Toothache? Reasons and reliefs

Toothache might have several causes, but it’s the same nerve inside the teeth that makes the tooth ache. This nerve, the pulp, consists of blood vessels and nerves that supply the tooth with nutrition. An infected tooth might occur without symptoms, but you can also experience murmuring pain. Often times the tooth will also be sensitive to pressure when eating.

The causes of toothache

Do you have root canal fillings? A root canal filling might break, and cause reoccurring toothache. A leaking filling can sometimes let in bacteria that irritates the nerve and hurts the tooth marrow.

Tooth grinding, which around 30 percent will experience, can also take a toll on the teeth, which can lead to damages to the teeth. This is because grinding the teeth can grind down the enamel over time. Having sensitive teeth might also come as a result of this.

Another thing that can cause sensitive teeth is “missing” gums. Sometimes the gums can retract and expose the part of the teeth that is not protected by enamel. In the neck of the tooth, there are microscopic canals filled with fluid. If these canals are exposed, this can lead to sensitive teeth.

Be aware of inflammation

Worst case scenario the pain is caused by the gum disease periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The most usual form of gum inflammation is still gingivitis, which is caused by plaque, bacteria accumulating along the gums.

The more severe condition periodontitis can arise if you leave gingivitis untreated. Both conditions stem from poor dental hygiene. The good news is that both conditions can be prevented by cleaning your teeth and gum properly.

You might like: Healthy gums: What they look like and how to get them 

If the pain is not due to inflammation and does not go away with thoroughly cleaning, you might have a cavity that needs treating by your dental professional.

5 tips on pain relief of toothache

• Use floss to remove any food particles between your teeth.
• Try applying ice around the area of pain. Sometimes ice might help to numb the area, but if the tooth is sensitive it might hurt using ice.
• Take painkillers, like paracetamol.
• Putting pressure on the tooth might relieve the pain for a shorter amount of time.
• If you have sensitivity towards hot or cold foods or beverages, a toothpaste for sensitive teeth might be helpful.

Source: The Norwegian Health information – NHI.no