Causes, Symptoms and Ways to Relieve a Toothache Rifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry

Toothaches, also known as odontalgia, are usually caused by problems with the teeth or jaw, such as cavities, cracked teeth, a bare tooth root, gum disease, disease of the jaw, or muscle spasms.

The severity and intensity of toothaches can vary, it can be chronic and mild to acute and very painful and anywhere in between. A methodical oral test like x-rays can be done to determine the exact reason, whether the toothache is caused by a problem of the teeth or the jaw.

Causes of Toothaches

Cavities are the main cause of toothaches.

Cavities begin with the food debris that sticks to the surface of teeth and provides food for bacteria. The bacteria produces acids that dissolve and destroy the enamel surface of the tooth. Forming a gap (cavity) that if not handled by removing the decayed material and filling it, will spread into the tooth and begin to cause pain. If the cavity spreads further into the tooth, it will erode and destroy the pulp of tooth. Pulp damage can lead to death of the pulp, infection and tooth abscess, requiring either a root canal treatment or extraction to handle the problem.

Other causes of toothaches are:

• Dental abscess
• Gum disease
• Irritation of the tooth root
• Fractured tooth
• Temporomandibular disease
• Tooth impaction

Symptoms of Toothache

Symptoms of Toothache include the following:

• Tooth pain that is throbbing, sharp or constant.
• Sensitivity to warm or cold temperatures.
• Sensitivity to pressure on the tooth.
• Bleeding of the tooth or gums.
• Swelling of the gum surrounding the tooth.
• Swelling of your jaw or face.
• Fever.

Toothache Pain Relief

Here are six ways to reduce or relieve toothache pain:

• Garlic can kill bacteria and relieves pain. A paste made of a crushed garlic clove with a pinch of salt can be spread on the tooth, or gently chew on a clove.
• Placing and holding a piece of freshly chopped onion on the affected tooth, or gently chewing pieces of raw onion has been known to relieve toothache pain.
• Lime or lemon cut into small slices and gently chewed on can also relieve toothaches.
• Wheat grass juice is an outstanding mouthwash to help with toothaches.
• Clove oil has been used to treat toothaches for centuries, it numbs pain and reduces inflammation. Simply apply a small amount to a cotton ball and dab the affected area a few times per day.
• A salt water rinse can also work well, try mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and using it as a mouthwash.

Or if you wish to get a dental cleaning or examination by the best Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist duo, Dr. Rifkin and Dr. Raanan, schedule a consultation today!