If you’re having trouble eating your favourite food and the inside of your mouth is sore, it could very well be a sign that you are suffering from a toothache, a common oral problem many people suffer from at some point in life. In fact, about 20 per cent of Australians aged 15 years and over have suffered from toothaches in the last 12 months, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
What Is A Toothache?
As the name suggests, a toothache is any sharp or dull pain in and around a tooth. The pain can come on abruptly or slowly worsen over time. A toothache affects everyone differently. For some people, the pain can be intense, mild or intermittent. Sometimes the pain can also radiate to nearby body parts, such as your ear.
What Are the Common Causes Of A Toothache?
In most cases, toothaches are not life-threatening; however, they could be a sign of an underlying health problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Take it as a sign that it’s your body’s way of alerting you to something wrong. Common causes of toothaches include:
- Tooth decay: This can occur when a hole (cavity) forms in a tooth.
- Wisdom teeth: You may experience pain when a wisdom tooth has a large tooth decay extending into the nerve or gums around a wisdom tooth get inflamed. Dental work: If you’ve recently had a new filling or tooth pulled, this can also cause pain in and around the tooth area.
- Migraine headaches: This might come as a surprise, but sometimes the pain from a migraine headache can radiate into the teeth.
- Sinus infection: Your top teeth lie close to your nasal passages. As a result, pain in your upper teeth is possible if you become congested and your nasal passages tender.
Toothache Relief And Treatment
There are a variety of things you can do to relieve your tooth pain. According to the Australian Dental Association, if you have a toothache, you should see a dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause. However, if you can’t see the dentist right away, there are some things you can try at home to get temporary relief.
- Toothache relief at home: To lessen the pain of a toothache, consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication, like Ibuprofen and/or Paracetamol l. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully. If your gums are very tender, rinsing your mouth with warm salt may also offer some temporary relief. For some people, placing something cool, such as an ice cube, near the toothache may also minimise the pain.
- Toothache relief and treatment at the dental clinic: At Boon Dental, we proudly offer same-day emergency care. Whether you visit us or go somewhere else, make sure you go to an experienced dentist who can determine the source of your tooth pain. In some cases, an x-ray may need to be taken if the cause isn’t blatantly obvious. Once the cause is determined, your dentist will take the appropriate action. For example, if your toothache is the result of tooth decay, the tooth will need to be removed.
How Can I Prevent A Toothache?
Most toothaches can easily be prevented through proper dental care. Here’s how:
Brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste.
Toothpaste with fluoride is like having a “constant repair kit” for your teeth, according to The Better Health Channel. It helps repair weak spots that could become cavities on the surface of your tooth.
Floss at least once a day.
If you’re solely relying on brushing, you’re not cleaning a large portion of your teeth effectively, which can negatively affect the health of your teeth and gums, the Australian Dental Association warns.
See your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are critical for healthy teeth, gums and mouths. Good oral health is also vital to your overall health and well-being. Without it, your ability to eat, speak and socialise is at risk.
When Should You Visit A Dentist For A Toothache?
If you experience a toothache, you must see a dentist as quickly as possible. Never assume that the pain will go away on its own. Often, the pain worsens. It could also lead to other complications.
Suffering From A Toothache? Come See Us
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, book an appointment with us today. Our emergency dentists are available 24/7 for your peace of mind. Our experienced dental professionals can handle any dental emergency, including toothaches.
