oral infections during the development of permanent teeth can lead to long-term dental complications.
Treating Gum Abscess (Flux)
Flux treatment generally involves several steps:
- Conducting an examination and diagnosing the problem.
- Assessing the potential for tooth preservation.
- Providing treatment, which may include extraction.
Surgical intervention may be necessary, which is performed as follows:
If done correctly, abscesses should not recur after gum incision. Patients must adhere to specific guidelines:
- Avoid using heating pads or compresses, as warmth promotes bacterial growth.
- Use prescribed medications strictly according to the dentist’s recommendations.
- Avoid hot food and drinks for several days after treatment.
- Maintain oral hygiene but skip brushing the area directly after surgery.
Conclusion
Home remedies can temporarily alleviate tooth pain, but they don’t replace professional dental care. Early intervention is crucial in preventing more severe complications. If tooth pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.