If you have experienced a toothache, then you know how excruciating that pain can be. It might rob your sleep and peace until the pain goes away. A toothache is a pain in and around your teeth and jaw and can sometimes be accompanied by a fever.
Toothaches normally manifest as a sharp on-and-off or constant pain that can last for a few hours or even days. The pain which can be mild or extreme depending on the cause of the ache, can also be magnified by hot or cold food or drinks.
Causes of toothaches
There are different causes of toothache. One of the minor causes of an ache can be from having food dislodged in between the teeth causing a mild pressure which can be a bit painful and uncomfortable. In serious cases, a toothache can be caused by a cavity that leads to tooth decay, having a fractured tooth, damaged fillings, or a bacterial infection leading to an abscess which is a collection of pus at the end of a tooth or in the gums.
Unlike a toothache caused by pressure from food being stuck between the teeth, pain from tooth decay or an abscess is caused by inflammation in the innermost layer of the tooth which is made up of sensitive nerves and blood vessels.
Treatment
The treatment of a toothache depends on the cause. The best course of action when experiencing a toothache is to visit a dentist who will examine and sometimes conduct an x-ray to discover the root of the problem.
If a toothache is caused by food dislodged between the teeth, removing the stuck food will relieve the pressure therefore getting rid of the pain and discomfort. This can be done through flossing which helps in removing food that is lodged too deep. Flossing and brushing regularly helps in preventing the development of plaque which can cause serious teeth problems. A toothache caused by deeper factors such as cavities and infections requires you to visit a dentist who will advise on how to get rid of it. At times a toothache may require total extraction of the tooth, filling the hole in the tooth, or root canal therapy.
To relieve the pain before you go to the dentist, you can do a simple warm saltwater rinse. If the pain is extreme, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol. However, you should note that these only deal with the pain temporarily, it is important to visit a dentist who will help you figure out the cause of the ache and how to permanently cure it.
Prevention
Good oral hygiene is the medicine for toothache. To help prevent experiencing a toothache, brush your teeth at least two times a day or after every meal. You should also floss regularly to remove plaque and any stuck food. Note that after brushing your teeth, avoid rinsing off the protective toothpaste.
It is also good for your teeth if you avoid taking lots of sugary foods or drinks that encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess.
The most important preventive measure is to have regular checkups with your dentist who will deal with any arising problem before it escalates.
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By Dr Azeema Veljee, Consultant Dental Surgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi
