Toothache

Keywords

Teeth, ache, toothache, treatments.

Introduction

It happens to us all. We get toothache. It can be very excrutiating, and it can also be a dull ache that sits for hours on end. Either way, it happens for various reasons.

What is Toothache?

By definition, it is a pain. A pain that can feel discomfort in other places, and that can also have many different meanings.

There are several causes of toothache. They include:

• tooth decay - this is where the tooth has eroded away to nothing, and the nerves are open to elements
• dental abcess - a collection of pus and infectious material within or surrounding a tooth
• cracked or damaged teeth
• loose or broken fillings
• infection - usually happens when teeth break the skin and doesn't have enough room to come through properly
• problems with fitted braces

So what can we do to help our teeth, and decrease the rate of infection or toothache?

Well, for a start, you can brush your teeth using a flouride-based toothpaste. Dentists say that brushing teeth twice a day (morning and evening) can help reduce the risk of you getting an infection in those hard to reach areas.

Another thing you can do is eat less sugary foods. These can be damaging to your teeth. Of course, eating them in moderation is fine.

You can also use floss or an interdental brush every day to remove food and debris from in betwen them.

Treatments

There are several treatments that can be applied to toothache, whether they are home-based or done by a professional. We take a look at some of them here.

Saltwater Treatment

You can do this at home, easily. When you have toothache, a saltwater solution can be made up to swill around your mouth. This sterilises the mouth, and also helps to clean up any infected areas that may be in your mouth as well (you may not realise you have any). It also acts as a temporary pain relief.

Hot and Cold Packs

Similar to when women are on their period, a hot or cold pack can have a large time of pain relief. Cold packs can also reduce the swelling in your mouth of any infected and swollen areas. Just microwave some rice in a sock, but not for too long, otherwise it will burn. Best way to make a cold pack is use a pack of peas or something out the freezer, and wrap it inside a tea towel.

Accupressure

Yes, you can apply accupressure to parts of your body that are associated with pain relief for your teeth. Some research online would help you apply this properly. If not confident enough, you could get a family member to help you.

Peppermint Tea

If you don't want to do the other suggestions here, or you've already tried them and they aren't working, you could make a cup of tea. That's right, a good old cup of tea. Peppermint tea to be specific. The peppermint is numbing, so helps to relieve pain by masking it. This may also be a temporary solution.

Other Treatments

If none of these work, there really is only one other thing you can do. Visit your dentist. They will assess your teeth, and treat accordingly any infections or removal of teeth if necessary.