I need help with toothache
Discover why your teeth are hurting
A toothache can have many causes. We’ll find and treat the problem in the least invasive way.
How do I know if I have a toothache?
Toothache is a term that describes a wide range of pain in your teeth. Your toothache might only occur when you chew on that tooth or eat something cold. The pain could be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, mildly annoying or so sore you can’t concentrate or sleep. Depending on the cause of the pain, it might be also accompanied by gum swelling or bleeding, a headache, or a fever.
Why do I have a toothache?
The layer of dental pulp inside your tooth contains very sensitive nerves, and when they become inflamed, your tooth will hurt. This inflammation can be caused by dental cavities, broken teeth or fillings, exposed roots from receding gums, impacted teeth, or abscesses. Sometimes your teeth will hurt because of medical issues like ear infections, sinus infections, shingles, and even heart problems.
What treatments are available for toothache?
If your teeth hurt, we can take away the pain using the latest in minimally invasive dental treatments.
Common questions about toothache
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You can get temporary relief from toothache by taking over-the-counter pain relief medication, applying numbing gels designed for teething infants, rinsing your mouth with warm salty water, or applying an ice pack to your face. However, it is important to discover the reason for the pain and get it treated, otherwise the pain may return or get worse.
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The most effective over-the-counter medication for toothache is ibuprofen because it reduces inflammation, which is often the main cause of tooth pain. However, you may not be able to take ibuprofen due to medical allergies. Aspirin is a blood thinner, so you should avoid it if your tooth is bleeding or might require extraction. In either of these cases, you can try paracetamol, which works by blocking the pain signals going from your tooth to your brain. All medications should be advised by a medical professional depending on your health and subject to a doctor’s consultation.
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The nerves inside your tooth are some of the most sensitive in your body. Because your teeth are inside your head, they have many direct connections to the pain centre of your brain. Your head and face also contain a rich network of nerves, making everything extremely sensitive. That’s why, when the nerves in your tooth become irritated, it can be extremely sore.
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Yes, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing a toothache by taking good care of your teeth and gums. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks, diligent brushing and flossing, and visits to an oral hygienist will reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth deterioration. Regular dental checks are important; at Natural Smile, we use protective and preventative treatments to stop you developing decay or gum disease.
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Not necessarily – it depends on what is causing your toothache. If your pain is a result of tooth sensitivity, changing to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth might be all you need. But until you have seen a dentist, you won’t know whether there is a more serious underlying issue that needs treatment. It’s best to have us check it out so you can get the correct care.
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The cost of treating your toothache will depend on the underlying cause. You may only need something simple, like a specialised toothpaste, or you may need a filling, a crown, or a root canal. We’ll work out the best course of action and let you know up front how much it will cost. Often, delaying treatment will cause the problem to become worse, so the sooner we get it sorted, the lower the cost will be.