Pain serves as our body’s defense mechanism, informing us of the potential harm. This natural sensory response, regardless of its intensity, acts as an indicator of internal discomfort. Tooth pain, much like other types of pain, follows the same principle. It is a type of reactive nerve pain that originates from inside the teeth in response to particular stimuli. Tooth pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors.
In this blog, we will discuss the various types and causes of tooth pain, as well as remedies and tips on how to get rid of a toothache.
What is a Tooth Pain
Tooth pain, also known as dental pain, refers to any discomfort, soreness, or ache that occurs in or around a tooth. It can be caused by various reasons, such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, or injury to the tooth. The severity of tooth pain can vary from mild to severe, and it can be constant or intermittent. Tooth pain can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks, and difficulty chewing. It is important to identify the underlying cause of tooth pain in order to treat it properly, kill tooth pain, and prevent any further dental problems.
What Are The 5 Major Types Of Tooth Pain
While all toothaches might feel similar and the main focus is always directed towards how to stop tooth pain fast, but the identification of the type of tooth pain occurring can lead to the underlying source of the tooth pain.
Listed below are the most common types of tooth pain:
SHARP PAIN
When you suddenly feel a sharp pain while chewing food, it could be a sign of an untreated cavity. Bacteria and plaque are responsible for eroding the enamel on your teeth, causing tooth decay that can lead to a much worse infection later on. It’s essential to get the cavity treated in a timely mannert to prevent any further damage.
SENSITIVITY
Sensitivity can cause a sudden sensation of tooth pain while eating cold or hot foods. It can be caused due to a range of reasons such as teeth grinding, exposed tooth roots, or cavities.
THROBBING PAIN
Constant throbbing pain that only gets worse over time is mostly considered a sign of an infection deep within your tooth. It can be challenging to focus on anything else when experiencing this type of tooth pain. A root canal treatment is necessary to treat the infection in order to prevent it from spreading, and also needs to be treated timely.
PAIN WHEN BITING
Pain that occurs only when biting or chewing can be due to a couple of issues, such as an abscess or a fracture. A dental crown may be recommended to treat the damage, depending on the extent of the injury. It’s essential to get the crack treated immediately to prevent the tooth from breaking further or causing an infection.
PAIN AT THE BACK OF THE MOUTH
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder can cause pain in the back of your mouth, that mostly leads to severe tooth pain. The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull on either side of your face. When it’s inflamed or not functioning correctly, it can cause oral pain. Seeking appropriate dental treatment for TMJ disorder is how to releive tooth pain.
What Are The Causes Of Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is a very commonly faced health problem that can be caused by various factors. One of the most common causes of tooth pain is tooth decay, which leads to cavities if left untreated.
Once acids and bacteria penetrate the enamel, they end up damaging the delicate tissues inside the tooth, which consequently exposes the nerve and causes varying degrees of tooth pain.
In some cases, even a sinus infection can cause tooth pain when the infection drains from the head, leading to pain and pressure that usually gets much worse at night.
Other possible causes of tooth pain include:
- Losing a filling
- Dental abscesses
- Jaw trauma
- Eruption of wisdom teeth or adult teeth
- Food particles stuck in teeth or gums
- Teeth grinding at night
- Gum disease
List of Toothache Remedies
Dental pain and problems can not be treated at home – these concerns require you to book an appointment with your dentist to attain the required appropriate dental treatment. However, there are some home-based remedies that can be very helpful in effectively managing oral discomfort when you’re in pain and just want to know how to stop tooth pain fast at home.
Some of the most common and potent remedies for tooth pain are:
- Saltwater rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth with it for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. It helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
- Clove oil: Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it directly to the affected tooth. Clove oil has natural analgesic and antibacterial properties.
- Peppermint tea: Brew a cup of peppermint tea, allow it to cool, and swish it in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. Peppermint has a cooling effect and can help numb the affected areas to relieve you of the tooth pain.
- Garlic: Crush a garlic clove and mix it with a pinch of salt to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected tooth for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Garlic has natural antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. It can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Vanilla extract: Soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and apply it directly to the affected tooth. Vanilla extract has a soothing effect and can help numb the pain.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can numb the area and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief from toothache.
- Mouthwash: Rinsing with antimicrobial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria and soothe minor toothache caused by infections or gum issues.
- Oregano Oil: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can numb the area and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief from toothache.
NOTE: These remedies are not a substitute for professional dental care. If your tooth pain persists or worsens, make sure to consult a dentist.
Best Painkiller for Tooth Nerve Pain
However, it is immensely important to consult your physician before use, adhere to label instructions, and be aware of potential side effects like gastrointestinal problems and liver damage.
The best painkiller for tooth nerve pain can include a range of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, or even aspirin. These medications help alleviate discomfort by reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Do Muscle Relaxers Help With Tooth Nerve Pain?
Muscle relaxers are not typically used to treat tooth nerve pain directly. Tooth nerve pain is usually related to dental issues, such as infections or damage to the tooth’s nerve.
Nonetheless, muscle relaxers may be helpful if muscle tension in the jaw is causing the tooth pain, but they won’t directly target or alleviate tooth nerve pain. It’s essential to consult a physician for proper evaluation and treatment of tooth nerve pain.
Is There A Way To Kill Tooth Pain Nerve In 3 Seconds Permanently
Toothache is one of the most discomfort inducing experiences, and anyone who goes through toothache wants to know one thing: “What will instantly stop a toothache?”
There are two effective ways to get instant relief from your tooth pain:
i) Removing the nerve from the tooth, or
ii) Extracting the tooth entirely.
Both of these techniques result in the elimination of the nerve that causes the tooth pain, offering immediate relief.
- Root canal: involves separating the nerve from the tooth, which can only be done by a dentist. Once the nerve is removed, the relief is instant.
- Tooth removal: involves completely extracting the tooth, which is typically done under local anesthesia. Although this method results in a hole in the mouth where the tooth used to be, it provides a long-term solution for tooth pain.
All other treatments only offer temporary relief as they do not address the root cause of the pain, which is an unhealthy nerve. To achieve permanent relief, the nerve must be treated directly, not just the symptoms.
FAQs
What’s the best painkiller for severe toothache relief?
The best painkiller for severe toothache relief is often an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). These can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and to address the underlying cause of the pain.
How to relieve pain at home until you can get to a dentist?
While awaiting a dental appointment, you can try some home remedies to relieve toothache. Rinsing with warm saltwater, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and avoiding hot, cold, or sweet foods can help manage pain temporarily.
What does a tooth pain nerve feel like?
A tooth pain nerve often feels like a sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain that can be intense and localized to a specific tooth. It may be triggered by factors like hot or cold temperatures, chewing, or pressure. Tooth nerve pain can also radiate to the jaw or surrounding areas and may be accompanied by swelling or sensitivity.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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