Every dental patient, at one point or another, has experienced tooth pain, an oral health issue that occurs because of inflammation within the central section of the tooth known as pulp. Dental cavities, infection, and trauma can all be contributing factors to the pulp’s inflammation.
Our dental team at Liberty Square Dental Group, which is located in Scarborough and Toronto, has provided an in-depth overview of tooth pain and the available home remedies that can help to alleviate its discomfort.
What is Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain can be immediate and sharp or consistent and dull. Regardless, your toothache is the result of the nerve in the root of a tooth or a surrounding tooth becoming aggravated. Some of the most common causes of dental pain are tooth infection, injury, decay, or tooth loss, whether the latter is an extraction or a natural occurrence.
Also, there are times when the pain will stem from other areas, radiating to the jaw and appearing to be tooth discomfort. Both gum disease and dental decay are created when bacteria are allowed to expand within your mouth, occasionally leading to pain as well.
Symptoms of Tooth Pain
- Toothache and jaw discomfort
- Serious pain because of pressure, or a response to hot or cold foods and beverages
- General pain in your teeth or jaw when chewing
- Headaches
- Heightened sensitivity to heat or cold
- Bleeding or discharge from the area surrounding a tooth or gums
- Swelling around a tooth or in the jaw area
- Trauma or injury to the affected area
- Fever
- Bad breath
Types of Tooth Pain
Intense Pain
Significant pain can be felt after you bite down during a meal, often produced by an untreated cavity. Tooth decay is encountered when the bacteria and plaque on your teeth eventually erode the enamel. If you continue to leave the cavity unfixed, then there is always a possibility of a major infection.
Tooth Sensitivity
Exposed tooth roots, cavities, or a tendency to grind or clench your teeth could all cause tooth sensitivity. At Liberty Square Dental Group, one of our Toronto dentists can identify the issue and develop a useful treatment plan for your tooth sensitivity.
Constant Pain
When there is pulsating tooth pain, you are likely suffering from a deep infection. Due to this, you will potentially require a root canal to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading any further.
Pain in the Mouth’s Back
Pain that is pinpointed to the back of the mouth can be due to an untreated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This joint connects your jaw to the skull on each side of the face. Cases of the joint functioning improperly or the presence of inflammation can create tooth pain.
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain
Saltwater Rinse
A natural disinfectant, salt water is capable of loosening food particles and debris that might be jammed between your teeth. Additionally, salt water treatment works to limit inflammation and assist in healing any oral worries.
Cold Pack
Applying a cold pack to the affected area can relieve tooth pain, causing the nearby blood vessels to constrict. Not only does it reduce the pain, but it can also lessen any swelling and inflammation.
Garlic
With its antibacterial properties, garlic can kill lingering bacteria that cause dental plaque to form and it is equally effective as a pain-relieving solution.
Thyme
Like garlic, thyme offers great antibacterial properties, plus antioxidant agents, that can serve to treat tooth pain. It helps thwart the bacteria that can directly create tooth decay.
Toothache Plant
This is a flowering plant that grows in tropical and subtropical areas, with its active component, silanol, offering anti-inflammatory effects. When chewed, it provides a numbing feeling. While this plant is typically safe, you should not depend on it if you are allergic to plants of the daisy variety, are pregnant, drink alcohol, use diuretics, or have prostate cancer.
Clove
A reliable treatment for tooth pain, the oil from the clove can numb the discomfort and decrease inflammation. Eugenol, a natural antiseptic, is a key ingredient in the oil.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea bags have been known to numb tooth discomfort and relieve sensitive gums. Simply let the used tea bag reach a cooler temperature, though still moderately warm, and then apply it to the specific area.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A hydrogen peroxide rinse can diminish tooth pain and inflammation, eliminating bacteria. And, it can reduce plaque and treat bleeding gums.
Vanilla Extract
Containing alcohol that can help numb tooth pain, vanilla extract also boasts antioxidant properties that make it a great healer. You must use genuine vanilla, not an imitation product.
When to See Your Dentist if You Have a Toothache or Tooth Pain
Book Your Next Dental Appointment
Contact Liberty Square Dental Group to learn more about our Toronto dental office or Scarborough dental clinic. We look forward to seeing you soon!
