There are few things more frustrating than dealing with tooth pain. Not only is it extremely discomforting, but it can also make it difficult to eat, sleep, and concentrate on everyday tasks. If you’re struggling with tooth pain and wondering how to relieve pain in teeth, there are a few things you can do at home to find relief.
If your tooth pain persists, contact your emergency dentist. Pain can indicate more serious oral health issues like tooth decay, root canal infection, or a dental abscess.
Causes of Tooth Pain
There can be many reasons you may be experiencing tooth pain. Some common causes of toothache include:
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by plaque and bacterial build-up on your teeth. The bacteria release acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, causing it to soften and eventually break down, allowing bacteria to penetrate the deeper dentin and cementum tooth layers. This can cause sensitivity and pain.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that affects the pulp and tooth root (periapical), gum tissue (gingival), and bone tissue (periodontal). The infection causes a large sac to form and fill with pus. This sac can compress or damage dental nerves, causing severe pain and increased sensitivity to hot and cold substances.
However, if left untreated, the infection can become a dental emergency and spread to the jawbone and other nearby tissues.
Sharp Food Debris
Sharp food debris can cause tooth pain for several reasons. The debris can become lodged under the gum tissue, causing inflammation and pain.
The debris can become trapped between the teeth, making it difficult to brush or floss properly. This can lead to plaque buildup and, eventually, tooth decay.
Damaged Restoration
A damaged restoration is one of the most common causes of tooth pain. It occurs when a filling or crown becomes loose or cracked, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and causing an infection.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. It can occur during the day or at night, and it often happens during times of stress. Although bruxism may not seem like a severe problem, it can cause significant tooth pain and damage.
Over time, the constant grinding can wear down tooth enamel, exposing the sensitive layer of dentin below. This can lead to increased sensitivity and cavities. In severe cases, bruxism can also cause jaw pain, headaches, and earache and require emergency dentist care.
When is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
While some tooth pain is relatively minor and can be treated at home, certain symptoms indicate a dental emergency. If you experience any of the following, you should consider seeking emergency dentist care:
- A toothache that persists for more than a few days
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that linger after the stimulus is removed
- Intense pressure and sharp stabbing sensations
- Pain that radiates from the tooth to the jaw, head, or ear
- Swelling in the gum tissue around the painful tooth
- A fever or nausea
How to Relieve Pain in Teeth at Home?
Whatever the cause of your tooth pain, it can be extremely uncomfortable, limiting your ability to eat, drink, and speak. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve the pain:
Chilled Tea Bags
The tannins in black tea have antibacterial properties, which can help to fight infection. For this remedy, simply place a chilled, damp tea bag on the painful tooth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Salt Water or Dilute Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
To use this remedy, mix one teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. You can also rinse your mouth with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Be sure to spit it out after rinsing, as ingesting hydrogen peroxide can be harmful.
Cold Therapy
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help to numb the area during a dental emergency. Simply wrap ice in a towel and hold it against the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
If you’re in pain, try an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Garlic
Garlic has natural antibacterial properties, which can help to fight infection. To use this remedy, place a peeled garlic clove on the affected tooth and bite down gently. You can also try chewing a raw garlic clove for several minutes.
While these home remedies can help to relieve pain in your teeth, they are only temporary solutions. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe tooth pain, it’s essential to see an emergency dentist so that they can determine the underlying cause and provide proper dental emergency treatment.
How to Relieve Pain in Teeth at a Dental Practice?
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe tooth pain, it’s important to see an emergency dentist so that they can find out why your tooth is hurting and treat the source. There are many ways that dentists can treat tooth pain, depending on the cause.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. The dentist removes the decayed section of the tooth and then fills the area with composite resin. The resin is hardened with a UV curing light, then shaped and polished to blend with your natural teeth.
Dental Crown
Dental crowns are caps that cover the chewing surface of the tooth and are used to treat cracked or broken teeth. Dental crowns are made from materials like porcelain, metal, and composite resin.
The dentist removes the damaged portion of the tooth and shapes it into a cone. After taking a dental impression to create a mould, the mould is sent to the lab where the crown is made. At a second appointment, the dentist places the crown dental crown over the prepared tooth.
You can also get same-day crowns made at No Gaps Dental using CEREC technology. The process uses a 3D scan rather than messy dental impressions. The information is sent to a milling machine at our dental practice, where your custom crown is made from zirconia colour-matched to your natural tooth shade. The crown is cemented to your tooth in the same session.
Root Canal
Root canals are used to treat infected tooth pulp. The dentist opens the crown and removes the infected tissue from the tooth. After disinfecting and smoothing the root canals, the dentist fills the area with gutta-percha and seals the tooth with a dental filling. Depending on your remaining tooth structure, you may also need a dental crown.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are used for severely damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be saved with a root canal. The dentist removes the tooth from the socket with a dental elevator and forceps. The socket is then packed with gauze to help a blood clot form. Over several weeks the socket will heal. However, you should consider getting a tooth replacement to prevent future oral health issues.
Enjoy a Healthier Smile With No Gaps Dental
No Gaps Dental helps patients achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of services designed to address tooth pain, including fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy.
If you have a dental emergency, we reserve time slots during our regular business hours to visit an emergency dentist. We are also open on Saturdays if you are unable to visit one of our 15 practices during the week.
We also offer advice on preventative care for teeth and how to relieve pain in teeth. Contact No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 today to schedule a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of green, black, and herbal teas of Camellia sinensis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249787/
What to know about gargling with salt water?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325238
Is It Safe to Rinse Your Mouth With Hydrogen Peroxide Everyday?
https://www.medicinenet.com/safe_to_rinse_your_mouth_with_hydrogen_peroxide/article.html