Call us on 138 338
We’ve given our website a facelift!

We hope our fresh look and improved experience puts a smile on your face.

HomeHow to Get Relief From Toothache

How to Get Relief From Toothache

Jump to section
How to Get Relief From a Toothache
Firstly, why are toothaches so painful?
What could be causing my toothache?
What are the symptoms of a toothache?
Will my toothache go away on its own?
How can I treat toothache pain at home?
How will my dentist address my toothache?

A toothache can be extremely painful and may require professional treatment to address its cause. In the meantime, here’s how you can relieve your toothache pain before you get to the dentist.

How to Get Relief From a Toothache

Whether it’s caused by a piece of popcorn getting stuck in your gum or a bacterial infection requiring treatment, there’s no doubt that toothaches are a major pain.

While some toothaches may result from temporary gum irritation, others are more serious and will require professional treatment from your dentist.

Read on to discover what might be causing your toothache, tips for relieving toothache pain at home, and how your dentist can address your toothache and stop the pain for good.

Firstly, why are toothaches so painful?

If you’ve ever suffered from a toothache, you’ll know that the pain can be eye-watering. The reason for this pain is that the soft material (the pulp) inside your tooth is filled with nerves, which are among the most sensitive in your body.

When the pulp nerves become irritated or infected by bacteria, it can cause severe pain and discomfort.

What could be causing my toothache?

That painful toothache you’re experiencing could be caused by a number of different factors. Some common causes of toothaches include:

● Tooth decay

● Dental abscess

● Broken tooth

● Damaged filling

● Grinding or clenching teeth

● Tooth eruption or removal (e.g. wisdom teeth)

What are the symptoms of a toothache?

Alongside the pain itself, you may experience some other symptoms in addition to your toothache. These can include:

● Sharp, throbbing or constant pain in the tooth or mouth

● Pain when biting down on something

● Swelling around the tooth

● Fever

● Headache

● An unpleasant taste in the mouth

● Bad breath

Will my toothache go away on its own?

If your toothache is caused by a pain that’s around the tooth rather than inside it, it may clear up on its own. Similarly, pain that comes from a temporary gum irritation will often get better within a few days.

However, if your toothache lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist so they can determine the cause of the pain and address the issue.

How can I treat toothache pain at home?

For temporary relief from the pain of a toothache, the following may help:

● Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater

● Apply a cold compress to the painful area

● Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen

How will my dentist address my toothache?

Your dentist will begin by assessing your teeth and mouth in order to identify the reason for your toothache and determine the best treatment option.

If your toothache is caused by a cavity, your dentist will fill the cavity (in very serious cases, the tooth may need to be removed).

If the toothache is caused by an infection of the tooth’s nerve, you may need a root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp.

If you have a fever or swelling of the jaw, your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics to relieve these symptoms.

In cases where an infection has developed due to food debris stuck under the gums, your dentist may perform a deep clean to remove the item.

If you’re suffering from a toothache and need to see your dentist, make an appointment at your local National Dental Care or DB Dental practice now.