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    2 min read – Ben Atkins

    Ben Atkins

    Ben Atkins

    BDS and trustee of the Oral Health Foundation

    Toothache is a horribly painful experience. It can quickly go from an occasional twinge when you have a hot or cold drink to a nagging, constant pain that can’t be ignored and makes normal day to day activities impossible. It can get even worse when you lie down and may stop you sleeping.

     

    Summary list

     

    • What are the causes of toothache?
    • What are the symptoms?
    • What can I do to help toothache at home?
    • What treatment is there for toothache?

    Toothache

    What are the causes of toothache?

     

    • A hole in your tooth, produced by bacteria
    • Losing a filling or breaking a tooth
    • Periodontal or gum disease
    • A tooth dying as a result of a fall or blow or sometimes a very deep filling which was close to the nerve

    What are the symptoms?

     

    Symptoms change depending on the person and on the cause. It can be really hard to know exactly which tooth is affected. You may get all the pain on your jaw or even mistake it for earache. It can be a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache. Eating and drinking, especially hot and cold things can make it flare up. A cold wind can make it feel unbearable.

    Toothbrush

    What can I do to help toothache at home?

     

    Preventing decay is a good start to avoiding toothache. Brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush can remove more plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay. Electric brushes can also help with brushing for the correct time which gives toothpaste time to work. Fluoride toothpaste helps with reducing risk of tooth decay.

     

    • Toothache will hardly ever get better on its own. Until you can get to see a dentist, there are a few things you can try.
    • Put a cold compress on the outside of your face, especially if you have a swelling or an abscess. Don’t put anything hot on it.
    • Take over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. (Don’t take ibuprofen if you have asthma or chest problems.). Be very careful not to take more than the recommended dose.
    • Take warm salt mouthwashes. Put 2-3 teaspoonfuls of salt in warm, previously boiled, water.

    What treatment is there for toothache?

     

    Sometimes a tooth may need to be taken out or a filling may need to be done. A root filling may need two or three visits to the dentist to complete.

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    Conclusion

     

    Don’t risk neglecting toothache as it will probably come back, even worse, at the most inconvenient time, like Christmas Day or your long- awaited holiday. Make an appointment to see your dentist. If the pain is unbearable, ask for an emergency appointment.

    Our five-step routine for a healthy smile

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