Toothache - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve root of a tooth is irritated. Dental infection, decay, injury and loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain. Pain may also occur after an extraction. Pain sometimes originates from other areas and radiates to the jaw, thus appearing to be tooth pain. Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can eat through the hard, white coating on the outside of your teeth, creating a cavity. The first sign of decay may be a sensation of pain when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot. A toothache often indicates that your dentist will need to work on your teeth. The severity of a toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. The pain may be aggravated by chewing or by cold or heat. A thorough oral examination, which includes dental x-rays, can help determine the cause, whether the toothache is coming from a tooth or jaw problem.

Causes

1. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity. Dental cavities are holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin.
2. A fracture in the tooth may also be the cause to pain in the tooth.
3. Irritation of the pulp following dental treatment. Regardless of how well it is done, dental treatment and the materials used to fill the tooth can sometimes cause pain later.
4. Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth may also cause the pain.
5. Ulceration of the soft tissues can sometimes be mistaken for toothache.

Symptoms

1. There may be severe pain to pressure, or to hot or cold stimuli. The pain may persist for longer than 15 seconds after the stimulus is removed.
2. Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums.
3. Swelling around a tooth or swelling of your jaw.
4. Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth's gum line may point to the source of pain.
5. If you tap an infected tooth, it may make the pain more intense.

Treatment

1. Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used.
2. Avoid very cold or hot foods because this may make the pain worse.
3. Relief may be obtained from biting on a cotton ball soaked in oil of cloves. Oil of cloves is available at most drug stores.
4. Among the most effective home remedies for toothache is garlic. A clove of garlic with a little rock salt should be placed on the affected tooth.
5. Diet plays a vital role in dental health. The condition of the teeth after they are formed depends upon the foods one eats from day to day. So, take a balanced diet.
6. Proper cleaning of the teeth is very essential to prevent tooth decay and consequent toothache.
7. You may get relief by putting an ice pack on your jaw, but putting heat on it may make the toothache worse.