Imagine this scenario; You’re sitting at your home reading a book and drinking coffee on a lazy Saturday night. Suddenly, you start having an excruciating pain in your teeth. What should you do in such a situation to stop tooth pain fast?
This blog contains all the information you need to know about why tooth pain occurs and how you can manage it. So, continue reading to get all your questions answered about dental pain.
Why Do Toothaches Occur?
Toothaches can occur for many reasons. The foremost among them is when the outermost protective layer of the teeth, the enamel, is damaged. The enamel is a strong, mineralised layer that protects the underlying, softer dentine and pulp layer. When the enamel is damaged, the nerve endings in the dentine are exposed, leading to pain. Another reason for toothaches could be a dental infection. Other less common reasons for toothaches include sinus infections and local nerve damage.
What Causes Tooth Pain When Having Something Very Cold?
If you experience pain whenever eating or drinking something very cold, it occurs due to a condition called dentine hypersensitivity. According to the World Dental Federation, dentine hypersensitivity is when the outer enamel layer of the tooth gets damaged and exposes the underlying dentine. As a result, the nerve endings in the dentine get exposed and cause pain whenever you drink or eat anything cold.
How Can You Relieve Tooth Pain?
According to the NHS, there are various things you can do to relieve tooth pain:
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- Painkillers – in most cases, painkillers can be very effective in treating dental pain while you wait to see your dentist.
- Pain-relieving Gel – you may also apply a pain-relieving gel on the affected area to subside the pain.
- Salt Water – rinsing your mouth with salt water can be effective in relieving inflammation and pain.
- Soft Diet – eating a hard diet may aggravate the pain. So, it is better to eat a soft diet while you’re waiting to see your dentist.
- Use Floss – if there is something stuck between your teeth that is causing pain, you can use floss to remove it.
How To Stop Wisdom Tooth Pain At Night?
The best way to stop wisdom tooth pain during the night is to take pain medication. In the meantime, call your dentist and explain the situation to them. They may give instructions over the phone or they may ask you to come for an emergency appointment. While you’re waiting for your appointment, you can rinse with lukewarm salt water. It helps relieve inflammation and discomfort.
What Happens If You Ignore Tooth Pain?
Ignoring tooth pain can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Whenever someone has a toothache, it indicates that there is something wrong with their oral health. So, they should visit their dentist immediately.
For example, delaying toothache may prove fatal if someone has toothache due to an abscess. Why? Because if this infection is not treated timely, it may spread to other body organs and may be life-threatening. Hence, one should never take a toothache lightly.
Why Should I Go To Urgent Care If I Have Tooth Pain?
If you have a toothache that persists after taking pain medication, you should visit your dentist immediately. As mentioned earlier, a toothache could be a sign of something serious and should be treated immediately.
I Have An Unbearable Tooth Pain What To Do At Home?
First thing, you should take an over-the-counter pain medication. It will help relieve the pain. You may also apply an icepack over the affected area to minimise inflammation (if there is swelling). There are various at-home pain-relieving treatments you can use, such as clove oil to reduce the pain. However, while you’re managing the pain at home, you must call your dentist and ask for an emergency appointment so that the underlying cause can be investigated and treated.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Sleep Due To A Toothache?
A toothache can be so severe that it may prevent you from sleeping. In such a situation, it is best to take a pain medication and call your dentist right away. If you have a severe toothache, it indicates something serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If it is nighttime and you can’t visit your dentist, you should consider going to a nearby ER for emergency treatment.
How Will The Dentist Treat My Toothache?
Your dentist will first identify the underlying cause. They will examine your teeth and the affected area carefully and look at the x-ray images. For example, if the pain is due to an exposed dental pulp, they will treat it by restoring it with a suitable filling. If the pain is due to an abscess, they will perform a root canal procedure to remove the inflamed pulp. Similarly, if the pain is due to a crack or fracture, they will restore the tooth with a filling and reinforce it with a crown. So, the management of a toothache depends on the underlying cause.
Can A Toothache Heal Itself?
A toothache is a sign that there is something wrong with your teeth. Therefore, it is unlikely that the pain will heal itself. So, if you or a loved one has a toothache, they should consider visiting their dentist without delay.
If you are looking for a good emergency dentist in Rotherham, your first choice should be Fitzwilliam Street Dental Care. Our team of highly experienced dentists is fully equipped to treat all types of dental problems, ensuring that you always remain smiling and healthy. Request a free 30-minute consultation with our Treatment Care Coordinator to get more information about our services. We look forward to serving you.
