Tooth pain can be immediate and sharp or consistent and dull. Regardless, your toothache is the result of the nerve in the root of a tooth or a surrounding tooth becoming aggravated. Some of the most common causes of dental pain are tooth infection, injury, decay, or tooth loss, whether the latter is an extraction or a natural occurrence. Also, there are times when the pain will stem from other areas, radiating to the jaw and appearing to be tooth discomfort. Both gum disease and dental decay are created when bacteria are allowed to expand within your mouth, occasionally leading to pain as well. 

Symptoms of tooth pain 

⦁ Toothache and jaw discomfort

⦁ Serious pain because of pressure, or a response to hot or cold foods and beverages

⦁ General pain in your teeth or jaw when chewing 

⦁ Headaches 

⦁ Heightened sensitivity to heat or cold 

⦁ Bleeding or discharge from the area surrounding a tooth or gums

⦁ Swelling around a tooth or in the jaw area

⦁ Trauma or injury to the affected area

⦁ Fever

⦁ Bad breath

⦁ Swollen glands

⦁ An unpleasant taste in your mouth 

Types of tooth pain

Intense pain

Significant pain can be felt after you bite down during a meal, often produced by an untreated cavity. Tooth decay is encountered when the bacteria and plaque on your teeth eventually erode the enamel. If you continue to leave the cavity unfixed, then there is always a possibility of a major infection. 

Tooth sensitivity

Exposed tooth roots, cavities, or a tendency to grind or clench your teeth could all cause tooth sensitivity. At Elements Dental, one of our dentists can identify the issue and develop a useful treatment plan for your tooth sensitivity. 

Constant pain

When there is pulsating tooth pain, you are likely suffering from a deep infection. Due to this, you will potentially require a root canal to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading any further. 

Pain during a biting motion

If you are experiencing pain when biting or chewing, then it could be because of an abscess or a fracture. Ensure that you immediately visit Elements Dental for treatment, as we will prevent the tooth from breaking or developing an infection. 

Pain in the mouth's back

Pain that is pinpointed to the back of the mouth can be due to an untreated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This joint connects your jaw to the skull on each side of the face. Cases of the joint functioning improperly or the presence of inflammation can create tooth pain. 

Home remedies for tooth pain

Saltwater rinse

A natural disinfectant, salt water is capable of loosening food particles and debris that might be jammed between your teeth. Additionally, salt water treatment works to limit inflammation and assist in healing any oral worries. 

Cold pack

Applying a cold pack to the affected area can relieve tooth pain, causing the nearby blood vessels to constrict. Not only does it reduce the pain, but it can also lessen any swelling and inflammation.

Garlic

With its antibacterial properties, garlic can kill lingering bacteria that cause dental plaque to form and it is equally effective as a pain-relieving solution. 

Thyme

Like garlic, thyme offers great antibacterial properties, plus antioxidant agents, that can serve to treat tooth pain. It helps thwart the bacteria that can directly create tooth decay. 

Toothache plant

This is a flowering plant that grows in tropical and subtropical areas, with its active component, silanol, offering anti-inflammatory effects. When chewed, it provides a numbing feeling. While this plant is typically safe, you should not depend on it if you are allergic to plants of the daisy variety, are pregnant, drink alcohol, use diuretics, or have prostate cancer. 

Clove

A reliable treatment for tooth pain, the oil from the clove can numb the discomfort and decrease inflammation. Eugenol, a natural antiseptic, is a key ingredient in the oil. 

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea bags have been known to numb tooth discomfort and relieve sensitive gums. Simply let the used tea bag reach a cooler temperature, though still moderately warm, and then apply it to the specific area. 

Hydrogen peroxide rinse

A hydrogen peroxide rinse can diminish tooth pain and inflammation, eliminating bacteria. And, it can reduce plaque and treat bleeding gums. 

Vanilla extract

Containing alcohol that can help numb tooth pain, vanilla extract also boasts antioxidant properties that make it a great healer. You must use genuine vanilla, not an imitation product. 

When to see your dentist

You should contact one of our dentists at Elements Dental if you have experienced any of the following: 

• A tooth pain that hasn't been relieved by over-the-counter medications. 
• Excess discomfort after a tooth has been extracted, which is the result of the clot falling out and leaving the bone exposed until a new clot has covered the area. 
• Swelling of the gums or face, or if there is a discharge surrounding the tooth. One crucial sign of infection within dental disease is a fever, though ordinary dental decay doesn't cause it. All of these signs might indicate an infection around the tooth, the gum, or the jawbone. 
• A broken or dislodged tooth resulting from an injury, unless it is linked with a more severe injury. 
• Consistent pain at the angle of your jaw occurs when you open your mouth wide. More than likely, the TMJ has been injured or inflamed. 
• Pain stemming from wisdom teeth. As these third molars emerge in the mouth, they can cause inflammation of the gum which surrounds the visible section of the crown. This area of the gum can easily become infected, while the pain can extend to your jaw and ear.
• Elevated fever or chills, perhaps an indicator of a more extensive infection that could necessitate something other than oral antibiotics. 
• A recent head or face injury, particularly if you are experiencing headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting, or other symptoms tied to the event.
• A struggle when attempting to swallow, increased pain, or bleeding gums. Patients who have a history of a compromised immune system, diabetes, or steroid use, could be greatly vulnerable to infections. These infections can be more serious and extensive, demanding an increasingly thorough treatment when combined with dental and gum issues. 

You can avoid toothaches in the future by maintaining a healthy diet, brushing your teeth twice per day with toothpaste that includes fluoride, flossing daily, utilizing an antiseptic mouthwash, keeping tobacco products entirely out of your oral health habits, and scheduling regular cleanings and examinations with one of our dentists at the office on Oak Bay Ave in Victoria. For more information on tooth pain, please contact our dental team at Elements Dental.

We want to make you smile!