Toothache - Don't underestimate it! Go to the dentist

Painful teeth

For anyone who has ever had the dubious pleasure of experiencing toothache in their life, it is clear that it is one of the worst ailments. The pain is penetrating to the marrow of the bone, dull, severe and can often last for days. If you have a toothache, we should never take such an ailment lightly, but see a dentist as soon as possible. What for a toothache? Read expert advice from the Supradent clinic

Toothache - what can it be caused by?

There are many factors that can cause toothache. Many involve serious diseases of the teeth and peri-dental tissues. Severe toothache may be caused by tooth decay, pulpitis or gum and periodontal diseases

The severity of the pain depends on the patient's individual pain threshold and the cause of the toothache. A tooth hurts because undesirable processes are taking place in it.

Sometimes toothache is due, among other things, to an unconscious bruxism, This can be caused by the grinding of teeth, excessive clenching of the jaws, damage to or loss of a tooth, or by invasive dental treatment. Regardless of whether the pain is temporary or lasts for a long time, we should always consult our dentist.

Severe toothache - what can it be associated with?

If you experience a wrenching, severe toothache incidentally, for example when your mouth comes into contact with a cold or hot drink or sweet or acidic food, this is a symptom of developing caries.

A throbbing pain of high intensity, pulsating and covering an area even of the whole cheek, up to the eye, is a symptom characteristic of dental pulpitis. This is a serious condition that may be accompanied by an abscess. If you are experiencing this type of toothache, you should make an appointment to see your dentist as a matter of urgency.

If the pain is not severe and the patient describes it as discomfort, this may indicate existing gum and periodontal disease, which cannot be effectively treated at home, but only at the dentist's office.

Young children, too, may experience toothache associated with teething or the replacement of teeth or eruption of wisdom teeth. The pain can be severe, long-lasting and even progress to inflammation. Therefore, the child or adolescent should be under the constant supervision of a dentist, who will ensure that the physiological processes in the mouth are proceeding correctly.

What to do when a tooth hurts?

In any case, a toothache is a worrying complaint, indicating that something abnormal is going on in the mouth. That is why it is important to seek the help of a dentist in every situation.

If this is not immediately possible, what will help a toothache at home? Inflammation can be relieved by rinsing the mouth with sage infusion. For a swollen cheek, cold compresses will help. A cotton swab soaked in clove oil can be placed on the affected tooth. Teething disorders can be alleviated with a cold bite. Commonly available painkillers, in the dosage recommended on the package, are also used in cases of severe toothache.

Home remedies for toothache are effective and help to relieve the pain you are experiencing, but should never replace a visit to the dentist, especially if the toothache is not a one-off incident. Recurrent toothaches need to be diagnosed immediately by a dentist who will decide on the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of toothache in a dental clinic

Toothache is one of the most common reasons why patients visit the dental clinic. This unpleasant ailment can result from various causes, such as decay, a cracked tooth, infection, pulpitis, gum disease or even bruxism (teeth grinding). The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the pain.

Diagnosis of toothache

The first step in treating a toothache is a thorough diagnosis. The doctor will take a medical history, assess the history of the problem and then perform a thorough examination of the mouth. Often an X-ray will be used to provide a more complete assessment of the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues.

Treatment of toothache

Here are some basic toothache treatments that can be used depending on the diagnosed case:

1. Caries treatment: Dental caries is the most common cause of toothache. Treatment consists of removing the infected part of the tooth and filling the cavity with a suitable material, such as composite.
2. Endodontics (root canal treatment): When decay reaches the pulp of the tooth (the part inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), root canal treatment may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the root canals and filling them with a special material.
3. Extraction (removal of a tooth): In some cases, when a tooth is too badly damaged to be retained, it may need to be extracted. After extraction, it is often recommended to replace the missing tooth dental implant, prosthetic bridge or prosthesis.
4. Perdiontology: Gum diseases such as gingivitis (gingivitis) or periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth), can also cause pain. Treatment includes professional teeth cleaning, patient education on proper oral hygiene and, in some cases, pharmacological or surgical treatment.
5. Treatment of bruxism: Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can lead to excessive teeth grinding and pain. Special night splints are used to treat bruxism, and in some cases medication or behavioural therapy may be recommended.

Remember that every case is different and requires an individual approach. If you have a toothache, do not hesitate to visit your dentist. The specialist will make an accurate diagnosis and suggest the most appropriate treatment method. Regular check-ups can help detect problems at an early stage, before they become the cause of pain.

Prevention as a way to get rid of toothache in the future

Thanks to preventive dentistry and regular office visits, our teeth remain under the constant control of a professional. He or she will ensure that decay and periodontitis do not develop and will notice signals that could indicate serious conditions in the patient's mouth. A dental check-up by the dentist is recommended on average twice a year. In doing so, oral hygiene must be carefully maintained to prevent dental problems that could result in pain.

Author: Supradent Clinic team