Toothache

Definition

A toothache, also known as odontalgia, is an aching pain in or around a tooth. A toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. It is usually refers to pain or soreness within or around a tooth, indicating inflammation and possible infection. It is also known as dentalgia. It is mainly caused by tooth cavities, any gum disease, jaw disease. Toothache may also be related to the diseases of the heart. The tooth may be sensitive to pressure, heat, cold, or sweets. Most toothaches get worse if not treated. In cases of severe pain, identifying the problem tooth is often difficult

Causes of Toothache

The main causes of toothache may includes:-

• Trigeminal Neuralgia also known as tic douloureux, a painful inflammation of the trigeminal nerve which causes severe toothache.
• The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity. These are holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin .Certain bacteria in the mouth convert simple sugars into acid, which softens and dissolves the enamel and dentin, creating cavities.
• The second most common is gum disease. It is the inflammation of the soft tissue. It may be caused by toxins secreted by bacteria in plaque that accumulate over time along the gum line.
• Impacted i.e. teeth pressing together or erupting i.e.tooth growing out or cutting can also cause toothache.
• The toothache may also be caused by the dysfunction of tempomandibular joint i.e. the joint of the jaw
• Sinusitis - a sinus inflammation or infection may mimic a toothache.
• A fracture of the tooth, may also lead to toothache.
• Dental decay, may in turn lead to toothache.
• The both oral cancers and non-oral cancers may be lead to the condition of toothache.

Symptoms of Toothache

The possible symptoms of toothache such as includes:-

• It becomes painful to touch the tooth.
• The patient may have the swelling around the tooth area.
• A foul-tasting discharge, may be seen during toothache.
• Fever with difficulty in breathing or swallowing are the main symptom of this disease.
• There may be severe pain to pressure, or to hot or cold stimuli. The pain may persist for longer than 15 seconds after the stimulus is removed.
• Pain becomes more severe and may radiate to the cheek, the ear, or the jaw, if the area of inflammation increases.
• The occurrence of pus is common during toothache. The tooth may have become abscessed.
• In chronic cases, there may be bleeding from around a tooth or gums.
• You may have the pain with chewing.

Home remedies for Toothache

The effective treatments for toothache are as:-

• By cleaning the tooth with warm salt water, shows the fast recovery from toothache.
• The aspirin or acetaminophen are very effective for the treatment of toothache, which helps in relieve pain.
• Applying a cold compress against the outside of the cheek.
• Treatment of early gum disease involves oral hygiene and removal of bacterial plaque.
• The clove oil can be used to numb the gums. the oil may be rubbed directly on the sore area or used to soak a small piece of cotton and applied to the sore tooth.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs i.e. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen are very beneficial for the fast recovery from toothache.
• Dental floss can be used to remove any food particles between the teeth.
• The root planting can also be used to the removal of plaque and tartar from exposed teeth roots.