Teeth might be small on their own, but when they ache, they can cause pain disproportionate to their size! We’ve all had one of those nagging toothaches that just won’t seem to go away, and they can interfere with your work life or personal life quickly if left untreated.
Causes of toothaches
A toothache can be caused by a decaying, fractured, or cracked tooth, leaking filling, or exposed gums, among other causes. If you feel your tooth aching, you’ll want to get to the dentist as soon as possible so you can treat the cause of the ache. Until then, you may be able to remedy the toothache or stave off the worst of the pain with a home cure.
What to avoid
Many people feel a toothache when they eat hot, cold, or sweet foods. Especially if your toothache is caused by an irritated or exposed tooth root, direct contact with these types of foods can make the pain much stronger. Make a note of what triggers your toothache so you can let your dentist know.
Temporary symptom relief
If you’re looking for temporary relief from your symptoms, try rubbing toothpaste formulated for sensitive tooth onto the aching spot, or brush normally with it. This can take days to work, but try to keep it up if you frequently experience toothaches so you can reduce their severity and frequency over time. You can also take painkillers to help cope with the pain, though this treats just the symptom and not the cause.
Salt water rinses
Gently rinse your sore tooth with warm salt water and you may find some relief. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of hot water, then use this solution two or three times a day if you find it helps. Otherwise, discontinue use, as it may not relieve all toothaches.
It’s always a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible when you notice a tooth aching or twinging more than usual. A toothache can be a sign of a serious dental problem, and the sooner you can catch and treat it, the more convenient, inexpensive, and painless your treatment will be.
