Tooth pain is one of the most horrible pains a person may experience. When you have tooth pain, it can be hard to focus on anything else. You may find yourself constantly trying to find ways to alleviate the pain. Not only does this make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, but it can also make socializing uncomfortable and stressful. The throbbing sensation is almost impossible to ignore, making even the simplest tasks feel like a major challenge. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the common causes of tooth pain and what you can do to find relief.
I Have a Horrible Tooth Pain: What Could be Causing It?
Tooth pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause. Some of the most common causes of horrible tooth pain include:
- Cavities: If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria can accumulate on your teeth and form cavities. When a cavity is left untreated, the pain will eventually become unbearable.
- Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth can eventually lead to gum disease, which can cause dull, aching tooth pain. You can read more about how the buildup of heavy calculus on teeth can lead to gum disease and pain.
- Dental abscess: An abscess is an infection at the root of your tooth, which can cause horrible, throbbing tooth pain.
- Tooth Injury: If you suffer from dental trauma, like chipping or cracking your tooth, horrible tooth pain can result.
- Tooth grinding: Grinding your teeth can put excessive pressure on teeth and jaw, resulting in painful toothaches.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth don’t erupt properly, they can become impacted and cause severe pain. Also, the gums around the wisdom tooth become painful to touch.
Home Remedies to Relieve Horrible Tooth Pain
If you’re suffering from horrible tooth pain, the best thing to do is to visit your dentist. They will be able to assess the cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment. While you wait for your appointment, there are some home remedies that may provide temporary relief. Here are a few options:
- Take over-the-counter pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin can help to reduce inflammation and ease the pain. Follow the instructions on the bottle or packet.
- Rinse with salt water: Salt water can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in your mouth, which may provide some relief from tooth pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Apply a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area of your face can provide some temporary relief from tooth pain unless the pain worsens with a cold temperature. Put an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and hold it against the side of your face for 10 minutes.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Hydrogen peroxide can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, so it may help to provide some relief from tooth pain. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water, and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Herbal Remedies to Relieve Horrible Tooth Pain
- Clove oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, which can help numb pain and reduce inflammation. Dip a cotton swab in clove oil and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea can help to cool and soothe the area. Use a cooled-down peppermint tea bag and place it on the affected area for 10 minutes.
- Garlic: Garlic contains a natural antibiotic called allicin, which can help to reduce infection and ease the pain. Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix it with a little bit of water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly on the affected area for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
These home remedies may provide some temporary relief from horrible tooth pain. However, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why Should You See a Dentist?
It’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing horrible tooth pain. While home remedies can provide some temporary relief, only a professional can determine the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment. If left untreated, the pain can become unbearable, and the underlying condition may worsen, leading to more serious problems, including:
- Tooth loss: If a damaged, decayed, or infected tooth isn’t treated in time, it may need to be extracted.
- Infection: An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health complications, such as Ludwig angina and sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
- TMJ disorders: Unchecked tooth grinding or clenching can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, which can cause severe pain and discomfort.
Treatment Options for Horrible Tooth Pain
Your dentist can determine the cause of your tooth pain and provide appropriate treatment depending on the underlying condition. Possible treatment options include:
- Fillings: If your horrible tooth pain is caused by cavities, your dentist may recommend dental fillings, for example, amalgam, composite resin, or glass ionomer fillings.
- Root canal: If the nerve of your tooth has been damaged or infected, your dentist may recommend getting a root canal.
- Crown: If your tooth is cracked or damaged, your dentist may suggest getting a crown to protect it.
- Professional teeth cleaning: In the case of gum disease, your dentist may recommend getting your teeth professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
- Tooth extraction: If your tooth is severely damaged or impacted, it may need to be extracted.
- Mouth guard: If your jaw pain is caused by grinding or clenching, your dentist may suggest getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
No matter what the cause of your horrible tooth pain is, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Taking care of dental issues promptly can help prevent more serious problems in the future.
Prevention Tips
When it comes to horrible tooth pain, prevention is always the best course of action. Here are a few tips to help you prevent dental problems and keep your mouth healthy:
- Brush twice daily: Make sure to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss regularly.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure any issues are caught early on.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can damage your teeth.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking can damage your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease. Smoking is one of the leading causes of gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Wear a mouth guard: If you grind or clench your teeth, wear a mouth guard at night to protect your teeth.
Horrible Tooth Pain- Conclusion
Horrible tooth pain can be very uncomfortable and disruptive to your life. Home remedies such as OTC pain medications, salt water rinses, and herbal remedies may provide temporary relief, but it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment from your dentist. If the underlying cause isn’t treated in time, it can lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss, infection, and TMJ disorders.
Prevention is always the best course of action, so make sure to brush and floss regularly, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and schedule regular dental check-ups. Taking care of your teeth will help keep you healthy and prevent future problems.
