A toothache is pain in or around a tooth, often signaling decay, infection, or injury. While professional dental treatment is essential, these first-aid measures can relieve discomfort until you see a dentist.
Suffering from dental issues can be quite unpleasant and painful, and one such example is that of a toothache. When a person feels pain in or around their tooth, it’s known as a toothache.
An individual can experience toothache in multiple ways. They can be constant or even come and go. Some can feel their toothache getting worse at night, especially when they are lying down.
e in the middle of the night and wondered what you can do to reduce the pain? If yes, then this article is for you.
Signs & Symptoms
- Dull, throbbing, or sharp pain in a tooth or surrounding area
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Swelling of gums or face, redness, or foul-tasting discharge
- Headache, fever, or general discomfort
Causes of Toothaches
There can be several causes behind a toothache, and some of the possible causes are as follows:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Damaged dental restorations, such as a crown or filling
- Abscessed tooth
- Teeth clenching or grinding
- Cracked tooth
First Aid for Toothache
Toothache first aid is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation while you arrange to see a dentist. Although these steps can provide temporary relief, it’s important to remember that a toothache can signal an underlying dental issue (such as decay, an infection, or a cracked tooth) that requires professional treatment.
Below are some immediate first aid measures you can try:
1. Rinse Your Mouth
- Warm Saltwater Rinse: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can help reduce inflammation and clear out any debris that might be irritating the area. 2
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse (Optional): If you suspect an infection, you can dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water and use it as a mouthwash. Be sure not to swallow it and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
2. Remove Food Particles
- Flossing: Carefully use dental floss to remove any food remnants lodged between your teeth. This may relieve pressure and irritation that could be contributing to the pain.
3. Manage the Pain
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help reduce toothache pain. Follow the label instructions for dosage, and avoid placing aspirin directly on your gums as it can irritate the tissue.
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress or an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the outside of your cheek near the painful area. The cold can help numb the pain and reduce swelling. Use it for about 20 minutes at a time.
4. Natural Remedies (For Temporary Relief)
- Clove or Clove Oil: Clove has natural numbing properties. You can dab a small amount of diluted clove oil on a cotton ball and gently apply it to the sore area. Alternatively, placing a whole clove near the affected tooth may offer some relief.
- Peppermint Tea Bags: If you have a peppermint tea bag that’s been steeped and allowed to cool slightly, you can apply it to your cheek. Peppermint has mild numbing effects and can soothe sensitive gums.
5. Rest and Monitor
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Try not to eat or drink very hot or cold beverages as they can worsen the sensitivity.
- Keep a Diary: Note when the pain worsens or improves; this information can be helpful to your dentist in diagnosing the issue.
6. Seek Professional Dental Care
Even if your toothache temporarily subsides with these first aid measures, a dentist should evaluate your condition. Persistent toothache or other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty swallowing may indicate a more serious issue (like an abscess or deep decay) that requires immediate treatment.
Prevention
Toothaches aren’t always possible to prevent, as they often occur for reasons that are beyond one’s control. However, there are a couple of precautions you can take to reduce the possibility of toothaches:
- Make use of a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice or thrice on a daily basis.
- Clean the area between your teeth with dental floss once every day.
- Make use of an antibacterial mouthwash two times a day.
- Stop smoking as smoking can often worsen dental issues.
- Reduce your consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
- Pay a visit to your dentist periodically for cleanings and examinations and ask them about fluoride treatments.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Rinse with warm water and floss gently | Rub painkillers onto gum tissue |
| Apply a cold compress externally | Use unprescribed benzocaine products, especially in children |
| Use a salt-water rinse to reduce bacteria and inflammation | Ignore persistent pain or signs of infection |
| Take OTC analgesics as directed | Pop very hot or cold foods that may shock the tooth |
| Keep the area clean and rest | Delay seeing a dentist when red-flag symptoms appear |
When to Seek Professional Care
Contact your dentist or emergency services if you experience:
- Pain lasting more than 1–2 days despite home care
- Fever, facial swelling, or red streaks on the face or neck
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth
- Trauma with a knocked-out, fractured, or loose tooth
- Signs of a spreading infection (worsening pain, pus)
REFERENCES
- Mark AM, et al. Dealing with tooth pain. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2019.07.001.
- Carrasco-Labra A, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in children. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2023.06.014.
- Carrasco-Labra A, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in children. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2023.06.014.
- Cong-Nhat Huynh N, et al. (2016). Rinsing with saline promotes human gingival fibroblast wound healing in vitro.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0159843 - Lawson LD, et al. (2018). Allicin bioavailability and bioequivalence from garlic supplements and garlic foods.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/7/812/htm
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