Toothache is also known as intense dental pain or odontalgia. It's a dental problem that's extremely painful and often hard to bear. However, there are solutions to calm the crisis. You should make an appointment with your dentist immediately to treat the condition.
What are the symptoms of toothache?
When a person suffers from toothache, they experience sharp, persistent pain in the affected tooth or the area around the tooth. This pain can be so intense that it can make daily activities almost impossible.
Toothache is generally caused by inflammation or infection of the dental pulp. This is the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria often enter the dental pulp through untreated tooth decay, causing infection. Infection can also spread to surrounding tissues. It then causes swelling and inflammation, further aggravating the pain experienced.
Symptoms of a toothache range from stabbing pain (constant or intermittent), to visible swelling and tooth sensitivity symptoms. Sometimes toothache is accompanied by other symptoms. Bleeding gums, a bad taste in the mouth, a feeling of pressure in the jaw, even fever.
What causes toothache?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of toothache. Poor oral hygiene and inadequate brushing can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth feed on food residues, releasing acids that further damage the tooth.
Wisdom teeth, the last molars to grow in the back of the mouth, can also cause toothache. If these teeth don't have enough room to develop properly, or if they grow in incorrectly, they can cause pain and infection. In such cases, tooth extraction is often necessary to relieve pain and prevent further dental problems.
What to do in the event of severe dental pain?
Anyone suffering from toothache should consult a dentist immediately. In fact, it's one of the most common dental emergency. An untreated dental infection can have serious consequences for your whole body.
The dentist will inspect the affected tooth and the painful area. He will then recommend appropriate treatments to relieve the pain and treat the infection. Depending on the severity of the problem, the dentist will prescribe antibiotics and painkillers.
While you're waiting for a visit to the dentist, there are other remedies that can help relieve the pain of a toothache. For example, taking painkillers or anti-inflammatories reduces swelling and temporarily relieves pain. Always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Similarly, using an antiseptic mouthwash can reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria responsible for infection.
Certain natural remedies are known to relieve toothache. This is particularly true of clove essential oil, a natural anesthetic. It contains eugenol, a substance with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply it locally to soothe the pain. Chewing a clove or using clove powder mixed with clove oil can also offer temporary relief. You can also boil several cloves in water for 10 minutes and use this decoction as a mouthwash.
How can toothache be prevented?
Good dental hygiene and regular screening are usually all it takes to prevent toothache. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste removes the bacteria and plaque responsible for tooth decay. Daily flossing is also important for removing food residues that accumulate between teeth and gums.
To remember: Toothache is an extremely painful dental condition caused by untreated decay, inflammation or infection of the dental pulp. It can cause swelling, increased sensitivity and severe pain. It's essential to see a dentist as soon as possible for appropriate treatment and pain relief. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can prevent toothache and other dental problems.
HELVIDENT dental clinics welcome you for dental emergencies in Lausanne, Fribourg and Aigle. Do not hesitate to Contact us for the management of toothache.