Causes of Toothache

Toothache is most often caused by cavities (caries) from plaque buildup that damages tooth enamel. Other causes include gum inflammation (gingivitis), root infection or abscess, cracked teeth from chewing hard foods, receding gums, and wisdom teeth growing sideways (impaction) and pressing against neighboring teeth.

An inflamed sinus cavity can also produce pain that feels like an upper toothache. A person is more at risk of toothache if they smoke, have diabetes, or take certain medications such as phenytoin and immunosuppressants. Poor oral hygiene underlies most cases.

How to Relieve Toothache at Home

For mild pain, several self-care steps can help. Rinse with a solution of half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water for 30-60 seconds to clear food debris and reduce inflammation. Clean between teeth with dental floss to remove trapped plaque.

Apply a cold compress to the cheek over the painful area for 15-20 minutes to soothe nerves and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken as directed. While in pain, avoid foods or drinks that are too hot, cold, sweet, or acidic, and do not chew on the painful side.

When to See a Dentist

Self-care is only temporary. See a dentist promptly if pain lasts more than two days, feels very sharp when chewing, comes with gum or facial swelling, or is accompanied by fever. These signs point to an infection needing professional treatment.

At the clinic, the dentist will examine the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, sometimes aided by X-rays. Treatment is tailored to the cause: fillings for cavities, root canal treatment for infected roots, extraction if the tooth cannot be saved or due to impacted wisdom teeth, and antibiotics such as amoxicillin for bacterial infection.

Preventing Toothache from Returning

Prevention is always better than cure. Brush correctly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth with dental floss, and use antiseptic mouthwash if needed. Limit foods that are too hard, sugary, or acidic, which can erode tooth enamel.

Get dental checkups at least every six months even without complaints, so small cavities or tartar are caught early. Quit smoking and keep blood sugar normal if you have diabetes, as both affect the health of teeth and gums.