Toothaches are one of the most common dental complaints and one of the first signs that something is wrong with your tooth. In fact, serious toothaches are typically signs of dental emergencies that require immediate attention.
No matter whether your tooth pain is minor or severe, it’s important to call our office to book an appointment as soon as possible.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, you may want to get some relief from your pain. Let’s look at the different types of toothaches and some at-home treatment options to hold you over until you visit our office.
The Most Common Types of Toothaches
What type of pain are you experiencing? Different types of dental issues can cause different types of pain. Understanding the types of toothaches can help you find a remedy that will provide you with the most relief.
Let’s look at some of the most common types of toothache pain before diving into at-home treatment options.
Sharp Pain
Sharp pain is a major concern that should be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible. A number of dental emergencies can cause intense pain, including:
- Tooth decay
- Broken tooth
- Chipped enamel
- Cavities
- Loose filling or crown
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Did your toothache start after eating or drinking something hot or cold? Many people experience tooth sensitivity when their enamel starts to wear.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to restore your tooth’s enamel. However, many patients find that using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can make all the difference. Avoiding foods that are very hot or very cold can also help bring some relief.
What if the discomfort doesn’t subside after 30-60 seconds? If the pain persists, this may be a sign that something more serious is going on, such as:
- A loose filling
- Advanced tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Fractured or broken tooth
- Exposed tooth roots
Dull Ache
A dull, persistent ache can be an indication of many things, some of which are minor and others that are more serious.
Dull aches can be caused by:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- An abscessed tooth
- Food stuck between your teeth
If you have food lodged between your teeth, brushing and flossing should bring some relief. Remember that your teeth and gums are sensitive. Even the smallest bits of food can cause discomfort if they get stuck between your teeth.
If brushing and flossing don’t help, call us to book an appointment. Your sensitivity may be a sign of something more serious, such as a cavity or an abscess.
Throbbing Pain
If you’re experiencing intense, throbbing pain, don’t wait to get help. Contact an emergency dentist. Throbbing pain should never be ignored and is often an indication of a serious issue that needs immediate attention.
This type of toothache may be caused by:
- Infection
- Tooth abscess
- Broken fillings
You may also experience swelling in your gums, headaches and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Don’t Wait to Treat Dental Emergencies!
If you’re suffering from a toothache, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches are often signs of dental emergencies, so don’t wait to get help from your dentist.
In cases of emergencies, you may be able to get treatment the same day or the next day.
While you’re waiting for your appointment, there are some at-home treatments you can use to get some relief.
5 At-Home Remedies for Toothaches
If you’re suffering from a toothache, then you want nothing more than to find some relief. These five at-home treatments may help ease your pain until you can see your dentist.
1. Warm or Cold Compress
One of the simplest ways to ease toothache pain is to use a warm or cold compress.
- A cold compress can help with inflammation. If you don’t have a cold pack on hand, you can use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Keep the compress on the affected area for about 20 minutes.
- A warm compress can help with soreness and interrupt pain signals to bring you some relief. If you don’t have a warm compress, you can make your own with a clean sock and uncooked rice.
As a general rule of thumb, compresses shouldn’t be used for more than 20 minutes at a time. You can use them throughout the day, but make sure that you’re giving your face a rest in between each session.
2. Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinses can work wonders for tooth pain, and they can also help keep the affected area clean.
To make your rinse, you’ll need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- One cup of warm water
Add the salt to the water and let it dissolve. Then, rinse and spit with the saltwater solution.
You can perform saltwater rinses multiple times per day.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
One of the most common and effective treatments for toothaches is over-the-counter pain medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, tend to be the most effective. Take only as directed to avoid complications.
Keep in mind that while NSAIDs may bring you relief, they won’t address the root cause of the issue. Professional dental treatment is the only way to stop your toothache for good.
4. Peppermint Tea Bag
Did you know that peppermint tea bags can help ease a toothache? Peppermint has been shown to be effective at numbing pain and may also help soothe sensitive gums.
Start by steeping a peppermint tea bag in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag and allow it to cool off a little (wait until it’s warm but not hot).
Apply the warm teabag to the affected tooth. You can also place the tea bag in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to enjoy some soothing and cooling relief.
Drinking peppermint tea can also contribute to your pain relief and bring you some much-needed comfort.
If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can try:
- Chewing on guava leaves
- Drinking wheatgrass
5. Clove
Clove has long been a natural remedy for tooth pain. Clove oil specifically has been shown to reduce inflammation. It contains a natural antiseptic called eugenol.
When working with any essential oil, like clove, it’s important to first dilute it with a carrier oil. Jojoba and sunflower oil are both great options. Apply a very small amount of the oil/carrier mix to a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. You can reapply a few times throughout the day.
If you don’t have clove oil, you can use other oils in the same way to get some pain relief, such as:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
Will a Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
At-home treatments can help ease your pain until you see your dentist. But if you’re suffering from a toothache, you may still be wondering whether the pain will subside on its own. The answer will depend on the root cause of the problem.
A toothache may go away on its own if it’s caused by:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Food that’s lodged between your teeth
If you have an abscess or a cavity, the pain may come and go. However, it won’t go away completely. That’s because issues like these won’t resolve on their own and require professional dental treatment.
Even if you have a mild toothache that feels better in the morning, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. Cavities don’t always cause persistent pain. Addressing issues early on can help prevent the need for more serious procedures, like root canals or tooth extraction.
Preventing Toothaches
Most people will experience toothaches and dental emergencies at some point in their lives. Still, there are steps you can take to help prevent future tooth pain.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene. Make sure that you’re:
- Brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time
- Flossing at least once a day
- Coming in for routine cleanings twice a year
Consider using mouthwash as an extra layer of protection against cavities.
Eat the Right Foods
Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way in protecting your oral health and preventing tooth pain. Some foods are more likely to contribute to tooth decay and plaque build-up, including:
- Candy
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Dried fruit
- Potato chips
- Ice
- Alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
If you do consume these foods, make sure that you brush and floss right away to prevent plaque build-up.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water will help keep your mouth clean by rinsing away sugar and food particles. Avoid drinking flavored or carbonated water. These drinks usually contain sugar or other ingredients that can damage your teeth.
Get Help for Dental Emergencies
If you’re suffering from a toothache, don’t wait to get help. Most causes of tooth pain won’t go away on their own and require professional dental treatment.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
