Toothache or odontalgia is one of the most common and, at the same time, most incapacitating dental problems. It can appear suddenly, be constant or intermittent, and affect everyday activities such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating at work. Although painkillers sometimes provide temporary relief, the real solution always involves seeing a dentist to identify and treat the actual cause of the pain.
In this article, we explain in detail why toothache occurs, what its main causes are, how to relieve it temporarily, and when to seek emergency dental care.
See Toothache. What it is and how to reduce it
What is toothache and why does it occur?
Toothache is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of that something is not right in your mouth. Generally, it affects directly the teeth or the tissues surrounding them. The cause is usually the dental problems that surround them. a24> that surround them surround them. The most frequent cause is dental caries, although there are other triggers such as pulpitis, bruxism, diseases of the gums or even problems that originate outside the mouth. a44> originate outside the mouth, such as sinusitis or otitis.
In many cases, poor oral hygiene is at the root of the problem, allowing bacteria to accumulate and affect the teeth.
Main causes of toothache
Toothache is usually caused by dental tissue, due to damage to the dental pulp, where the nerve endings are located and found the nerve endings and vascular of the toothby the affection of the tissue of the support, periodontium (gums). The inflammatory processes of these two elements generate the majority of periodontal disease. a33> these two elements generate the majority of toothaches.
Pain can have different origins. Among the most common are:
- Dental caries: caused by bacteria that destroy the enamel and reach the dentin or pulp of the tooth.
- Pulpitis: inflammation of the dental nerve, which can cause continuous and very intense pain.
- Dental abscesses: infection with pus accumulation around the root of the tooth.
- Bruxism: the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth can cause fractures, wear and jaw pain.
- Periodontal disease: begins with gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis, causing inflammation, pain, and tooth loss.
- Pericoronitis: inflammation of the gum around a tooth that is erupting, common in wisdom teeth.
- Non-dental problems: such as sinusitis, otitis, or even a heart attack, which a9> on occasions manifest themselves with pain radiating to the jaw or the teeth.
- Wisdom teeth of the wisdom: It is more frequent in young adults (17-25 years old). Due to the late eruption of the third molars, many times without sufficient space. In many cases, the treatment is to extract the wisdom tooth.
See What are wisdom teeth of the mouth and what to do when they come in
Why is toothache so unbearable?
As we have seen a little further above, dental pain is so intense because the pulp of the tooth contains nerve endings that are very sensitive. In addition, it can radiate towards the ear, the head, the neck or the jaw.
The discomfort usually worsens:
- When eating food that is very cold, hot, or sweet.
- When lying down, due to increased blood flow to the head.
- When chewing or brushing your teeth.
When the pain persists for more than 24-48 hours, it is a sign that you need dental care that you need immediate dental care.
Why does toothache feel worse at night?
Many people feel that the pain is worse when lying down. This occurs due to several factors and possible infections or problems underlying dental issues that manifest when lying down. a16> underlying that manifest themselves with greater intensity during the night.
- Increase in blood flow to the head.
- Absence of distractions, which makes the annoyance more obvious.
- Bruxism at night.
- Dental infections that are exacerbated by inflammation.
- Gums that are swollen or receding which expose the root of the tooth.
To temporarily relieve it, you can sleep with your head slightly elevated, avoid lying on the affected side, and apply cold compresses. on the affected side, and apply cold compresses to your cheek.
Home remedies to temporarily relieve toothache
While waiting for your appointment with the dentist, there are some measures that can a8> can help you calm the discomfort of toothache:
- Rinse with warm water and salt to reduce swelling and disinfect.
- Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
- Take painkillers from over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Apply accept of clove (natural pain reliever).
- Avoid foods that are very cold, hot, or sugary.
In infants and children, the pain caused by teething can be relieved with cold teethers and, in some cases, with painkillers under supervision by a pediatrician.
Remember: these remedies are only palliative, but they do not treat the underlying cause of toothache. If the pain is severe or persistent, you should visit the dentist to find the cause and apply the appropriate treatment. a16> dentist to find the cause and apply the treatment appropriate.
See Toothache. What it is and how to reduce it
Medications most commonly used for toothache
To relieve toothache while waiting for your dentist appointment, you can also take some painkillers. The most commonly used over-the-counter medications are:
- Ibuprofen: analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
- Paracetamol: recommended for people who cannot take NSAIDs.
- Dexketoprofen (Enantyum®) or metamizole (Nolotil®): in cases of very severe pain, always under medical prescription.
- In addition, in pharmacies, local anesthesia for teeth can be purchased in the form of a gel or spray.
Remember: Like home remedies, pain relievers can temporarily ease the sensation of pain in the affected area, but they do not solve the underlying problem. They are not a substitute for professional dental diagnosis and treatment.
Professional treatments for toothache pain
The treatment will always depend on the cause, and the dentist, depending on this, may recommend:
- Dental filling (obturation): when the pain is due to early-stage tooth decay.
- Endodontics: if the dental pulp is affected and it is necessary to “kill the nerve”.
- Extraction dental: in cases of teeth that are very damaged or with serious infections.
- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories: if there is a bacterial infection or severe inflammation.
- Splints for relief: in patients with bruxism.
When to go for emergency treatment to the dentist
On occasions toothache persists, despite the use of remedies or painkillers. persists with greater intensity or complications arise, because you need to see a dentist for a20> emergency who will see you as soon as possible, especially if it is a weekend.
At Raslan Dental Clinic Raslan, we are specialists in treating dental emergencies in Barcelona with the utmost speed, offering immediate diagnosis and effective treatments to relieve pain and prevent complications worsening.
You should visit our emergency dental service if you have:
- Intense and persistent pain that does not improve within 24-48 hours.
- Swelling on the face, gums, or around the tooth.
- Presence of pus or discharge in the area affected.
- Fever and general malaise , sign of advanced infection .
- Difficulty in opening the mouth, chewing, or swallowing.
- Pain that radiates to the ear, neck, or jaw.
Tip: In these cases, do not delay your visit. The sooner you receive specialized care, the simpler the treatment will be and the lower the risk of complications.
See What to do if you have a dental emergency
If you have unbearable toothache, don’t wait. Call us at + (34) 669 154 020 at our dental clinics in Barcelona we have an experienced team and and advanced technology to resolve any dental emergency immediately, from complicated cavities from complicated cavities to infections, abscesses or dental fractures.
- Fast service with no waiting
- Diagnosis clear from the first visit
- Effective treatments to eliminate pain in a safe manner
Toothache should never be ignored because there is a cause that produces it. Although there are home remedies and medications that provide temporary relief a18> temporary relief, the only way to solve it once and for all is to go to the doctor. a24> way definitively is to go to the dentist as soon as possible. Acting in time avoids further complications, reduces costs and ensures better oral health.
You can also read:
Why do gums hurt and how to solve it?
Periodontitis. 5 tips to prevent it
What to do if you have bleeding gums. Causes, treatments and prevention
Dental caries. What they are, how to treat them and how to prevent them
