There are few things that can spoil your day as quickly as toothache. It can come on gradually as tooth decay advances, but sometimes it comes on all at once, or takes a big leap from mild discomfort to intense pain. When it reaches this level, you can find yourself struggling to concentrate on anything else.
Whatever the cause of the pain, it is usually your mouth's way of telling you that something is wrong. While it is natural to look for quick relief, it is equally important not to lose sight of the underlying problem. Painkillers may help you feel more comfortable for a while, but they very rarely solve the reason the pain started in the first place.
People often assume that toothache is simply just that, but dental pain can vary quite significantly. One person might notice a dull, constant ache that seems to affect an entire side of the mouth, while another experiences a sharp pain whenever they bite down. Hot drinks, cold food or even breathing in cool air can sometimes trigger discomfort. Sometimes, the pain is so intense that even the most nervous dental patient would be banging on our door for an immediate appointment.
It is also worth remembering that just because a tooth stops hurting, it does not necessarily mean the problem has disappeared.
There are a number of possibilities. Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for dental pain. As decay progresses deeper into the tooth, it can eventually reach the more sensitive inner tissues. A cracked tooth may also cause discomfort, particularly when biting or releasing pressure after chewing. Gum infections, damaged fillings, loose crowns and dental abscesses can all result in pain too.
It is always best not to try to diagnose yourself based on what you read online. Similar symptoms can have very different causes. Professional advice is needed and you should call our Catford dental sugery to make an appointment as soon as you can.
The first thing on anyone’s mind who is in this situation is ‘how do I stop the pain?’. One key thing is to keep the area as clean as possible. If food has become trapped around the painful tooth, gently brushing and cleaning between the teeth may remove the source of irritation and offer some relief. A warm saltwater rinse can also help soothe inflamed gums, although it is not a cure for the problem itself.
If you need pain relief, medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help, provided they are suitable for you and you follow the instructions on the packet. If you are unsure whether you can safely take them, ask a pharmacist or another appropriate healthcare professional. One thing that is best avoided is placing aspirin directly onto the tooth or gums. This is an old piece of advice that still circulates occasionally, but it can irritate and damage the soft tissues.
Pain is one thing but pain accompanied by swelling deserves prompt attention. A swelling in the face or around the jaw may indicate that an infection is developing. If this happens, you should contact the Rushey Green Dental Practice as soon as possible for advice. If the swelling is spreading, becomes severe or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth, urgent medical attention should be sought immediately.
Sometimes a minor irritation can disappear and never come back. An example might be where there is discomfort caused by a piece of trapped food that, once removed, resolves the problem. Toothaches that continue, return repeatedly or become more intense though are a different matter altogether.
Even if the pain eases after a day or two, you should still contact us to have the tooth checked. You may feel relief that the pain has gone but it could come soaring back, possibly even more painfully, in the days ahead.
Unfortunately, toothache often seems worse once everything has gone quiet. There are fewer distractions and you become much more aware of the pain.
If possible, try to keep your head slightly raised when lying down, as some people find this reduces the throbbing sensation. Take suitable pain relief if appropriate, avoid chewing on the painful side and contact your dentist as soon as the practice opens.
The internet is full of suggestions for curing toothache.
Some involve cloves or clove oil, while others recommend garlic, various herbal preparations or a surprising collection of household ingredients. Although a few of these may temporarily mask discomfort, there is very little evidence that they deal with the underlying dental problem and, indeed, may even worsen the situation. Our advice is not to use this route but to use your usual painkillers and arrange a prompt appointment with us for a proper diagnosis.
If you have severe tooth pain that is not improving, noticeable swelling, persistent bleeding following dental treatment or a tooth that has been knocked out in an accident, you should contact our dentists straight away. The sooner some problems are assessed, the sooner it can be treated.
If you are ever unsure whether your symptoms are urgent, it is always worth telephoning our Catford practice for advice. The dental team can usually guide you as to whether you need to be seen immediately or whether an appointment over the next day or two is appropriate.
We hope that this blog has offered some useful practical advice and, while looking after your teeth well reduces the likelihood of severe tooth pain, there are no guarantees. We are always here to help if you need advice and to treat the problem where necessary.
To contact us about sudden tooth pain, or for any other reason such as to book an appointment, please call the Rushey Green Dental Practice today on 020 8314 5066.
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