Causes of toothache
A stabbing or pulling pain is hard to ignore – and you should not try to. Toothache is a symptom of an underlying condition and is rarely harmless. The most common cause is tooth decay: food rich in sugar and carbohydrates combined with inadequate oral hygiene attacks the enamel until a cavity forms. Other causes:
Less often, inflammation of the paranasal or maxillary sinuses, shingles, a heart attack, or tension, stress and depression are behind it.
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis), which may already have progressed to periodontitis
- Infection of the tooth nerve; root inflammation is often caused by untreated decay
- A broken tooth, for example after a dental accident
- Exposed tooth necks
- Teeth grinding and TMD (bruxism)
- Leaking or lost fillings
- Erupting milk teeth in children
First relief
With severe pain, cooling with ice can help. Tried-and-tested home remedies:
Painkillers are not a long-term solution. They only bridge the time until your dental appointment – for example mefenamic acid, paracetamol or ibuprofen, which is available without prescription at a low dose and on prescription at a higher one. Toothache remains a warning sign.
- Sage or chamomile tea as a mouthwash has an anti-inflammatory effect
- Crushed onion dabbed on the affected area can reduce inflammation
- Salt dissolved in lukewarm water works as an anti-infective mouthwash
- Clove and tea tree oil have a disinfecting and antiseptic effect
Throbbing and pulling pain
Throbbing, pulsating or pulling pain without pressure on the tooth indicates decay that has already reached the nerve. The nerve becomes inflamed and swells; the resulting pressure inside the tooth is felt as throbbing. If you also have a fever, your body is fighting the infection. If the root is damaged, root canal treatment may be needed. In this case, see your dentist urgently. Good oral hygiene and regular dental hygiene appointments prevent decay.
Pain when chewing
Teeth that are sensitive to touch and pressure are usually caused by exposed tooth necks due to receding gums or wear. With gingivitis or periodontitis the gums recede – good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with us counteract this.
Cavities and fractures in the enamel can also hurt when eating; a common cause is bruxism. If you grind your teeth, a TMD splint protects them. A crown or bridge that no longer fits properly can also cause pain when chewing. As the causes vary widely, have pain on biting checked within a few days.
After a dental accident
A chipped or knocked-out tooth can cause severe pain. Go to the dentist or the dental emergency service immediately: knocked-out teeth can often still be saved if you act quickly. Be sure to bring the tooth with you to the practice.
Teeth sensitive to cold and heat
Pain with hot drinks or cold foods such as ice cream is often due to exposed tooth necks. They are crossed by fine dentinal tubules that pass stimuli on to the nerve. Always have such pain examined. Exposed tooth necks are often a result of gingivitis, which good oral hygiene and regular prophylaxis can prevent.
Afraid of the dentist?
Untreated toothache can develop into a serious condition. Waiting out of fear only makes treatment more complicated. Our practice specialises in painless treatment methods. Many anxious patients have overcome their fear with us and now come regularly for prophylaxis. Together with you, we want to break the cycle of fear.