What to do when your teeth hurt, is a question that suddenly takes first place when you get surprise-attacked by a case of a nasty toothache1. And it happens at the most inopportune times. I know you know what I am saying!
You are all set for a perfect vacation tomorrow, the packing is done, and the tickets to your beach vacation are ready but in the early morning, you woke up with your hand on your face and crying out of pain.
You have nothing to do but cancel all the plans. Just like that, a toothache can ruin your perfect vacation.
Among all, toothaches are among one the most miserable aches you can ever have, they can be a nightmare on one’s perfect day. They can be caused by cavities, gum diseases, or tooth fractures.
So, if you don’t want your perfect vacation ruined or get your teeth pulled out by a chisel, bear with us on this journey to know what to do when your teeth hurt.
1. Causes of Toothaches
Toothaches represent that something has gone terribly wrong with your teeth. In essence, toothaches are a cry for help, an SOS signal that demands immediate attention. There are more than a few reasons why they can spurt up.
1.1. Due to Tooth Cavities
Tooth cavities also called tooth decay are primarily caused by the bacteria that feed on the sugary diet and convert those sugary substances into acids that corrode the enamel surface.
These acids, when they manage to reach the nerve endings, cause substantial pain.
1.2. Gum Infections
Gum infections or gum diseases or periodontal diseases2 are caused when the teeth are left unchecked for a long time and a layer of plaque develops over the teeth. The plaque if left unchecked can lead to inflammation and damage to the tissue causing a toothache.
1.3. The Wisdom Teeth
The wisdom teeth are teeth that develop in the late set of life, also called third molars. Sometimes these don’t develop properly and can cause severe toothache. Heed our wisdom, don’t take this lightly.
1.4. Broken Tooth
A broken tooth or a crushed tooth can expose the innervations of the teeth which can also lead to toothache. Always seek dental attention when faced with this malady.
1.5. Previous Dental Procedures
If you have recently done some dental procedures like fillings, root canals, or tooth extraction. Then they might be one of the causes of your toothache.
2. Astounding Remedies and Tips for Toothaches
What if, you get the ache in the middle of the night? Do you know what to do to reduce the pain? How to do that?
You might subconsciously remember your mother telling you to use clove oil if you have a toothache but you don’t remember the logistics of the use. No worries, stick with us; you will never have to worry about toothaches anymore.
Homemade remedies here we come!
2.1. Saltwater Rinsing
Saltwater is the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind and indeed it has a lot more potential than thought. It can help in reducing inflammation. Besides that, it can also help in overcoming bad breath and sore throat.
To prepare a salt water rinse mix half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of water, swish it in your mouth for a few minutes, and spit it out.
2.2. Ice Treatment
Ice, like water, is widely available and one of the best DIY and homemade hacks to dull a sudden toothache that has taken you by surprise. It is as effective as it is easy to put together.
The ice-pack treatment can reduce swelling and help in tapering the pain. Put some ice in a bag and wrap a towel around it. Hold it against your cheek for 15-20 minutes.
2.3. Clove Oil
Clove has been used since ancient times, the ancient ones used it to put clove deep into the tooth which helped in releasing the pain. Thanks, to modern science we can have it now in gels and oils. Clove oil is a commonly used remedy.
The clove oil contains a chemical namely euganol that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and makes the tooth numb, hence reducing the pain.
To use the clove oil, soak a cotton ball in the clove oil and gently whirl it around the area that is itching and allow the oil to absorb for 10-15 minutes. Clove oil is best used with olive oil.
2.4. Peppermint Tea
If you are a tea lover this one might be your favorite. Peppermint contains an active compound called menthol that has antibacterial properties and numbing effect that can reduce pain.
Put the tea bag in a cup of warm water for 2 minutes then remove the bag from the water and, let it cool, you can put the bag in the freezer for an extra soothing effect. Apply on the affected area.
2.5. Use Garlic
Garlic contains an active compound called allicin that has anti-bacterial properties which are released when the substance is chewed, so it can either be used as clove or made into a paste to apply on the area of interest.
2.6. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water in a proportion of 1:1 makes a good mouthwash that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in numbing the pain.
It is used in the same way as an ordinary mouthwash, by squishing the solution in the mouth and spitting it out.
2.7. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is proven to have both analgesic and antiseptic properties that make it effective in providing relief from pain.
To use, take a cotton ball and soak it in a few drops of vanilla extract or it can be used as a mouthwash by making a solution of the extract with water.
2.8. Take Medication
Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen help reduce swelling and can be used to counter tooth pain. The medications are to be taken in the proper dosage.
2.9. Thyme Mouthwash
Thyme is said to have both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it a good pain reliever.
It is prepared by bringing thyme leaves to water and mixing some salt with it. The wash is squished around the mouth for around a minute and spit out.
2.10. Acupressure
Acupressure is a therapeutic practice that involves using the fingers to apply firm pressure to specific points along the body’s meridians or energy channels.
This technique is utilized to alleviate pain and discomfort without the need for medication or surgery. By stimulating these pressure points, acupressure can help to balance the body’s energy flow, promoting healing and relaxation.
It is a natural and non-invasive form of therapy that has been used for centuries to improve overall health and well-being.
3. When Should You See Your Dentist?
If your pain doesn’t alleviate in a day or two, you might need to see your dentist to know the root cause of your pain
You might have to go through certain tests like a tooth x-ray and accordingly, the dentist will suggest you some medications or filling in case of cavities.
4. How to Prevent Toothaches Early On?
Toothaches can be tedious and frustrating but they can be avoided by maintaining good hygiene.
Avoiding junk food, brushing your teeth twice daily3, and getting your teeth regularly checked by the dentist can help in minimizing the risk to get toothache in the future.
So book your appointment at the dentist’s when a toothache plagues you, and use these home remedies in the meantime. Now, you know what to do when your teeth hurt. But always remember, the best remedy is always to keep smiling.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
5.1. What Causes Teeth To Hurt?
Teeth can ache occurs due to several reasons including cavities, broken teeth, sprouting of the wisdom teeth, sensitive teeth, and erosion of teeth enamel. Additionally, gum infections can also cause discomfort and in some cases severe pain.
5.2. Can Teeth Pain Go Away?
Certainly yes. All you have to do is stay away from unhygienic foods that contain .sugary substances that can worsen your pain.
5.3. How Long Does the Tooth Pain Last?
A mild toothache can last for two days but there is no real way to tell how long a toothache will last. A mild toothache can be eliminated by the remedies discussed in the article but a severe toothache lasting more than two days needs dental assistance.
5.4.What Happens if You Ignore Your Tooth Pain?
It can lead to serious damage. Always seek help, and do not suffer pain needlessly. Tooth pain can be frustrating and painful; it might be the cause of an underlying infection, which can cause inflammation and damage to other teeth.
5.5. What is the Fastest Way to Stop Tooth Pain?
To get rid of your tooth pain immediately you can take painkillers, analgesics, saltwater mouthwash, and clove oil. Seek a dentist if the problem persists for a long time.
- Okeson, Jeffrey P., and Donald A. Falace. “Nonodontogenic toothache.” Dental Clinics of North America 41.2 (1997): 367-383. ↩︎
- Pihlstrom, Bruce L., Bryan S. Michalowicz, and Newell W. Johnson. “Periodontal diseases.” The lancet 366.9499 (2005): 1809-1820. ↩︎
- Nguyen, Lien, et al. “Should we brush twice a day? Determinants of dental health among young adults in Finland.” Health economics 17.2 (2008): 267-286. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi