How To Get Toothache Pain Relief Instantly
To know how to best manage a toothache at its source, you need to understand what its cause is.
Nearly all tooth pain is caused byswelling inside a tooth.
The reason why swelling inside the tooth causes more pain than swelling in any other part of the body is because the surrounding tooth structure is hard and inflexible.
This means that the swelling inside the tooth has nowhere to go.
Whereas most body parts can expand in size when inflamed, your teeth cannot accommodate such pressure.
Holes in the tooth allow bacteria to infect the nerves inside the pulp- this causes the pulp to swell.
This pressure is why a toothache can make you feel like your tooth is about to explode.
The pulp inside the tooth becomes too large for the hard surface surrounding it.
Now the agony makes sense.
Understanding that the pain of a toothache is caused by swelling can help you get rid of such pain more effectively.
The key is to gear everything you do toreducing the swelling inside the tooth.
Anything you do that does not reduce this swelling will cause only fleeting relief at best.
With this in mind, here are the best ways to reduce swelling quickly and therefore reduce toothache pain.
Get fast relief using painkillers
Painkillers are the best thing to stop a toothache in the short term.
Over the counter painkillers should be your first port of call if you have a toothache
Even over the counter pain medicine can provide a considerable amount of relief from toothache.
Heres the deal:
Heres What To Do If You Have A Toothache
Not sure where you should turn for help? Start with your dentist, Dr. Chang said. Although its possible that your tooth is healthy, its more likely that a dental problem, not a sinus problem, is the cause of your pain. In some cases, it could be both!
With a dental exam and dental x-rays, your dentist can figure out if your problem stems from your tooth. If its a tooth-related problem your dentist can recommend a treatment plan:
- For tooth decay, you may need a filling, crown, root canal, or replacement tooth.
- For gum disease, you may need oral hygiene improvements, special dental cleanings, or medication.
And if your dentist doesnt spot a problem, you can follow up with your primary care provider or ear, nose, and throat specialist.
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How Is A Dental Abscess Diagnosed
Most dental abscesses are due to tooth decay. Many of the risk factors for tooth decay, or dental caries, are also the risk factors for dental abscesses:
- Poor oral health or hygiene
- Lack of dental care follow-up
- An unrepaired cracked tooth
- Methamphetamine abuse
Other risk factors include gum disease, periodontal disease, or a partially erupted tooth.
The painsometimes severe paincaused by abscessed teeth motivates people to seek help. The dentist will do a physical examination of the affected tooth. The tooth or tissues will be painful and sensitive to touch. The dentist will also look for swelling, redness, fever, and other symptoms such as facial redness, lockjaw, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing. If there is trouble breathing or any mental changes, the infection may be a medical emergency.
The initial visit will usually include a panoramic X-ray or an X-ray of the tooth to confirm the diagnosis. In particular, an X-ray can help differentiate a tooth abscess from other conditions such as periodontitis. Depending on the symptoms, the dentist might also X-ray the head and neck to ensure the infection has not spread. No other tests are necessary.
If the infection is more complicated or the patient has a fever and other symptoms, the abscess will require antibiotics. The dentist or healthcare professional will perform a blood test to determine the nature of the infection and the body’s response to it. They might also order a CT or MRI scan.
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Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection
The most obvious symptom of a tooth infection is pain. Intense, sharp, or shooting pain in a tooth is a good indication that there is an infection that needs to be dealt with. Some of the other common symptoms of a tooth infection are:
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Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear
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Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
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Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
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Fever not associated with flu or another illness
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Swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw.
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Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
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Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Peppermint Leaves Peppermint Extract Or Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is known for its ability to reduce swelling and soreness, so its no wonder there are so many ways you can utilize it to help with a toothache! If you have fresh peppermint leaves, you can chew them to help with the pain, or if they are dry, simply hold them against the tooth.
If you have peppermint extract on hand, soak a cotton ball or a Q-tip in it and hold it on the affected tooth for a brief time.
Finally, you can use peppermint in tea with just a few dry leaves in a cup of warm water. Simply steep them for 20 minutes and swish some in your mouth.
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Oral Health Problems Causing Sinus Infections
A sinus infection and toothache doesnt just go hand in hand, but also other oral health problems. There are also instances where poor oral health may cause a sinus infection instead. The bacteria in an infected tooth can penetrate the bone and eventually into your sinuses. This is also common in patients who do not clean their dentures at night. The same bacteria under your dentures can penetrate your sinuses and cause a sinus infection. Sinus infections also have many overlapping symptoms with TMJ. If your doctor tells you that you dont have a sinus infection but youre still suffering from certain symptoms like a toothache and frequent headaches, it might be TMJ instead. We can help you treat TMJ.
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The Final Word On Dental Abscesses: A Summary
Tooth abscesses are pockets of pus that are caused by bacterial infections in the tooth root or gum tissue. They can range in severity from serious tooth pain to fevers to swelling and can ultimately be life-threatening. Treatment includes draining the abscess, antibiotics, root canal therapy, and removing foreign objects from the mouth.
To prevent tooth abscesses, follow a thorough oral hygiene routine, avoid too much sugar, see your dentist regularly, and do not ignore any warning signs.
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Is It A Toothache Or A Sinus Infection
If youre like the 28 million adults who suffer from sinus infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you know how painful they can be. The addition of sinus infection tooth pain caused by pressure in your nasal cavity can be all the more distressing if youre unaware of this side effect.
Its important to determine whether a sinus infection is the cause of your toothache, though. Reach out to your doctor if you have a cold turned sinus infection, or contact your dentist if the pain originated in your teeth.
The American Rhinologic Society defines sinusitis as the inflammation of your nasal passage lining, and a cold that persists longer than two weeks can develop into an acute sinus infection. This begins in your maxillary sinuses, located just above your molar teeth roots, and can swell with the buildup of bacterial or viral mucus. The pressure it puts on dental nerve endings can cause a painful sensation on one or more of your teeth.
If you have a sinus infection, the best way to get rid of your tooth pain is to target the backlog of mucus. Try these five tips for relieving sinus infection tooth pain:
Add a steamy shower or a peppermint steam solution to your daily care, as well. Peppermint and steam both help cut decongestion and pain .
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Can A Root Canal Cause A Sinus Infection Learn Everything You Need To Know
If you have symptoms of a sinus infection after a root canal in Port Orange, you may be wondering if your sinus infection is related to your recent treatment. Is it possible for a root canal to cause these symptoms? The team at Smillie Dental is happy to discuss the details about whether or not root canals can cause sinus infections.
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Use Peppermint Tea Bags
Generally considered safe, peppermint tea bags have mild numbing properties that can ease oral pain for a short time. Most people prefer to cool their tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes before use. You can also apply the tea bag while its still warm and then wait for it to cool. This can create a pleasing sensation that can help take your mind off your toothache.
Best Natural Home Remedies For Tooth Infection Pain And Swelling
A tooth infection is often caused by bacteria that get into the tooth through a dental cavity or crack and then spread to the root tip. If untreated, the tooth infection can spread to the bone supporting the tooth, hence causing some life-threatening complications. If you notice signs of a tooth infection, see a dentist as soon as possible. Also, in order to fight the tooth infection and reduce the severity of symptoms, try some of the following natural home remedies.
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When To See A Dentist
People with a toothache at night should see a dentist as soon as possible. Any home remedies are only for temporary relief.
If the toothache also comes with other signs of an infection, a person may need antibiotics to clear out the infection.
When a cracked or decaying tooth is causing the pain, a person should see their dentist. They will be able to find a permanent solution.
Ignoring the signs of tooth decay, such as an aching tooth, may lead to more serious issues, including abscesses, gum disease, and tooth loss.
What Is Emergency Dental Care

Emergency dental care is an incredibly important service, one that we strive to make available to our customers.
Sudden toothaches are very painful, so much so that it can even hinder you from getting to your local dentist who can solve the problem. Toothache symptoms might include:
- Sharp tooth pain that feels like someone is stabbing at your tooth with something pointed, like a pick
- Throbbing tooth pain where you might feel like your tooth has its own heartbeat
- Inflammation around the tooth, such as in the gumline
- Red, irritated gums
- Generalized mouth pain that is hard to pinpoint
Tooth pain can be a symptom of another larger issue, such as tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can be seriously difficult and expensive problem to treat. If you have other serious symptoms, such as fever and chills, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a foul tasting discharge, there is a chance you have more serious dental issues that need to be addressed immediately.
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Apply A Cold Compress
In general, there are two ways to stop or blunt toothache pain. The first involves reducing inflammation, while the second centers on interrupting the signals from the injury to the brain. You can accomplish the first goal by applying a cold pack or bag of frozen vegetables to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time. Just be sure to use a piece of cloth as a buffer, so you dont accidentally damage your skin. This can help alleviate discomfort by blunting pain and reducing swelling.
When To See A Doctor
While these home remedies can help with tooth infection pain, theyre not treatments that will cure an infection on their own:
Keep in mind that dental abscesses can cause significant health problems, especially if left untreated. If you think you have an infection in your tooth, seek medical or dental careor chat with a K doctorright away to find out whats going on.
Along with treating your infection, your provider can also help with pain relief.
You should also consult with a medical provider if your infection is currently being treated with antibiotics but symptoms arent resolving, or if theyre getting worse.
And if you have symptoms including fever, chills, confusion, or fast heart rate accompanied by a tooth infection, seek immediate medical care.
These signs could indicate a spreading infection or even sepsis, a potentially fatal complication that occurs when bacteria enters a persons bloodstream.
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How To Cure A Tooth Infection
If you have signs and symptoms of a tooth infection, it is important to call your dentist as soon as possible. Dentists can help in a few ways, but remember that this infection will not go away on its own- treatment is necessary.
If you notice the symptoms go away, and you are no longer in pain, this does not mean the infection is gone. An infection can eventually kill the nerves that cause pain in your tooth, meaning you wont feel it anymore. The infection is still present and can potentially spread to your body and damage the surrounding teeth and your gums.
- A dentist or endodontist can perform a root canal, which is a procedure in which the infected pulp in your teeth is removed to prevent further infection.
What Are Dental Abscesses
If youre experiencing a concerning amount of pain or discomfort in your mouth, it may be caused by a condition known as a dental abscess. An abscess is a pocket created by bacteria that can occur in your tooth or gums .
Your abscess may be caused by:
- An improper oral care routine
- Traumatic injury to your face or mouth
- Faulty or damaged dental work
Symptoms of a dental abscess may include:
- Persistent pain sourced from your mouth, jaw, neck, or ear
- Swelling around the affected areas
- Sensitivity to touch, pressure, or temperature
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth due to the abscess draining
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How To Treat Tooth Pain Caused By A Blocked Sinus
Have your symptoms lasted more than a week? Are you suffering from severe tooth pain caused by a blocked sinus? If so, it is time to go to see the doctor. You and your doctor can discuss a treatment program. With their help, you can end your sinus infection and ease your toothache.
Your doctor is likely to prescribe you corticosteroid drops or a spray, and/ or an antibiotic. While sometimes these medicines are necessary, they may not ease your symptoms. If your tooth pain persists you should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist. At this point, they may want to discuss your surgical options.
Once you have cured the infection, it is time to start thinking about solving the problem for good.
Who Gets Gum Disease
Gingivitis is very common. Almost half of all adults older than 30 have some kind of gum disease.
Gum disease is more likely to occur in:
- Men, though researchers arent sure why. It could have to do with hormones or that men are more likely to get related diseases. Men also tend not to go to the dentist as often.
- People living in poverty and those with less than a high school education. These factors are tied to a number of diseases.
- People who smoke, since smoking weakens the bodys ability to fight infection.
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Is Your Sinus Infection Really A Tooth Infection
This time of year, many people develop sinus infections as a side effect of colds or flus. Often, they will pass without much special care. However, some persist, lasting for weeks or increasing in intensity, which can drive you to a doctor. Sometimes, this will help, but other times it doesnt. If typical treatments arent helping with your sinus infection, it might be time to consider that your infection might not be a sinus infection after all. It could be an infected tooth, which requires special care to treat.
How To Stop Tooth Pain Fast

Sometimes over-the-counter medication and at-home remedies arent enough to stop tooth pain. When youre not sure what to do for tooth pain, its time to visit a professional.
Whenever dental pain is too much to stand, emergency dental care is warranted. If the pain is severe, use your dentists emergency care line. Otherwise, schedule an examination as soon as possible, so you can get pain relief and avoid further complications.
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