Toothache Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Dental Emergencies

A "toothache" is pain typically around a tooth, teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by a dental problem, such as a dental cavity, a cracked or fractured tooth, an exposed tooth root, or gum disease. Sometimes diseases of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint), or spasms of the muscles used for chewing can cause toothache like symptoms.

I can't think of much worse than suffering from a toothache. While many toothaches and dental emergencies can be easily avoided just by regular visits to the dentist, we all know that accidents can and do happen. Having a dental emergency can be very painful and scary. Fortunately, you can do several things until you are able to see your dentist.

What causes a toothache?

Some common toothache causes

While tooth decay is often the primary cause of a toothache, it's important for you to have a complete oral examination to determine the cause. Other causes of a toothache can include the following:

• Infection
• Gum disease
• Grinding teeth (bruxism)
• Tooth trauma
• An abnormal bite
• Tooth eruption (in babies and school-age children)

TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder), sinus or ear infections, and tension in the facial muscles can cause discomfort that resembles a toothache, but often these health problems are accompanied by a headache.

Pain around the teeth and the jaws can be symptoms of heart disease such as angina. If your dentist suspects a medical illness could be the cause of your toothache, he or she may refer you to a physician.

If you have a toothache, you may have a cavity or advanced gum disease. The first sign of decay may be the pain you feel when you eat something sweet, very cold or very hot. If the pulp – the inside of the tooth that has tissue and nerves – has become irritated, this can cause pain in your tooth.

Use home remedies

Most traditional remedies for toothaches involve ingredients that are fairly easy to procure at the local grocery or health food store. Two common remedies are cloves and garlic. You can purchase cloves, which contain the anesthetic eugenol, in an oil form and apply it directly to the affected tooth. Some people recommend adding a small amount of pepper to the clove oil before application. Garlic contains a beneficial compound called allicin that has antibiotic properties. You can chew garlic cloves or crush and apply them to the painful area. It's a good idea to combine the clove oil and garlic to reap the benefits of both remedies. Less common remedies involve chewing an onion for one to three minutes, rinsing with wheatgrass juice or applying a solution of asafetida and warm salt water.

Tips for Managing Dental Emergencies

• Keep calm and address the most pressing concerns until you can get to the dental office. For example, use a clean tissue or cloth to apply pressure if the tongue, lips, cheeks, or gums are bleeding.
• Use a cold compress or an ice pack to reduce swelling if possible.
• Chipped tooth: If possible, try to avoid chewing or biting with a broken tooth, and remember that the tooth may be sensitive to cold temperatures until it can be treated by your dentist. Get to the dental office right away, even if there is no pain, since a broken tooth can irritate your lips and tongue. There is also the potential for the broken tooth to break again, develop a cavity, become infected, or become a trap for food and plaque.
• Dislodged tooth: If the tooth is dislodged but has not fallen out, use a clean cloth to control bleeding and a cold compress to control swelling. An aspirin-free pain reliever may be used to reduce discomfort, and you should get to the dental office immediately.
• Knocked-out tooth: If you are able to locate the tooth, Handle it carefully by the crown and avoid touching the root. The precious fragments of soft tissue that are found on the root may help the tooth to reattach when it is reinserted into the socket. There is a great possibility that the tooth can be saved when it is replaced into the socket within about an hour. You may place the tooth into the socket on your own or transport the tooth to the dental office in a glass of milk or water.