Toothache

What causes toothache?

Despite of the fact, that the most common reason connected to toothache is tooth decay, it is always recommended to examine the oral cavity (and surrounding areas) carefully, in order to find the real reasons. A dental pain which is not caused by tooth decay, are possibly caused by gum disease (periodontal disease), grinding of the teeth, later trauma (injury) or occlusal disorders (improper bites). In children teething pain, in young adults wisdom teeth eruption can be a possible reason.

What to do when teeth hurt?

In case of every painful complaint in the oral cavity, a dental examination is necessary as soon as possible to make a diagnosis and to start the therapy, because without treatment the condition may worsen. With a treatment that is started in time further pain can be ceased, and there are more chances to save the tooth, than in case of a treatment started days or weeks later. Preventing the teeth from extraction or root canal therapy is a basic aim of dentistry, and not incidentally, the preventive treatment is always more easily accessible and cheaper, than the restorations of the aesthetics and function of the lost teeth with implants.

How to cease the pain withot seeing the dentist immediatelly?

If you cannot see your dentist for an emergency intervention you can try to cease your pain with the following methods.

• Gargle with salty water
• Use dental floss to remove leftover food from between teeth
• Take non-prescription painkillers e.g. (acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol) Never put aspirin or any other painkiller directly on the gum because it can damage the mucous membrane
• Use non-prescription mouth and throat disinfectant (benzydamine or benzocaine) directly on the sensitive surface to soothe the pain.
• In case of dental trauma, use cold compress for the swollen and painful face. If after an injury your tooth is moving, you need emergency help. If your tooth broke off because of an accident, and you have the whole or a part of it do not clean it, only rinse it with milk and bring it along either in a small vial of milk, or under the tongue in your mouth. It may be possible to put it back.

Our advice to prevent toothache:

Wash your teeth effectively at least twice a day following the advices of your dentist, preferably after meals. In the evening at least, complete your oral care with flossing. If you have bridges and/or implants in your mouth use the prescribed special cleaning tools daily. Replace your tooth cleaning tools regularly. Use tooth mousse at night. See your dentist at least once a year to remove the built-up plaque, for professional depuration and check-up.