Emergency Dentist San Luis Obispo? Top 40 Best Answers

Take care of your toothache

Do you have a problem tooth? Whether the toothache is dull, sharp, or throbbing, you’re probably looking for relief.

As soon as you feel any discomfort, we recommend that you make an appointment with our dental team. dr Sexton can assess your tooth and determine what is causing the irritation.

In the meantime, though, it’s helpful to know a few quick fixes that may help you feel better, Stats! Today we’re sharing eight proven toothache remedies that can provide instant relief when you need it most.

Understand different types of toothache

Before we dive into how to stop a toothache at home quickly, let’s briefly cover the four main categories of toothache and the most common culprits that can be behind them.

Dull, persistent pain

This type of toothache is not sharp or acute, but it is persistently bothersome. Some of the most common causes are:

Food gets stuck between your teeth or in your gums

A tooth with an abscess

teeth grinding (bruxism)

Oftentimes, you can fix this problem with simple brushing or flossing. If your dentist associates the pain with a tooth abscess or bruxism, they may recommend professional treatments to reverse both of these conditions.

stabbing pain

Sharp pains usually require immediate dental attention. This type of condition is often attributed to a loose crown or filling that can expose sensitive and damaged parts of your teeth. Other common causes are:

broken tooth

Caries

Cracked enamel

cavity

Sensitivity to heat or cold

Did the pain start when you drank a cold drink or drank hot soup? If so, chances are your tooth enamel has worn away. Sometimes avoiding extreme temperatures and switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can make all the difference.

On the other hand, severe pain that lasts more than 30 seconds could indicate a more serious problem. The following problems can lead to acute temperature sensitivity:

Caries

broken tooth

Worn or loose filling

Exposed tooth roots

gingivitis

Distracting, throbbing pain

Severe, throbbing pain should never be ignored. If your toothache becomes unbearable, it is best to contact an emergency dentist.

If the problem is urgent, you should be able to get treatment that day. Otherwise, you can make an appointment for another day and try home remedies that your dentist recommends. Certain problems, such as bleeding or discolored gums, will likely require emergency treatment.

Home remedies for toothache to try

Looking for immediate relief for toothache? The following remedies can help keep your pain at bay while you wait for an upcoming dentist appointment.

1. Cold compress

A cold compress will help reduce the inflammation that accompanies most toothaches. You can create one by using a specially formulated cold pack, but in a pinch, a bag of frozen veggies will work too!

Hold the compress on the problem side of your face for 20 minutes at a time. Wrap it in a soft cloth or towel to avoid skin irritation.

2. Warm compress

If you prefer the therapeutic power of heat, you can make a warm compress instead. If you don’t have one handy, you can make one at home. Heat can especially help relieve pain.

Just fill a clean sock with uncooked rice and tie it up. Then put it in the microwave for two to three minutes. When you apply the compress to the affected side of your face, the heat interrupts pain signals traveling from your mouth to your brain.

3. Anti-inflammatory drugs

How to get rid of a toothache fast? While a compress can reduce inflammation, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, which are said to have the same effect.

What is the best pain reliever for toothache? For best results, stick to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). However, remember that even the strongest toothache medication is no substitute for professional dental care, so this should only be a short-term solution.

4. Salt water rinse

Before you start Googling “how can I relieve a toothache?”, head to the kitchen. You may find that you have everything you need to create an effective home remedy.

A warm salt water solution not only relieves your discomfort but can also help clean the irritated area around your tooth. Simply add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, rinse and spit out. Repeat this a few times a day.

5. Flushing with hydrogen peroxide

Don’t like the idea of ​​rinsing with salt water?

Hydrogen peroxide can work just as well. To make this solution, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse thoroughly and spit out.

Like salt water, hydrogen peroxide can reduce inflammation and gently clean the affected tooth. Just be careful not to swallow any of the solution.

6. Peppermint tea bags

Peppermint is a natural (and delicious!) way to relieve tooth nerve pain. To create this treat, start by brewing a cup of peppermint tea. Let the tea bag steep for a few minutes and then remove it.

When the tea bag is still warm (but not hot), apply it to the affected area in your mouth. Some people who prefer a cooling sensation like to pop their tea bags in the freezer for a few minutes before use. This can be an especially soothing and relaxing way to relieve toothaches at night.

7. Clove Oil

Clove oil has long been used as a time-tested remedy for treating mouth pain. Its main ingredient is eugenol, a natural antiseptic that sterilizes wounds.

You can find this oil at your local grocery store or pharmacy. If you experience a toothache, dab a small amount of the oil onto a clean cotton swab or ball. Then apply it to the affected area of ​​your tooth.

If the clove oil seems too strong to you, you can dilute it with a little water. You can also combine it with a carrier oil like olive or almond oil.

8. Garlic

Like clove oil, garlic is another natural ingredient known for its medicinal properties. How do you stop nerve pain in your tooth? If you have a few cloves of garlic on hand, crush them into a paste and apply it to the affected area.

The garlic will help kill surrounding bacteria and numb your diseased tooth. You can also add some salt to the paste if you like.

Find Fast Toothache Relief

If your tooth hurts, you’ll try almost anything to feel better. Luckily, the most common toothache remedies include simple, at-home ingredients that you should already have on hand!

While these eight ideas may help temporarily, it’s always best to let us know if you have any types of oral ailments. Book an appointment online today to schedule an appointment that works for you!

This year, over 800,000 Americans will end up in the emergency room for a dental emergency. That number keeps growing every year and costs a fortune.

In Florida alone, $88 million was billed for 115,000 emergency dental visits in 2010. That’s an average of $765 per visit, and in the vast majority of cases they were unable to address the root cause of the problem. So, in addition to an ER bill of $765, the patient was referred to a dentist, where he probably spent a few hundred dollars more for the treatment.

ER visits cost MUCH more than a dental exam

One reason many Americans put off getting regular dental checkups and cleanings is the rising cost of healthcare (and dental care) in America. Only half of American workers receive dental benefits from their employer, and that number is falling every year. This has led to more and more people choosing to forgo preventative treatments in exchange for problem-focused visits, such as a toothache or broken teeth.

Preventative dental care is an investment against these costly emergencies. A trip to the emergency room can cost as much as several years of regular dental exams. Spending that kind of money on a single visit that brought little to no relief can be extremely frustrating and drain your finances.

Only a dentist can perform dentistry

This may seem like a no-brainer, but what many people don’t realize is that it is illegal in most states for anyone other than a dentist to extract a tooth, fill a cavity, or perform restorative dental care. It is extremely rare to find an emergency room with a dentist on call or on call.

There is not much more ER doctors can do than administer antibiotics and/or painkillers. This can provide temporary relief, but a toothache, like most problems, does not go away on its own. You still need to see a dentist to fix the problem.

How to temporarily eliminate the pain

The Internet is full of suggestions (including many myths) about how to treat a toothache. Depending on your specific problem, some methods might work better than others. In general, we recommend the following:

Brush and floss your teeth to remove food particles on and between your teeth. Rinse with warm water.

You can take aspirin for pain, but don’t put aspirin or other pain relievers directly on the gums near the painful tooth. This can burn and damage gum tissue.

Call a dentist to make an appointment as soon as possible.

It’s important to understand that a toothache can temporarily subside, but will usually return until the underlying problem is addressed.

When you SHOULD go to the emergency room

If you suffer trauma to your face that has caused severe swelling, cuts in or around your mouth, or a broken jaw, you should go to the emergency room before visiting the dentist.

If you have had an untreated infection for several weeks, you should consider a visit to the emergency room or emergency medical center. Although extremely rare, untreated infection can become life-threatening. This can be easily prevented by taking antibiotics. Aside from the risk of spreading your infection, an untreated toothache can quickly develop into bigger problems that require more expensive treatment.

Additional/related reading

Tags: cost, dental care, dentist, dentistry, emergency dentist, emergency room, emergency room, health care, price

Categorized in: Emergency Dentistry

The health, wellbeing and safety of our patients, their families and our staff remain our top priority at Bupa Dental Care. We would like to thank our patients for their understanding during the COVID-19 situation.

As soon as it is safe to reopen our practices, we encourage you to contact us and make an appointment. You can find the current status of our practices under: COVID-19 Notice. If you have a dental emergency, locate and contact your local office, who can provide telephone support and advice to patients with urgent needs. They can also direct you to the most appropriate support agency if further care is required.

My lower right wisdom tooth broke off last summer. A corner came loose when it broke and small pieces have been falling off ever since. Now only the back wall of the tooth remains. I can see the tooth pulp decreasing and my tooth is extremely sensitive. I regret not listening to my pediatric dentist when I was 17 because she told me to have my teeth pulled. She said they would grow crooked and become painful if I didn’t do anything about it. Of course I never had my teeth pulled. Will this wisdom tooth fall out or do I need to have the dentist remove it? I’ve only been working part-time since COVID, so my resources are limited. Many Thanks. Ruben from MS

ruben,

Although your decayed wisdom tooth will eventually fall out, it’s best to have it extracted by a dentist. An infection can get into your jawbone and cause an abscess. You can avoid the discomfort and pain by asking for an extraction.

Sensitivity in a dying tooth

You mentioned that your dental pulp is disappearing. We’re not sure what you mean by that, but maybe your dental pulp became exposed, infected and died. When the pulp of the tooth has died, you can still feel tenderness when you bite. But if you experience cold or air sensitivity, the dental pulp is alive. Although a root canal can save a tooth, a dentist would need to examine your tooth to see its condition.

swelling

Unless you have swelling around your jaw, a tooth extraction is not an emergency. But if you see or feel any swelling, see a dentist right away. Lower wisdom teeth that have infection are easier to access, numb, and extract.

What if you can’t afford to have a wisdom tooth removed?

If you can’t afford to have a wisdom tooth pulled, consider these options:

You may be able to find a free dental clinic that accepts emergency appointments for people who don’t have dental insurance or are short on money.

Some dental offices offer payment plans or a dental savings plan with reduced fees

You can qualify for CareCredit financing and make monthly payments to pay for care.

For our readers: Our explanations apply to wisdom teeth. If you are having trouble with a non-wisdom tooth, a dentist will handle the situation differently. Missing teeth cause other teeth to drift off and interfere with your bite.

David Finley, DDS, a dentist from Monroe, LA, sponsors this post.

Why do so many people with dental problems go to the family doctor and not to the dentist?

Around 600,000 people in the UK who develop dental problems are now seeing a GP instead of a dentist, the British Dental Association announced last week. That’s about 11,000 people a week. The BDA, which represents dentists and dental students, blames the rising cost of dental treatment. She sees fees for dental treatment as a “health tax”. It is also concerned such cases add mounting pressure on already overwhelmed doctors and cost the NHS an estimated £26million.

In the most recent dental health survey, 26% of adults said the associated costs were a factor in their choice of type of dental treatment, while 19% said they had delayed treatment for the same reason.

Is this a new problem, possibly caused by the NHS-wide financial crisis?

Not exactly. In 2013, a Comres survey of 1,007 GPs across the UK found that “87% of GPs feel under increasing pressure from patients coming to them for oral health issues rather than their dentists”.

In addition, 96% of GPs want more to be done to discourage patients with dental problems from seeking their help, Comres found.

Is there anything GPs can do to help?

Not really. People come with toothache, abscesses and other ailments. “However, GPs are not trained or equipped to deal with these problems, particularly those that require surgical intervention. General practitioners can offer painkillers or antibiotics, but usually refer patients to a dentist,” says Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, Chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice. “The overwhelming majority of these patients require a root canal or extraction that GPs cannot afford. General practitioners can treat symptoms, not causes. Painkillers and antibiotics are never a solution to dental problems.”

For example, in a patient with an abscess, the infection often needs to be drained or the tooth removed; Primary care physicians cannot perform either procedure.

dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, agrees. “Family doctors are not dentists. Patients experiencing pain or discomfort in their teeth and/or gums should seek an appointment with their local dentist, not their GP. GPs are not and should not be empowered to treat patients with dental problems,” she says.

How much are the dentist costs? Has it always existed?

Dental care was free when the NHS was created. However, that didn’t last long. In 1951, Clement Attlee’s Labor government, which had set up the service, levied fees for dental work and glasses. This prompted Nye Bevan, who launched the NHS as Health Secretary three years earlier, to resign because he felt his key founding principle – that medical help where needed should be free – had been betrayed. In contrast, visits to GPs have always been free.

The BDA fears that dental costs in England rose 5% in April and will rise another 5% next year. The increases are said to be designed to force patients to make up for dwindling state funding for dentistry – a £170m drop in England since 2010-11, from £2.2bn to £2.03bn Pound.

Fees in England are much higher than the rest of the UK. An examination costs £19.70 there but only £13.50 in Wales, while such checks start at £6.68 in Northern Ireland and are free in Scotland. However, that £19.70 also includes diagnosis and X-rays or a scale and polish if that is what you need.

A leading dentist refutes that this is too expensive. “Twenty pounds for a toothache appointment? You’ll have to decide where that falls in terms of affordability.’ But fees can quickly add up if you need fillings, root canals or tooth extractions (£53.90) or crowns, dentures or bridges (£233.70).

Many low- to middle-income patients do not receive dental waivers.

How Much Do Dentists Earn?

The average gross income of dentists in England and Wales in 2013-14 was £155,100 per year. But that number has fallen in recent years. After deducting your expenses, e.g. For example, running her premises and buying equipment and consumables, her taxable income is around half of that impressive sounding sum – £74,400 a year. “I’m not saying we don’t make a decent living. But it’s no more than the average professional would earn,” says the lead dentist.

“Dentist’s income has fallen by 25% in the last ten years,” says Overgaard-Nielsen. In addition, the ongoing costs of surgeries are increasing, particularly due to difficulties in recruiting dental assistants.

Would the nation’s teeth be in better shape if all dentistry was funded by the NHS?

Dentists are complaining that NHS dentistry is a “Cinderella service” whose low status is being vindicated by the gradual cut in government funding. Maintaining fees that deter at least some people on lower incomes “feeds a false economy,” says Overgaard-Nielsen. “It’s cheaper for dentists to maintain healthy teeth in a healthy mouth than for GPs to provide pain relief or for hospital surgeons to perform extractions under general anesthesia.”

Tooth infection can occur when bacteria invade the nerve or soft tissue of the tooth called the pulp. This can be caused by tooth decay, injury, or previous dental procedures. Although rare, it’s possible for a dental infection to kill you. An untreated dental infection can spread to other tissues in your body within weeks or months, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Below we cover how a dental infection can lead to death, how long it can last and when you need to go to the hospital.

Can a Tooth Infection Kill You? Tooth infection occurs when bacteria invade the interior of your tooth, which contains a soft tissue called the pulp. As the infection progresses, a pocket of pus forms around the affected tooth. This is called a tooth abscess. In 17th-century London, dental infections were listed as the fifth or sixth leading cause of death. By 1908, dental infections were fatal in 10 to 40 percent of cases. Due to advances in medicine and dental hygiene, death from dental infection is extremely rare today. However, it’s still important to seek prompt treatment if you suspect you have an infected tooth. Left untreated, a dental infection can spread to other areas of the body and lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications, including: Sepsis: a severe body reaction to the infection

Ludwig’s angina: a serious bacterial infection that affects the floor of the mouth under the tongue

necrotizing fasciitis: a severe infection that causes soft tissue death in the body

Mediastinitis: an inflammation of the mediastinum, which is a space between your lungs

Endocarditis: an inflammation of the inner lining of your heart, called the endocardium

Cavernous sinus thrombosis: a dangerous blood clot in the sinuses, just below the brain and behind the eyes

Osteomyelitis: an infection of bone tissue

Brain abscess: A collection of pus that can form in the brain

How quickly can a tooth infection lead to death? The time it takes for a tooth infection to cause death can vary. We will break down this question in more detail. How long does it take for an abscess to develop? Abscesses due to tooth decay can take several months to develop. This is because the decay process can take a while to reach and damage the pulp in the center of a tooth. Meanwhile, injury or trauma to a tooth can allow bacteria to enter the tooth more quickly. This can happen due to injuries such as a chipped or chipped tooth. What happens if an abscess develops? Once an abscess has formed, there is usually swelling and intermittent, throbbing pain around the affected tooth. This is a warning sign that something is wrong. However, you are likely to have a toothache in your tooth from the cavity before an abscess occurs. Case studies of serious illness or death from dental infections often describe persistent toothache that lasts for weeks or months before urgent or emergency care is sought. In many case studies, the toothache was treated with antibiotics during this period. However, antibiotics alone are usually not effective in treating an abscessed tooth. The tooth decay also needs to be treated, either with extraction or root canal treatment if your tooth is saveable. If an abscessed tooth is left untreated for weeks or months, it can spread to other areas, such as the jaw, neck, and brain. This can cause serious symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and an inability to open your mouth. If care is not provided at this point, death can occur quickly, sometimes within a few days. What risk factors can lead to complications from an abscess? There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of complications from an abscessed tooth, including: Older age

have diabetes

be immunocompromised

Experiencing malnutrition Summary In summary, it can take several months for an abscessed tooth to develop.

Once an abscess has formed, there is usually noticeable pain and swelling around the affected tooth.

If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications. However, once this is done, death can come quickly.

Factors such as older age, diabetes or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of complications from an abscessed tooth. Taken together, these facts underscore the importance of seeking prompt medical attention if you have persistent pain or swelling around a tooth. With early treatment, most dental infections can be resolved without serious complications.

How is a tooth infection treated? Treatment options for a tooth infection include: Drainage. A dentist makes a small incision in your gums to drain the abscess. However, this is typically used as a temporary measure and further treatments are often required.

A dentist makes a small incision in your gums to drain the abscess. However, this is typically used as a temporary measure and further treatments are often required. root canal. During a root canal treatment, the infected pulp is removed from the tooth. The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and filled. A crown is then placed to restore the tooth.

During a root canal treatment, the infected pulp is removed from the tooth. The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and filled. A crown is then placed to restore the tooth. tooth extraction. In situations where an infected tooth cannot be salvaged through a root canal, it can be extracted instead.

In situations where an infected tooth cannot be salvaged through a root canal, it can be extracted instead. antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs that can kill bacteria. They are sometimes used to treat dental infections. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may be given oral antibiotics or intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Your tooth will need a root canal treatment or extraction in addition to the antibiotics. Can home remedies help with a tooth infection? While you’re waiting for treatment, here are some home remedies you can try to help relieve symptoms: Try over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Eat soft foods and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth where the infection is.

Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the infected tooth, such as B. those that are: very hot or very cold sour spicy spicy or crispy

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and avoid flossing around the affected tooth.

Rinse your mouth with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to reduce pain and swelling.

Place a cold compress near the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.

Apply garlic, which has antimicrobial properties, to the affected tooth. The above home remedies are only to be used when you are awaiting medical attention for your dental infection. They should not be used as a substitute for treatment. Preventing Tooth Infection There are several things you can do in your daily life to prevent tooth infection from occurring. Examples include: Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste

floss between teeth every day

Reduce your intake of sugary or starchy foods and drinks

Scheduling regular dental cleanings and check-ups

Immediately after a toothache or injury, e.g. B. a chip or crack, see a dentist

Dental infection can be very dangerous to the body if left unchecked. The longer you deal with a dental infection, the more likely it is that the infection will spread to your body. A tooth infection starts with a toothache, but what are the biggest signs that a tooth infection is spreading to your body?

Read on to find out what warning signs and symptoms to look out for. If you think you are dealing with a dental infection, visit our Riverside Dentists to schedule a treatment.

Signs of dental infection spreading to the body

To understand what a dental infection feels like and how to recognize when it’s spreading throughout the body, it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms you’ll encounter first. A tooth infection can be mild and not very painful, or the symptoms can be severe. In any case, it’s important to get in touch with your local dentist if you have any of the following problems:

Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially food and drink

Pain radiating outward from the tooth

swelling of the cheeks or gums

Constant bad breath

Bad taste in the mouth

Pressure or pain when biting

These symptoms indicate an underlying oral health problem. Consult your dentist so you can eliminate any signs of infection before it spreads.

nausea all over the body

When an uncontrolled dental infection starts to spread, you will notice the above symptoms more severely. In addition, you will also feel these symptoms all over your body. Infection from your teeth can enter your bloodstream and spread these nasty symptoms.

Some of the biggest signs that a dental infection is spreading to the body are frequent headaches, fever, dizziness, and facial swelling. It can get to the point where you have trouble opening or using your mouth because of the swelling. If this occurs, you should go to your local emergency doctor or emergency dentist to get rid of the infection as soon as possible.

get treatment

At the first sign of tooth infection, you should contact your dentist. If you have chipped or lost a tooth due to physical trauma, you must see your emergency dentist immediately. Additional symptoms of a tooth infection include difficulty swallowing and breathing, and pain shooting through the ears or throat.

While waiting for your dentist appointment, you can get some relief by taking over-the-counter ibuprofen. It’s also recommended not to chew on the side of your mouth where your tooth hurts. As soon as you arrive at your dental office, you will be given options for the best treatments available. The most common and effective treatment for a tooth infection is a root canal, which involves removing the infected area of ​​your tooth.

Get a root canal treatment and say goodbye to infection!

Speak to our Riverside root canal experts about the procedure and how it can prevent infection from spreading in your mouth. Infection occurs when bacteria build up, causing plaque and tartar to form on the teeth. The longer this buildup goes unnoticed, the deeper it goes into your mouth. Sometimes the root of the tooth becomes infected.

A root canal treatment removes the infection from the root of the tooth so your tooth can remain intact. This restores the health of your mouth and prevents the infection from spreading to the rest of your body. For more information on a root canal procedure and other ways to combat tooth infection, contact our friendly experts at Star Dental Group Riverside today!

Black teeth can be a problem for many people; A black tooth affects your smile and your confidence. If you have a black tooth, read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes, and treatments that may be available.

What Causes a Tooth to Turn Black?

There are many reasons why a tooth can begin to turn black, anything from simple discoloration to tooth death can cause blackening and darkening.

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can cause your teeth to turn black. In the early stages, these are likely discolorations from substances such as tobacco, red wine, and heavily colored foods. If your oral hygiene routine isn’t thorough enough to remove acid-secreting bacteria every day, the acid will slowly eat away at your tooth.

When the tooth is eaten away, tooth decay sets in. Tooth decay is naturally black and can give the appearance of a black tooth. This gives the appearance of rotten teeth and is a classic result of not taking care of your teeth for a long period of time.

The death of a tooth

When a tooth dies, the blood supply — which gives the tooth its natural, healthy color — is cut off. Because the tooth does not receive the nutrients it needs, it begins to necrotize, darken, die, and slowly turn black.

Will my tooth turn black after root canal treatment?

A common misconception is that a tooth will turn black after a root canal treatment. Teeth often turn black prior to root canal treatment as the tooth rots and decays from the inside. If the root canal treatment is done well, all the decaying tissue will be removed and the blackness will not get worse. However, after a root canal treatment, there may be a slight darkening of the tooth, depending on how exactly the root canal treatment is performed and with what material.

How long does it take for a tooth to turn black?

If the cause of the blackening is due to tooth decay, the blackening can appear over a period of years. If the cause of the blackening is due to trauma, the inner tooth tissue will begin to die and turn black once the blood supply to the tooth is cut off.

Does a dead tooth turn black?

If left untreated, a dead tooth will turn black as the inner tooth tissue dies and decomposes. If the dead tooth was root canaled with a tooth-colored treatment, the tooth may not turn completely black, although it may darken slightly.

Will my chipped tooth turn black?

If the chip in your tooth is only in the enamel (the hard outer layer of your tooth), chances are it won’t blacken as long as you keep the tooth clean. There is no need to urgently see a dentist, just make an appointment as soon as possible to discuss how to fix this.

If the chip in your tooth goes through the enamel and into the dentin (the softer part of your tooth), the dentin can stain more easily and darken. Because the dentin is softer, it is also more prone to tooth decay, which causes black tooth. You should see a dentist about this; However, it is not considered an emergency appointment unless accompanied by pain.

If the chip goes all the way through the enamel, dentin and down to the pulp (the living blood supply part of your tooth) it will most likely be extremely painful and you may even see blood coming out of the chip. If this is left untreated, not only could you be in extreme pain, but the tooth could die and almost certainly turn black. You need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

I hit my tooth – will it turn black?

If the tooth was simply hit or hit, it doesn’t necessarily turn black. However, if the tooth was hit so hard that the blood supply was damaged, the tooth can blacken as the nerve dies. If you hit your tooth and are bleeding at the gum line, we recommend that you see an emergency dentist for an exam.

Treatments for a black tooth

Black spots on the teeth can be treated quite easily, these can often be caused by a small pit or chip in the tooth that is either picking up stains or has a small amount of decay. Your dentist can usually remove a small amount of tooth from around this area, remove stains and/or decay, and place a slightly tooth-colored bonding material over this area. Tooth bonding naturally fuses with your surrounding teeth, making the repair invisible.

Black lines on the teeth can be treated in a similar way with dental bonding. If the black line on the tooth is at the gum line and you have a tooth restoration such as a veneer or crown.

Dead teeth can also be whitened. This is a peroxide gel whitening that can significantly whiten teeth; However, sometimes teeth whitening alone is not enough to whiten a dead tooth and some form of restorative option must be considered, either a tooth veneer or a tooth crown.

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth, usually caused by decay, a fracture, or gum disease. Many – but not all – of these need to be treated by a dentist, and some are dental emergencies.

The quickest way to stop a toothache at home is by taking ibuprofen (Advil) or another NSAID, such as aspirin. NSAIDs are the best painkillers for toothache.

If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days, is severely painful, sags your face, or is accompanied by a fever, pain when opening your mouth, or an earache, contact your dentist immediately.

Your dentist may suggest treatments such as a filling, a tooth extraction, or a root canal for toothache caused by decay.

To prevent toothache from tooth decay, practice good oral hygiene, use a remineralizing toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite or fluoride, avoid tooth decay-causing foods and drinks, and never skip a dental check-up.

When faced with an unbearable toothache, there are two things you should do immediately:

Stop the Toothache Determine how soon you need to see a dentist

Let’s look at how to stop your toothache fast, common causes of toothache, home remedies, and treatments your dentist may prescribe.

Toothache Symptoms

Toothache symptoms can include:

Pain in the teeth that can be described as throbbing, sharp and/or constant

Pain that changes when you bite down, press on the tooth with your finger, or tap the tooth

Pain that gets worse when you lie down

Swelling of the gums around the tooth

headache

Fever

Smelly discharge from a tooth infection

How to stop toothache fast

What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home? The quickest way to stop a toothache at home is to take effective pain relievers like ibuprofen. NSAIDs, which reduce inflammation, are better for toothache than other pain relievers.

For quick relief, try the Dentist-Recommended Advil Toothache Trick:

Take 3 Advil (600 milligrams)

3 times a day

For 3 days

The best painkillers for toothache

Ibuprofen is the best pain reliever for toothache. If ibuprofen isn’t working for your toothache, try aspirin, which is also an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not good for a toothache because it is not an NSAID and does not reduce the inflammation that is causing your pain. In general, non-NSAIDs and even opioids are not very effective for toothache.

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t working for your toothache, call your dentist right away. You may need another medication, e.g. B. an antibiotic to prepare for the treatment of the toothache.

Common causes of toothache

Toothache is pain in or around your teeth that can be caused by:

caries/tooth decay

dental abscesses

broken tooth

root sensitivity

Bruxism/teeth grinding

Damaged or lost filling

Eruption of adult or wisdom teeth

gingivitis

Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)

TMJ/TMD

Failed dental work

Food stuck in the teeth

caries/tooth decay

Cavities, or tooth decay, cause toothache because bacteria destroy tooth enamel and then dentin. The acids secreted by tooth decay-causing bacteria cause inflammation when they reach the dentin, causing swelling.

Toothache is unique in part because the swelling in the pulp has no room to expand, causing excruciating pain until the inflammation and swelling go down.

dental abscess

A tooth abscess (periapical abscess) is a pocket of pus at the top of the tooth root resulting from a bacterial infection. Tooth abscesses cause extreme toothache.

A gum abscess (periodontal abscess) is a similar pocket in the gums that can also cause significant toothache.

Tooth abscesses often occur after trauma to the teeth or when infection continues to grow in untreated decay. Gum abscesses are more often the result of advanced gum disease.

Treatment and home remedies for tooth abscess differ depending on the type of abscess.

broken tooth

Injury or trauma to a tooth can cause it to crack or chip. A broken tooth can cause severe toothache when biting down, as well as severe sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold food or drinks.

root sensitivity

Mild, rare toothache can be caused by tooth root sensitivity. If your teeth hurt immediately after eating candy or drinking soda, chances are root sensitivity is to blame.

Root sensitivity occurs when things like acidic foods have made your dentin more porous. When this happens, brushing your teeth wears away the dentin and causes sensitivity.

Bruxism/teeth grinding

Teeth grinding can lead to tooth sensitivity and toothache over time. This trauma to the tooth can weaken tooth enamel and dentin, leading to more frequent tooth decay.

The weaker your dentin, the more likely you are to suffer a painful fracture that causes a toothache.

Damaged or lost filling

When a tooth filling falls out or becomes damaged, it can lead to toothache as sensitive dentin is exposed.

In this case, make an appointment with the dentist immediately. As the saliva remineralizes the newly exposed dentin, the pain may subside. However, this is not a permanent solution and your tooth still needs repairs.

Eruption of adult or wisdom teeth

Any form of teething can cause pain, but erupting wisdom teeth (“third molars”) is most likely to cause toothache. Any adult or wisdom tooth may not have enough room to get through and put pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to toothache.

Wisdom tooth pain often comes from food retention problems caused by crowding or impaction of the teeth. This can cause a cavity to form as the teeth do not sit ideally together and can create a space that is more likely to lead to tooth decay.

gingivitis

If you have gum disease (periodontal disease), it is likely that receding gums expose the top parts of your tooth root, which can very easily hurt when exposed to heat or cold.

Gum disease, the first sign of which is bleeding gums, can eventually lead to more frequent cavities, food residues in the teeth and generally painful dental problems.

Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)

Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause toothache due to sinus pressure and drainage. Usually, this pain is isolated to the upper teeth near the back of your mouth (closest to your sinuses).

An infected tooth can also be a cause of sinusitis, so it’s important to work with your dentist and GP to determine which problem is the root cause of your toothache.

TMJ/TMD

Pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), also known as TMD, usually affects your jaw. However, over time, referred pain can cause toothache.

Failed dental work

Pulpitis, which may or may not be reversible, can cause a toothache after dental treatment. If you’ve recently had a new filling or other dental work done, talk to your dentist about your painful symptoms.

Food stuck in the teeth

When food gets stuck between your teeth, it can cause pain and sensitivity where your tooth connects to your gumline. This is more common if you suffer from receding gums.

This isn’t technically a true “toothache” as it causes pain in your gums and just feels like a toothache. It’s usually easy to remove food from between your teeth with a piece of dental floss.

If food is not removed, it can lead to tooth decay.

When to the dentist

Depending on your symptoms, toothache may require immediate treatment, an evaluation within the next few weeks, or simply a follow-up visit to your dentist at your next teeth cleaning.

Make an emergency dentist appointment right away if:

Your toothache is severe enough to interfere with normal activities like eating, sleeping, or speaking

Your toothache lasts 1-2 days or more

You also have a fever, pain when opening your mouth, or an earache

Her face appears to have fallen, droops, or looks distorted in some way

You cannot breathe or swallow normally

If your dentist doesn’t call you within an hour and you experience the above symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room.

Call your dentist for an appointment in the next few weeks if:

Your toothache is limited to 1-3 teeth (instead of pain in the whole mouth)

You notice bleeding gums or other signs of gingivitis along with your toothache

Your toothache started after you injured your mouth, face, or jaw

You have lost or damaged an existing filling

If your toothache is mild, associated with a sinus infection, resolves with a nasal decongestant, and/or is reversed with dietary changes, it probably isn’t a reason for an additional dental appointment.

But it’s still a good idea to talk to your dentist about your toothache the next time you have your teeth cleaned.

Home and natural remedies for toothache

While not a great remedy for a severe toothache in many cases, there are several natural remedies that can help stop a toothache at home:

Rinse with warm salt water

benzocaine

Clove Essential Oil

elevation

cold compress

Acupressure/Acupuncture

mint tea

Knotted dental floss (for leftover food in teeth)

guava leaves

wheatgrass juice

How to sleep with a toothache

Other home remedies for toothache can help relieve the more extreme nighttime toothache so you can still get a good night’s sleep:

Painkillers: Ibuprofen (or aspirin) can both reduce painful dental symptoms by temporarily reducing inflammation.

Ibuprofen (or aspirin) can both reduce painful dental symptoms by temporarily reducing inflammation. Topical numbing agents: You can use topical gels or pastes to numb the tooth if your pain is related to an exposed nerve. These are usually products that use benzocaine, like Orajel. These are not safe for children under 2 years old.

You can use topical gels or pastes to numb the tooth if your pain is related to an exposed nerve. These are usually products that use benzocaine, like Orajel. These are not safe for children under 2 years old. Elevation: If you keep your head higher than the rest of your body, your toothache may not be as severe. Lying flat can often aggravate a toothache caused by decay or abscessed teeth.

If you keep your head higher than the rest of your body, your toothache may not be as severe. Lying flat can often aggravate a toothache caused by decay or abscessed teeth. Avoid trigger foods: Hard/spicy foods (like sourdough bread), acidic, or very cold foods can irritate or worsen a toothache. Stay away from these foods, especially in the evening.

Hard/spicy foods (like sourdough bread), acidic, or very cold foods can irritate or worsen a toothache. Stay away from these foods, especially in the evening. Use an ice pack: Before bed, use a cold compress wrapped in a cloth on the outside of the side where your toothache is most severe to relieve the pain. It works by shrinking the blood vessels that contribute to the inflammatory response.

diagnosis

If your toothache doesn’t go away, it’s a sign that your dentist needs to identify the source of your pain and fix it.

To diagnose the cause of a toothache, your dentist may:

Do a physical exam of your teeth, mouth, and gums

Use an X-ray or cone beam CT (CBCT) to look for areas of decay or abscess

Ask for details about your symptoms, such as: B. Type, location and severity of your pain, when it started, what makes it worse and what gives you pain relief

Once your dentist has determined what’s causing your toothache, he or she will prescribe a treatment.

Toothache treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause of your toothache.

Treatments for toothache include:

Filling: A dental filling is used for small to medium-sized cavities that allow the infected tooth to be cleaned while keeping the tooth root alive.

A is used for small to medium cavities where the infected tooth can be cleaned while the tooth root remains alive. Extraction: Your dentist may perform a tooth extraction to treat a broken tooth, a large cavity, or a tooth abscess. In most cases, you will need to schedule a dental implant later to fill the remaining space.

Your dentist may perform a tooth extraction to treat a broken tooth, a large cavity, or a tooth abscess. In most cases, you will need to schedule a dental implant later to fill the remaining space. Wisdom tooth extraction: Especially with impacted wisdom teeth (which cause a lot of pain), you may need surgery to relieve the pressure that is causing the pain.

Especially with impacted wisdom teeth (which cause a lot of pain), you may need surgery to relieve the pressure that is causing the pain. Root canal treatment: Root canal treatment can be performed when irreversible pulpitis occurs due to a large cavity and/or tooth abscess. Often, but not always, excruciating toothache is a signal that you need a root canal or tooth extraction.

A may be done when irreversible pulpitis occurs due to a large cavity and/or tooth abscess. Often, but not always, excruciating toothache is a signal that you need a root canal or tooth extraction. Antibiotics: To reduce a major bacterial infection in your tooth, your dentist (or an emergency doctor) may prescribe antibiotics before your last dental procedure. Antibiotics do not cure toothache or tooth decay; They temporarily reduce the size of the infection to relieve pain and allow for delayed treatment.

To shrink a large bacterial infection in your tooth, your dentist (or an emergency room doctor) may prescribe antibiotics before your last dental procedure. Antibiotics do not cure toothache or tooth decay; They temporarily reduce the size of the infection to relieve pain and allow for delayed treatment. Abscess Drainage: If you have an abscess in your gums, your dentist may be able to drain, clean, and treat it for pain relief.

If you have an abscessed gum, your dentist may be able to drain, clean, and treat it for pain relief. Desensitizing Toothpaste: If you suffer from tooth root sensitivity, you may be prescribed a toothpaste that can block some pain after several uses.

If you suffer from tooth root sensitivity, you may be prescribed a toothpaste that can block some pain after several uses. Topical fluoride: Your dentist may prescribe a topical fluoride varnish and/or prescription fluoride toothpaste to rebuild tooth enamel and strengthen your dentin if you have root sensitivity. However, consider hydroxyapatite toothpaste as an alternative as it is just as effective as fluoride in many cases.

Your dentist may prescribe a topical fluoride varnish and/or prescription fluoride toothpaste to rebuild tooth enamel and strengthen your dentin if you have root sensitivity. However, consider hydroxyapatite toothpaste as an alternative as it is just as effective as fluoride in many cases. Treating Gum Disease: After diagnosing gum disease, your dentist may prescribe scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of the teeth), flap surgery, or pinhole surgery, depending on the level of your concern.

After diagnosing gum disease, your dentist may prescribe scaling and root planing ( ), flap surgery, or pinhole surgery, depending on the level of your concern. Prescription Mouthwash: Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed to kill the bacteria in your mouth and temporarily relieve a toothache. However, this can lead to additional problems as your oral microbiome becomes disrupted. So make sure you use oral probiotics afterwards to restore a healthier balance of oral bacteria.

Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed to kill the bacteria in your mouth and temporarily relieve a toothache. However, this can lead to additional problems as your oral microbiome becomes disrupted. So make sure you use it afterwards to restore a healthier balance of oral bacteria. Knotted Floss: When you have food between your teeth, knotting a piece of dental floss and pulling it through the gap can be a quick and easy remedy for a toothache.

When food gets stuck between teeth, tying a piece of dental floss and pulling it through the gap can be a quick and easy remedy for a toothache. TMJ Treatment: You may need to work with both your dentist and GP (or other TMJ specialist) to address the root cause of TMJ pain.

You may need to work with both your dentist and your GP (or other TMJ specialist) to address the root cause of TMJ pain. Treating Bruxism: Treatment for bruxism is broad, but one of the most common causes is sleep apnea. Talk to your dentist and doctor about a sleep study to find out if this is the cause of your toothache.

How to prevent toothache

The best way to prevent toothache is to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems like gum disease. Toothache prevention includes:

A tooth-friendly, nutrient-rich diet

Proper brushing technique involves gentle, circular motions with a soft-bristled brush

Technique using gentle, circular motions with a soft-bristled brush. Daily use of dental floss and tongue scraping

Use of oral probiotics (especially if you have evidence of dysbiosis in your oral microbiome)

) oil pulling

taping in the mouth

Teeth cleaning every 6 months

Toothache remedies to avoid

In over 3 decades as a dentist, I have seen many patients try remedies for toothaches that end up making the oral health problems much worse.

Do not use the following remedies for toothache:

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide should never be used in the mouth. It is highly antibacterial, meaning it disrupts the oral microbiome. Hydrogen peroxide may increase your risk of oral cancer, although sources disagree.

Hydrogen peroxide should never be used in the mouth. It is highly antibacterial, meaning it disrupts the oral microbiome. Hydrogen peroxide may increase your risk for , although sources disagree. Aspirin applied to the tooth: Aspirin pills held against the tooth are a less common urban myth that won’t relieve your toothache but will cause ulcers on your teeth, mucous membrane and tongue. As you might imagine, this is quite painful – nothing to add to the nagging toothache.

Holding aspirin pills to your tooth is a less common urban myth that won’t relieve your toothache but will cause ulcers on your teeth, mucous membrane and tongue. As you might imagine, this is quite painful – nothing to add to the nagging toothache. Rubbing alcohol: This is a common “cure” for toothache that does more harm than good. It aggressively denatures oral mucus, which can cause canker sores. Plus, it’s not even a great toothache remedy!

This is a common “cure” for toothache that does more harm than good. It aggressively denatures oral mucus, which can cause canker sores. Plus, it’s not even a great toothache remedy! Undiluted Essential Oils: I do not recommend using most essential oils in the mouth as they are often highly antibacterial. However, clove oil can be a useful, temporary way to relieve toothache. But every time you use an essential oil like clove in your mouth, it needs to be heavily diluted before you apply it. Avoid other essential oils, especially very strong ones like oregano, as these can actually burn the delicate soft tissues of your mouth.

I don’t recommend using most essential oils in the mouth as they are often highly antibacterial. However, clove oil can be a useful, temporary way to relieve toothache. But every time you use an essential oil like clove in your mouth, it needs to be heavily diluted before you apply it. Avoid other essential oils, especially very strong ones like oregano, as these can actually burn the delicate soft tissues of your mouth. Anything that claims to “kill the nerve of a tooth”: You can’t kill your own nerve of a tooth at home. Only a dentist can properly and safely remove the pulp with nerves during a root canal treatment.

frequently asked Questions

Q Why does my toothache come and go?

A Sometimes the pain comes and goes in response to a transient stimulus such as heat, cold, or sugar. In other cases, it may be an abscess that flares up and then heals to the point where the pain subsides, even if the infection itself hasn’t completely gone. Broken teeth also often have acute pain that subsides and returns when the pulp in the tooth becomes irritated or infected, heals, and then becomes irritated again.

Q Can a toothache cause a headache?

A Yes. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for carrying messages for almost all toothaches as well as headaches, which often means that toothaches can be directly responsible for headaches. Also, when our teeth hurt, we often tense other parts of the body like the jaw, which can lead to headaches. Other problems, such as sinus infections, can sometimes radiate as both a toothache and a headache.

Q When do you need to take an antibiotic for a toothache?

A You will usually be given a prescription antibiotic if your dentist suspects or diagnoses an infection. This is also a common pre-root canal prescription to deal with the large infection before opening the tooth.

Q I am taking amoxicillin for a toothache and it is not helping. What can I do?

A Many dental infections are resistant to amoxicillin. Contact your doctor or dentist again and ask about changing your prescription to another antibiotic. When prescribing amoxicillin to my patients, I urge them to contact me if their pain has not improved within 3 days so we can switch them to another treatment.

Q I have had a toothache for a month and nothing is helping, but the pain only comes on at night when I am getting ready to go to bed. What can I do to make it stop?

A First see a dentist. You are probably dealing with an abscessed tooth that needs medical attention. It won’t heal on its own. The pain is likely to be worse at night because you are lying down, which increases blood pressure to your tooth since it is at the same level as your heart. You can try elevating your head and even your torso at night to reduce the pain, but this will only relieve the pain a little. Ultimately, it is important that you seek treatment so that your body can heal properly.

Forecast & Outlook

Toothache can be some of the worst pain you’ll ever endure, but the good news is that with the right treatment, it’s almost always reversible. Most toothaches occur as a result of tooth decay, and most tooth decay repair procedures only take a day or two to recover.

By following good prevention strategies and treating toothache right away, you’re well on your way to living a pain-free life again.

Toothache is pain in or around a tooth, usually caused by decay, a fracture, or gum disease. Many – but not all – of these need to be treated by a dentist, and some are dental emergencies.

The quickest way to stop a toothache at home is by taking ibuprofen (Advil) or another NSAID, such as aspirin. NSAIDs are the best painkillers for toothache.

If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days, is severely painful, sags your face, or is accompanied by a fever, pain when opening your mouth, or an earache, contact your dentist immediately.

Your dentist may suggest treatments such as a filling, a tooth extraction, or a root canal for toothache caused by decay.

To prevent toothache from tooth decay, practice good oral hygiene, use a remineralizing toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite or fluoride, avoid tooth decay-causing foods and drinks, and never skip a dental check-up.

When faced with an unbearable toothache, there are two things you should do immediately:

Stop the Toothache Determine how soon you need to see a dentist

Let’s look at how to stop your toothache fast, common causes of toothache, home remedies, and treatments your dentist may prescribe.

Toothache Symptoms

Toothache symptoms can include:

Pain in the teeth that can be described as throbbing, sharp and/or constant

Pain that changes when you bite down, press on the tooth with your finger, or tap the tooth

Pain that gets worse when you lie down

Swelling of the gums around the tooth

headache

Fever

Smelly discharge from a tooth infection

How to stop toothache fast

What is the fastest way to stop a toothache at home? The quickest way to stop a toothache at home is to take effective pain relievers like ibuprofen. NSAIDs, which reduce inflammation, are better for toothache than other pain relievers.

For quick relief, try the Dentist-Recommended Advil Toothache Trick:

Take 3 Advil (600 milligrams)

3 times a day

For 3 days

The best painkillers for toothache

Ibuprofen is the best pain reliever for toothache. If ibuprofen isn’t working for your toothache, try aspirin, which is also an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not good for a toothache because it is not an NSAID and does not reduce the inflammation that is causing your pain. In general, non-NSAIDs and even opioids are not very effective for toothache.

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t working for your toothache, call your dentist right away. You may need another medication, e.g. B. an antibiotic to prepare for the treatment of the toothache.

Common causes of toothache

Toothache is pain in or around your teeth that can be caused by:

caries/tooth decay

dental abscesses

broken tooth

root sensitivity

Bruxism/teeth grinding

Damaged or lost filling

Eruption of adult or wisdom teeth

gingivitis

Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)

TMJ/TMD

Failed dental work

Food stuck in the teeth

caries/tooth decay

Cavities, or tooth decay, cause toothache because bacteria destroy tooth enamel and then dentin. The acids secreted by tooth decay-causing bacteria cause inflammation when they reach the dentin, causing swelling.

Toothache is unique in part because the swelling in the pulp has no room to expand, causing excruciating pain until the inflammation and swelling go down.

dental abscess

A tooth abscess (periapical abscess) is a pocket of pus at the top of the tooth root resulting from a bacterial infection. Tooth abscesses cause extreme toothache.

A gum abscess (periodontal abscess) is a similar pocket in the gums that can also cause significant toothache.

Tooth abscesses often occur after trauma to the teeth or when infection continues to grow in untreated decay. Gum abscesses are more often the result of advanced gum disease.

Treatment and home remedies for tooth abscess differ depending on the type of abscess.

broken tooth

Injury or trauma to a tooth can cause it to crack or chip. A broken tooth can cause severe toothache when biting down, as well as severe sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold food or drinks.

root sensitivity

Mild, rare toothache can be caused by tooth root sensitivity. If your teeth hurt immediately after eating candy or drinking soda, chances are root sensitivity is to blame.

Root sensitivity occurs when things like acidic foods have made your dentin more porous. When this happens, brushing your teeth wears away the dentin and causes sensitivity.

Bruxism/teeth grinding

Teeth grinding can lead to tooth sensitivity and toothache over time. This trauma to the tooth can weaken tooth enamel and dentin, leading to more frequent tooth decay.

The weaker your dentin, the more likely you are to suffer a painful fracture that causes a toothache.

Damaged or lost filling

When a tooth filling falls out or becomes damaged, it can lead to toothache as sensitive dentin is exposed.

In this case, make an appointment with the dentist immediately. As the saliva remineralizes the newly exposed dentin, the pain may subside. However, this is not a permanent solution and your tooth still needs repairs.

Eruption of adult or wisdom teeth

Any form of teething can cause pain, but erupting wisdom teeth (“third molars”) is most likely to cause toothache. Any adult or wisdom tooth may not have enough room to get through and put pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to toothache.

Wisdom tooth pain often comes from food retention problems caused by crowding or impaction of the teeth. This can cause a cavity to form as the teeth do not sit ideally together and can create a space that is more likely to lead to tooth decay.

gingivitis

If you have gum disease (periodontal disease), it is likely that receding gums expose the top parts of your tooth root, which can very easily hurt when exposed to heat or cold.

Gum disease, the first sign of which is bleeding gums, can eventually lead to more frequent cavities, food residues in the teeth and generally painful dental problems.

Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)

Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause toothache due to sinus pressure and drainage. Usually, this pain is isolated to the upper teeth near the back of your mouth (closest to your sinuses).

An infected tooth can also be a cause of sinusitis, so it’s important to work with your dentist and GP to determine which problem is the root cause of your toothache.

TMJ/TMD

Pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), also known as TMD, usually affects your jaw. However, over time, referred pain can cause toothache.

Failed dental work

Pulpitis, which may or may not be reversible, can cause a toothache after dental treatment. If you’ve recently had a new filling or other dental work done, talk to your dentist about your painful symptoms.

Food stuck in the teeth

When food gets stuck between your teeth, it can cause pain and sensitivity where your tooth connects to your gumline. This is more common if you suffer from receding gums.

This isn’t technically a true “toothache” as it causes pain in your gums and just feels like a toothache. It’s usually easy to remove food from between your teeth with a piece of dental floss.

If food is not removed, it can lead to tooth decay.

When to the dentist

Depending on your symptoms, toothache may require immediate treatment, an evaluation within the next few weeks, or simply a follow-up visit to your dentist at your next teeth cleaning.

Make an emergency dentist appointment right away if:

Your toothache is severe enough to interfere with normal activities like eating, sleeping, or speaking

Your toothache lasts 1-2 days or more

You also have a fever, pain when opening your mouth, or an earache

Her face appears to have fallen, droops, or looks distorted in some way

You cannot breathe or swallow normally

If your dentist doesn’t call you within an hour and you experience the above symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room.

Call your dentist for an appointment in the next few weeks if:

Your toothache is limited to 1-3 teeth (instead of pain in the whole mouth)

You notice bleeding gums or other signs of gingivitis along with your toothache

Your toothache started after you injured your mouth, face, or jaw

You have lost or damaged an existing filling

If your toothache is mild, associated with a sinus infection, resolves with a nasal decongestant, and/or is reversed with dietary changes, it probably isn’t a reason for an additional dental appointment.

But it’s still a good idea to talk to your dentist about your toothache the next time you have your teeth cleaned.

Home and natural remedies for toothache

While not a great remedy for a severe toothache in many cases, there are several natural remedies that can help stop a toothache at home:

Rinse with warm salt water

benzocaine

Clove Essential Oil

elevation

cold compress

Acupressure/Acupuncture

mint tea

Knotted dental floss (for leftover food in teeth)

guava leaves

wheatgrass juice

How to sleep with a toothache

Other home remedies for toothache can help relieve the more extreme nighttime toothache so you can still get a good night’s sleep:

Painkillers: Ibuprofen (or aspirin) can both reduce painful dental symptoms by temporarily reducing inflammation.

Ibuprofen (or aspirin) can both reduce painful dental symptoms by temporarily reducing inflammation. Topical numbing agents: You can use topical gels or pastes to numb the tooth if your pain is related to an exposed nerve. These are usually products that use benzocaine, like Orajel. These are not safe for children under 2 years old.

You can use topical gels or pastes to numb the tooth if your pain is related to an exposed nerve. These are usually products that use benzocaine, like Orajel. These are not safe for children under 2 years old. Elevation: If you keep your head higher than the rest of your body, your toothache may not be as severe. Lying flat can often aggravate a toothache caused by decay or abscessed teeth.

If you keep your head higher than the rest of your body, your toothache may not be as severe. Lying flat can often aggravate a toothache caused by decay or abscessed teeth. Avoid trigger foods: Hard/spicy foods (like sourdough bread), acidic, or very cold foods can irritate or worsen a toothache. Stay away from these foods, especially in the evening.

Hard/spicy foods (like sourdough bread), acidic, or very cold foods can irritate or worsen a toothache. Stay away from these foods, especially in the evening. Use an ice pack: Before bed, use a cold compress wrapped in a cloth on the outside of the side where your toothache is most severe to relieve the pain. It works by shrinking the blood vessels that contribute to the inflammatory response.

diagnosis

If your toothache doesn’t go away, it’s a sign that your dentist needs to identify the source of your pain and fix it.

To diagnose the cause of a toothache, your dentist may:

Do a physical exam of your teeth, mouth, and gums

Use an X-ray or cone beam CT (CBCT) to look for areas of decay or abscess

Ask for details about your symptoms, such as: B. Type, location and severity of your pain, when it started, what makes it worse and what gives you pain relief

Once your dentist has determined what’s causing your toothache, he or she will prescribe a treatment.

Toothache treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause of your toothache.

Treatments for toothache include:

Filling: A dental filling is used for small to medium-sized cavities that allow the infected tooth to be cleaned while keeping the tooth root alive.

A is used for small to medium cavities where the infected tooth can be cleaned while the tooth root remains alive. Extraction: Your dentist may perform a tooth extraction to treat a broken tooth, a large cavity, or a tooth abscess. In most cases, you will need to schedule a dental implant later to fill the remaining space.

Your dentist may perform a tooth extraction to treat a broken tooth, a large cavity, or a tooth abscess. In most cases, you will need to schedule a dental implant later to fill the remaining space. Wisdom tooth extraction: Especially with impacted wisdom teeth (which cause a lot of pain), you may need surgery to relieve the pressure that is causing the pain.

Especially with impacted wisdom teeth (which cause a lot of pain), you may need surgery to relieve the pressure that is causing the pain. Root canal treatment: Root canal treatment can be performed when irreversible pulpitis occurs due to a large cavity and/or tooth abscess. Often, but not always, excruciating toothache is a signal that you need a root canal or tooth extraction.

A may be done when irreversible pulpitis occurs due to a large cavity and/or tooth abscess. Often, but not always, excruciating toothache is a signal that you need a root canal or tooth extraction. Antibiotics: To reduce a major bacterial infection in your tooth, your dentist (or an emergency doctor) may prescribe antibiotics before your last dental procedure. Antibiotics do not cure toothache or tooth decay; They temporarily reduce the size of the infection to relieve pain and allow for delayed treatment.

To shrink a large bacterial infection in your tooth, your dentist (or an emergency room doctor) may prescribe antibiotics before your last dental procedure. Antibiotics do not cure toothache or tooth decay; They temporarily reduce the size of the infection to relieve pain and allow for delayed treatment. Abscess Drainage: If you have an abscess in your gums, your dentist may be able to drain, clean, and treat it for pain relief.

If you have an abscessed gum, your dentist may be able to drain, clean, and treat it for pain relief. Desensitizing Toothpaste: If you suffer from tooth root sensitivity, you may be prescribed a toothpaste that can block some pain after several uses.

If you suffer from tooth root sensitivity, you may be prescribed a toothpaste that can block some pain after several uses. Topical fluoride: Your dentist may prescribe a topical fluoride varnish and/or prescription fluoride toothpaste to rebuild tooth enamel and strengthen your dentin if you have root sensitivity. However, consider hydroxyapatite toothpaste as an alternative as it is just as effective as fluoride in many cases.

Your dentist may prescribe a topical fluoride varnish and/or prescription fluoride toothpaste to rebuild tooth enamel and strengthen your dentin if you have root sensitivity. However, consider hydroxyapatite toothpaste as an alternative as it is just as effective as fluoride in many cases. Treating Gum Disease: After diagnosing gum disease, your dentist may prescribe scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of the teeth), flap surgery, or pinhole surgery, depending on the level of your concern.

After diagnosing gum disease, your dentist may prescribe scaling and root planing ( ), flap surgery, or pinhole surgery, depending on the level of your concern. Prescription Mouthwash: Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed to kill the bacteria in your mouth and temporarily relieve a toothache. However, this can lead to additional problems as your oral microbiome becomes disrupted. So make sure you use oral probiotics afterwards to restore a healthier balance of oral bacteria.

Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash may be prescribed to kill the bacteria in your mouth and temporarily relieve a toothache. However, this can lead to additional problems as your oral microbiome becomes disrupted. So make sure you use it afterwards to restore a healthier balance of oral bacteria. Knotted Floss: When you have food between your teeth, knotting a piece of dental floss and pulling it through the gap can be a quick and easy remedy for a toothache.

When food gets stuck between teeth, tying a piece of dental floss and pulling it through the gap can be a quick and easy remedy for a toothache. TMJ Treatment: You may need to work with both your dentist and GP (or other TMJ specialist) to address the root cause of TMJ pain.

You may need to work with both your dentist and your GP (or other TMJ specialist) to address the root cause of TMJ pain. Treating Bruxism: Treatment for bruxism is broad, but one of the most common causes is sleep apnea. Talk to your dentist and doctor about a sleep study to find out if this is the cause of your toothache.

How to prevent toothache

The best way to prevent toothache is to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems like gum disease. Toothache prevention includes:

A tooth-friendly, nutrient-rich diet

Proper brushing technique involves gentle, circular motions with a soft-bristled brush

Technique using gentle, circular motions with a soft-bristled brush. Daily use of dental floss and tongue scraping

Use of oral probiotics (especially if you have evidence of dysbiosis in your oral microbiome)

) oil pulling

taping in the mouth

Teeth cleaning every 6 months

Toothache remedies to avoid

In over 3 decades as a dentist, I have seen many patients try remedies for toothaches that end up making the oral health problems much worse.

Do not use the following remedies for toothache:

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide should never be used in the mouth. It is highly antibacterial, meaning it disrupts the oral microbiome. Hydrogen peroxide may increase your risk of oral cancer, although sources disagree.

Hydrogen peroxide should never be used in the mouth. It is highly antibacterial, meaning it disrupts the oral microbiome. Hydrogen peroxide may increase your risk for , although sources disagree. Aspirin applied to the tooth: Aspirin pills held against the tooth are a less common urban myth that won’t relieve your toothache but will cause ulcers on your teeth, mucous membrane and tongue. As you might imagine, this is quite painful – nothing to add to the nagging toothache.

Holding aspirin pills to your tooth is a less common urban myth that won’t relieve your toothache but will cause ulcers on your teeth, mucous membrane and tongue. As you might imagine, this is quite painful – nothing to add to the nagging toothache. Rubbing alcohol: This is a common “cure” for toothache that does more harm than good. It aggressively denatures oral mucus, which can cause canker sores. Plus, it’s not even a great toothache remedy!

This is a common “cure” for toothache that does more harm than good. It aggressively denatures oral mucus, which can cause canker sores. Plus, it’s not even a great toothache remedy! Undiluted Essential Oils: I do not recommend using most essential oils in the mouth as they are often highly antibacterial. However, clove oil can be a useful, temporary way to relieve toothache. But every time you use an essential oil like clove in your mouth, it needs to be heavily diluted before you apply it. Avoid other essential oils, especially very strong ones like oregano, as these can actually burn the delicate soft tissues of your mouth.

I don’t recommend using most essential oils in the mouth as they are often highly antibacterial. However, clove oil can be a useful, temporary way to relieve toothache. But every time you use an essential oil like clove in your mouth, it needs to be heavily diluted before you apply it. Avoid other essential oils, especially very strong ones like oregano, as these can actually burn the delicate soft tissues of your mouth. Anything that claims to “kill the nerve of a tooth”: You can’t kill your own nerve of a tooth at home. Only a dentist can properly and safely remove the pulp with nerves during a root canal treatment.

frequently asked Questions

Q Why does my toothache come and go?

A Sometimes the pain comes and goes in response to a transient stimulus such as heat, cold, or sugar. In other cases, it may be an abscess that flares up and then heals to the point where the pain subsides, even if the infection itself hasn’t completely gone. Broken teeth also often have acute pain that subsides and returns when the pulp in the tooth becomes irritated or infected, heals, and then becomes irritated again.

Q Can a toothache cause a headache?

A Yes. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for carrying messages for almost all toothaches as well as headaches, which often means that toothaches can be directly responsible for headaches. Also, when our teeth hurt, we often tense other parts of the body like the jaw, which can lead to headaches. Other problems, such as sinus infections, can sometimes radiate as both a toothache and a headache.

Q When do you need to take an antibiotic for a toothache?

A You will usually be given a prescription antibiotic if your dentist suspects or diagnoses an infection. This is also a common pre-root canal prescription to deal with the large infection before opening the tooth.

Q I am taking amoxicillin for a toothache and it is not helping. What can I do?

A Many dental infections are resistant to amoxicillin. Contact your doctor or dentist again and ask about changing your prescription to another antibiotic. When prescribing amoxicillin to my patients, I urge them to contact me if their pain has not improved within 3 days so we can switch them to another treatment.

Q I have had a toothache for a month and nothing is helping, but the pain only comes on at night when I am getting ready to go to bed. What can I do to make it stop?

A First see a dentist. You are probably dealing with an abscessed tooth that needs medical attention. It won’t heal on its own. The pain is likely to be worse at night because you are lying down, which increases blood pressure to your tooth since it is at the same level as your heart. You can try elevating your head and even your torso at night to reduce the pain, but this will only relieve the pain a little. Ultimately, it is important that you seek treatment so that your body can heal properly.

Forecast & Outlook

Toothache can be some of the worst pain you’ll ever endure, but the good news is that with the right treatment, it’s almost always reversible. Most toothaches occur as a result of tooth decay, and most tooth decay repair procedures only take a day or two to recover.

By following good prevention strategies and treating toothache right away, you’re well on your way to living a pain-free life again.

Overview What is a toothache? Toothache is pain in or around a tooth. Mild toothache can result from temporary gum irritation, which you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by tooth and mouth problems that don’t get better on their own and need to be treated by a dentist. Why is my toothache so painful? The pulp in your tooth is a soft material filled with nerves, tissue, and blood vessels. These pulpal nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain.

Symptoms and Causes What are possible causes of toothache? Toothache can be caused by: Tooth decay.

Tooth abscess (a bacterial infection in the center of the tooth).

Tooth fracture (broken tooth).

A damaged filling.

Repetitive movements such as chewing gum or grinding or biting your teeth. These movements can wear down your teeth.

Infected gums.

Erupting (teeth coming out of the gums) or removing a tooth (e.g. wisdom teeth). What are Toothache Symptoms? Toothache that can be sharp, throbbing, or constant. Some people experience pain only when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting on something).

swelling around the tooth.

fever or headache.

Foul tasting discharge from the infected tooth.

A bad smell from the mouth. If you’re having trouble breathing and swallowing along with your pain, see a dentist right away.

Management and Treatment Can my toothache go away on its own? Some toothaches that result from pain around (but not inside) your tooth may get better without a visit to the dentist. Pain caused by temporary irritation (redness) of the gums can be resolved within a few days. During this time, try not to chew around the affected area. Eat soft foods like eggs and yogurt and avoid sweets and very hot or very cold foods if teeth are sensitive. How to treat toothache at home? For temporary relief from a toothache, you can do the following: Rinse with warm salt water. Salt water can loosen deposits between teeth, act as a disinfectant, and reduce inflammation. Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Salt water can loosen deposits between teeth, act as a disinfectant, and reduce inflammation. Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth thoroughly. Flush with hydrogen peroxide. A hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) helps reduce inflammation and pain. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and rinse thoroughly. don’t swallow it

A hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) helps reduce inflammation and pain. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and rinse thoroughly. don’t swallow it cold compress. For swelling and pain, hold a cold ice compress wrapped in a towel over the painful area for 20 minutes. Repeat every few hours.

For swelling and pain, hold a cold ice compress wrapped in a towel over the painful area for 20 minutes. Repeat every few hours. Painkiller. Over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®), and naproxen (Aleve®) can be used, or if you cannot take NSAIDs, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®). Do not give aspirin to a child under 16; Use Tylenol instead. Natural or Herbal Treatments Clove Oil. A natural antiseptic that numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply to the painful area. Or add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

A natural antiseptic that numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Dab a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball and apply to the painful area. Or add a drop of clove oil to a small glass of water and rinse your mouth thoroughly. vanilla extract. The alcohol in vanilla extract temporarily numbs pain and its antioxidants help the area heal. Use your fingertips or a cotton ball to apply the extract to the tooth and gum a few times a day.

The alcohol in vanilla extract temporarily numbs pain and its antioxidants help the area heal. Use your fingertips or a cotton ball to apply the extract to the tooth and gum a few times a day. mint tea. The soothing properties of peppermint can be applied to the painful area with a cooled peppermint tea bag. Hold this warm tea bag against your tooth and gums.

The soothing properties of peppermint can be applied to the painful area with a cooled peppermint tea bag. Hold this warm tea bag against your tooth and gums. Garlic. Make a paste from a crushed clove of garlic and apply it on the affected area. Garlic can kill bacteria (it contains the antimicrobial allicin) and relieve pain. What happens if I go to the dentist’s office for a toothache? Temporary, home-made pain relief isn’t enough as your toothache progresses. Call your dentist if it becomes clear that the problem in your mouth is getting worse despite your best efforts. In the office, your dental team will review your medical history. You will be asked questions such as: Where is the pain located?

when did it start

how hard is it

What makes the pain worse and what gives you relief? The dental team will also perform a physical exam. They will examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose and throat. You will likely have X-rays of your mouth to show the cause of your toothache. How does the dentist treat my toothache? Treatment from a dentist depends on what is causing your toothache. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or remove the tooth if necessary.

A root canal (a procedure to remove infected pulp and replace it with sealing material) may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the nerve of the tooth. Bacteria that have worked their way into the interior of the tooth root cause an infection.

An antibiotic may be prescribed for fever or swelling of the jaw. A small piece of food (like a popcorn case) can get stuck under the gum and cause an infection. In this case, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended, followed by further periodontal (gum) therapy if necessary.

Prevention How can I prevent toothache? Since most toothaches are due to tooth decay, good oral hygiene can prevent toothaches: Brush regularly with a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss at least once a day.

Visit your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning. Also, eat low-sugar foods and ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications.