What Causes Toothache and How You Can Solve It

Toothache is one of the most commonly reported dental health issues in the United States. A toothache is often the side-effect of deeper issues within a person’s dental cavity. 

It refers to the pain in and around the teeth and jaws. A toothache can present itself in many ways; it can be dull and constant or sharp and intermittent. Irrespective of how it arrives, you can never ignore it.

At Corvallis Dental Health in Corvallis, Oregon, Dr. Kendall S. Wood, DDS, and Dr. Mathew C. Schnapper, DMD, recommend people visit their dentist as soon as they feel toothache to get a complete oral assessment. In this blog, we address the many causes of toothache and how you can solve them.

Causes of Toothache

To understand the causes of toothache, you should know the anatomy of a tooth. Each tooth consists of several different layers. The first and outermost layer is called the enamel - the glossy layer on top of your tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body and consists of a significant percentage of minerals.

The middle layer is called the dentin. The innermost layer is called the pulp, which consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective that help the teeth grow. When the pulp is irritated, you are likely to experience a toothache.

Some of the causes include:

• Abscessed tooth
• Tooth decay
• Infected gums
• Damaged filling
• Tooth fracture

How to Treat a Toothache?

You need to first determine the cause before treating a toothache. 

• Toothache due to a cavity:Our dentists may attempt to salvage the undamaged part of the tooth or extract the tooth altogether. 
• Toothache due to infected tooth root:Our dentists may do a root canal treatment to get rid of the infection or even remove the nerves and the soft tissue. 
• Toothache due to infection:Our dentists may prescribe medication to get rid of the pain and bring down the swelling of the jaw.

How Can You Prevent Toothache?

A toothache is usually a sign of poor oral hygiene. You need to maintain a robust daily routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing once, and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash to prevent a toothache from occurring. In addition, you should refrain from consuming foods with high sugar content, visit our dentists twice a year and get regular cleaning and fluoride treatments.

Can You Treat Toothache at Home?

• Yes. You can take steps to treat and reduce toothache at home. 
• You can cut down the intake of cold or hot food or drinks to reduce sensitivity.
• You can take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen.
• You can use anti-tooth sensitivity toothpaste to strengthen your teeth and minimize the pain.

When Should You Seek Dental Help for a Toothache?

You need to visit a dentist if you:

• Have severe toothache
• Have toothache for at least two days.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wood, DDS, and Dr. Schnapper, DMD, if you have a toothache and want to get rid of the pain. Call (541) 757-1829, request an appointment on our official website or visit the office at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330 for help.