Anyone who’s ever suffered from a toothache will tell you it’s considered one of the worst physical pains you can experience. Some even claim childbirth is less painful.

If you have a throbbing tooth or other pain in your mouth, you should see a dentist. Any infection contributing to the pain can get worse and spread to another part of your body, making you very sick.

In the meantime, it may be helpful to understand what causes tooth pain and what you can do about it until your dentist appointment at Batavia dentist or a clinic near you.

Here are the leading causes of toothache

Tooth Decay

The most common reason for a toothache is a cavity that has gotten so deep that it has reached the tooth’s pulp, which is where the blood vessels and nerves reside. In its early stages, a cavity usually has no symptoms and if it’s detected during this time, it can be treated with a filling. If it goes untreated, it can get larger to the point where it progresses through the tooth’s dentin into the pulp.

You may also develop an abscess and swelling in the area as the infection gets worse.

Don’t put off making a dentist appointment if you have a toothache. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth by performing a root canal. If the decay is extensive, you may need to have the tooth extracted.

How to Stop Toothache Pain

Until you can see your dentist, you may be able to ease the pain temporarily by taking anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter pain medicine and applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth.

Clove oil is also known to deaden toothache pain. Apply a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it inside the cavity.

Here are several other toothache remedies to try.

Sensitivity

Temporary pain that comes when you eat or drink something hot or cold may not be caused by decay, but simply by sensitive teeth. It’s usually more common in people who have fillings in their teeth, which makes it easier for temperature changes to irritate the nerves inside a tooth.

If your dentist has ruled out a cavity as the cause of your sensitive teeth, they may recommend you use a toothpaste formulated for sensitivity.

Teeth Grinding

Waking up with a sore jaw or teeth or a headache may indicate you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep or clenching your jaw. Known as bruxism, this condition is often caused by stress and anxiety. Teeth grinding can also wear down teeth or lead to chips and cracks, which can cause tooth pain.

Your dentist may prescribe you a mouth guard to wear at night to help protect your teeth.

Canker Sores

Canker sores affect the gums and not the teeth, but they can be quite painful and make eating difficult. While most go away on their own after a few days or weeks, you can rinse your mouth with saltwater and avoid eating spicy, hard, and acidic foods until it clears up.

Know What Causes Tooth Pain

Now that you know what causes tooth pain, now is a good reminder that having good oral care habits can prevent toothaches. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss them daily, and see your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and check-ups. Try to limit sweets and sticky foods and sugary beverages in your diet.

Here at Counsel and Heal, we want you to always feel your best. Read up on our latest Physical Wellness posts to stay healthy.