Toothache is intense pain caused by infection or inflammation of the dental pulp. It can cause headaches, difficulty in eating or speaking, and even disrupt sleep.

Causes of toothache

Toothache can be caused by a number of factors. Some are directly linked to the state of health of our teeth, while others may result from our eating or behavioral habits.

Dental caries

The main cause of toothache is tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel. If these attacks are not stopped in time by appropriate treatment, they reach the dentin and then the dental pulp, causing inflammation and acute pain.

Dental fractures

A dental fracture is a crack or break in one of your teeth. A fall, a blow or even the chewing of certain hard foods can cause this situation. Dental fractures expose the tooth pulp to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and mouth pain.

Gum problems

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or gingivitis, is characterized by inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. These conditions can also lead to toothache.

Symptoms of toothache

It's important to know and recognize the warning signs and symptoms of toothache, so you can react quickly to any pain you feel, and prevent the situation from worsening.

Acute, intense pain

One of the first signs of toothache is a sharp, intense pain in the affected area. This pain can be sudden, pulsating and increase in intensity when you bite on the tooth or eat hot, cold or sweet foods.

Increased tooth sensitivity

Increased tooth sensitivity can also be an indicator of a problem. If you feel pain when you come into contact with hot, cold, acidic or sweet foods, this may be the result of incipient tooth decay or another problem affecting the health of your tooth.

Swelling of the gums

Swelling of the gums around the tooth may indicate inflammation or infection of the dental pulp. In this case, we recommend consulting a dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Solutions to relieve toothache

When faced with a toothache, there are temporary ways to soothe it while you wait for a visit to the dentist. Here are a few tips that may help:

• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, to temporarily reduce pain and inflammation.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution several times a day to disinfect the affected area and relieve pressure on the teeth.
• Applying a paste of water and sea salt directly to the affected gums can also offer momentary relief.
• Avoid foods that are too hot or cold, and prefer soft foods to limit the pressure on painful teeth.

These methods are only temporary palliatives and in no way replace a visit to the dentist.

Professional treatment

It's vital to consult a dentist as soon as the first symptoms of toothache appear, to ensure proper treatment and prevent the problem from worsening.

Treatment of dental caries

In the case of tooth decay, the dentist will remove the damaged area before placing an amalgam or composite resin to restore the tooth structure.

Root canal treatment

When infection reaches the tooth pulp, root canal treatment is required. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, disinfecting and sealing the tooth's canals with an inert material.

Dental extraction

In some cases, the tooth is too damaged to be preserved. In these cases, the dentist will have to extract the tooth and propose replacement solutions(implant, bridge...).

In short, toothache is a common problem that can have serious consequences for our dental health if not treated promptly. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to avoid complications.