Sudden throbbing, unbearable aches that keep you up at night... Once a toothache starts, the only question in mind is: ‘’How can I get relief from this toothache?’’ This condition, which begins in the mouth and affects your entire quality of life, can make daily routines difficult, from sleep and eating to focus and social life.
The causes and solutions for toothache vary from person to person. Cavities, infections, gum disease, and trauma are the main sources of this problem. Experts emphasize that untreated toothache can progress to permanent tooth loss over time. While natural methods you can apply at home might temporarily alleviate the pain, in some cases, dental intervention is absolutely necessary.
In this article, Clinic UltraDent will examine the primary causes and symptoms of toothache, and then delve into 6 effective natural methods you can safely apply at home. We'll also explain situations where these methods fall short, foods and drinks that worsen the pain, and critical symptoms that indicate you need professional help.
What Causes a Toothache?
Severe toothache is a serious condition that can disrupt daily life and lead to sleepless nights. Understanding the source of the pain is the first step in choosing the right treatment method. Many factors affecting our oral health can cause different types of toothaches.
Pain from Cavities and Inflammation
One of the most common causes of toothache is dental cavities. A cavity starts with the erosion of the hard tissue of the tooth, allowing bacteria to reach the inner tissues. Initially manifesting as sensitivity to sweet foods, a cavity progresses to severe, throbbing pain as it worsens.
If left untreated, bacteria can reach the pulp, which is the nerve tissue of the tooth, causing pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp). Increased pain, especially at night, radiating to the ear, neck, or jaw, along with hot-cold sensitivity, are typical symptoms of this process.
In advanced cases, the infection can lead to root canal inflammation and abscess formation in the surrounding bone tissue. The most common symptoms of root canal inflammation include:
- Severe, throbbing pain radiating to the jawbone, neck, and ear.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Pain during chewing and biting.
- Swelling in the face, cheek, and neck.
- Fever and general malaise.
- Bad taste and odor in the mouth.
Root canal inflammation requires professional care to heal effectively. While temporary relief may occur, it doesn’t mean the issue is fully resolved. With timely treatment, long-term oral health can be safely preserved.
Wisdom Teeth and Sinus Infections
Wisdom teeth (or third molars) are located at the very back of the mouth and typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. If these teeth don't find enough space in the jaw, they can remain fully or partially impacted, leading to undesirable situations.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain by putting pressure on surrounding tissues during their eruption process. The main reasons for this pain are:
- Irritation of the gum tissue.
- Development of infection around the tooth.
- Pressure on neighboring teeth.
Food debris and bacteria can accumulate around partially impacted wisdom teeth, leading to inflammation. As a result, redness, swelling, limited mouth opening, and severe pain may occur in the gums.
Sinus infections (sinusitis) are also a significant factor causing toothache. Especially the roots of the upper back teeth are very close to the maxillary sinus cavities. Due to this anatomical proximity, during sinusitis:
- Thickening of the sinus membrane can put pressure on tooth roots.
- Fluid accumulation in the sinus cavities increases pressure.
- Increased pressure leads to pain and sensitivity in the upper molars.
Sinus toothache is usually dull and aching. It can affect more than one tooth even if there isn't a true dental problem. It may worsen with jumping or bending over, while sitting or lying down might alleviate it. This pain is often accompanied by nasal congestion, facial pressure, and a reduced sense of smell.
Conversely, dental infections can also lead to sinusitis. Infections in the upper teeth, in particular, can spread to the sinus cavities. In such cases, toothache and sinusitis symptoms appear together.
Bruxism and Gum Disease
Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth. This condition, affecting approximately 2 out of 5 people in society, is often associated with stress, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Symptoms of bruxism include:
- Tooth fractures, wear, and looseness.
- Hot-cold sensitivity.
- Jaw pain and limited movement.
- Clicking or locking in the jaw joint.
- Headaches and neck pain.
Gum diseases (periodontal diseases) are common causes of toothache. These diseases, which lead to infection in the tissues supporting the teeth, can cause serious problems if left untreated.
The most prominent symptom is gum bleeding. Healthy gums do not bleed. Other common symptoms include swelling, redness, purplish discoloration, recession, enlargement, looseness, sensitivity, and bad breath.
The primary cause of gum diseases is the microbial dental plaque layer, which consists of uncleaned food debris and bacteria. This plaque can damage surrounding tissues, leading to severe gum problems.
Additionally, brushing teeth too hard, improper flossing, hormonal changes, vitamin C deficiency, and certain medications can negatively affect gum health.
Accurately determining the source of toothache is critically important for effective treatment. Regardless of the cause, if left untreated, pain can lead to bigger problems. Therefore, for severe toothaches, a dentist must be consulted.
What Are the Symptoms of Toothache?
A discomfort starting in your teeth means your body is signaling you an important message. Toothache develops with various symptoms that can vary from person to person. Recognizing these symptoms early can enable you to resolve the problem before it escalates.
Throbbing, Sensitivity, and Swelling
The most basic symptom of toothache is pain felt in or around the tooth. This pain can appear in different forms. Most people describe toothache as a continuous dull ache or a sudden and severe sharp pain. However, one of the most common complaints is a throbbing pain that recurs similar to a pulse. This throbbing becomes more pronounced, especially in cases of root canal inflammation.
Excessive sensitivity to hot and cold foods in the aching tooth is one of the primary symptoms of toothache. If the pain increases, especially when consuming hot beverages like tea or coffee, or cold foods like ice cream, it indicates an underlying problem. This sensitivity arises when tooth enamel is worn down or the dentin layer is exposed due to a cavity.
Toothache is often accompanied by redness and swelling in the gums. This swelling can be localized around the aching tooth or spread to the face, cheek, or neck as the infection progresses. In advanced cases, difficulty swallowing and breathing may occur.
Increased pain during chewing is also an important symptom. This pain, which intensifies when eating or biting, can negatively affect daily life; sometimes, the mouth cannot be fully opened, and chewing function may be restricted.
Along with toothache, bad breath and an unpleasant taste may develop in the mouth. This is more pronounced in abscesses or advanced gum infections. Bacterial proliferation and inflammation are the main causes of these discomforts.
Toothache often worsens in a lying position. This is because blood accumulates more in the head region when lying down, increasing pressure in the infected area. The pain can sometimes be severe enough to interrupt sleep and negatively affect sleep patterns.
Ear Pain and Fever
Toothache can frequently radiate to the ear. Especially lower jaw molar teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, and infections can cause pain radiating to the ear via the trigeminal nerve. Jaw, tooth, and ear nerves are interconnected.
Pressure from erupting wisdom teeth and inflammation in the tooth root can create pressure and throbbing in the ear. While earaches usually come with dizziness and hearing problems, tooth related pain increases with chewing and hot cold sensitivity.
Dental infections can lead to fever, which usually lasts 1-3 days. Along with high fever, inflammation, and abscesses, malaise and bad breath can also be observed. If the infection spreads, swallowing becomes difficult, and neck lymph nodes swell.
In abscessed teeth, fever decreases within 48-72 hours with treatment, but if left untreated, symptoms may recur. Infection challenges the body's defenses and negatively affects general health.
6 Home Remedies For Toothaches
When you experience a toothache, you might not be able to reach a dentist immediately. In such situations, some natural methods you can try at home can temporarily alleviate your pain. These methods are not curative but merely pain relieving, providing comfort until you can visit a dentist.
1. Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater gargle is one of the most common and effective home remedies for toothache. Thanks to its natural antiseptic properties, salt reduces the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and helps relieve gum inflammation.
How to prepare and apply? Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and mix thoroughly. Swish this mixture in your mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. A crucial point to note is not to swallow the saltwater. You can repeat this process 3-4 times a day.
Saltwater gargle reduces swelling in the gums and alleviates pain. It also enables the removal of food debris between teeth.
2. Cold Compress (Ice Packs)
Cold compress is a highly effective method, especially for toothaches caused by swelling and inflammation. Applying cold to the painful area constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and swelling.
How to apply? Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply it to the outer part of the cheek where the aching tooth is located for 15-20 minutes. Then take a break for a while and reapply if necessary. Avoid direct contact of ice with the tooth or gum, as this may increase sensitivity.
A cold compress is very beneficial, especially for toothaches and swelling after trauma. However, it may not be effective enough for pain caused by cavities or nerve issues.
3. Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural remedy used for centuries to relieve toothache. Thanks to its eugenol content, it exhibits strong analgesic (pain-relieving) and antiseptic effects.
How to use it? Dip a clean cotton swab into clove oil and gently apply it to the aching tooth or the surrounding gum. Alternatively, you can dilute a few drops of clove oil with olive oil or coconut oil before use. Be careful not to swallow clove oil.
Clove oil provides temporary numbness in the applied area, alleviating pain. It also reduces infection thanks to its antibacterial properties. Clove has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years.
4. Garlic Paste
Garlic acts like a natural antibiotic with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Used for centuries to relieve toothache, this remedy is effective in reducing pain caused by bacteria.
How to prepare and apply? Crush a clove of garlic and add a little salt to make a paste. Apply this mixture to the aching tooth or gum. The strong taste and smell of garlic can be unpleasant, and it may cause a burning sensation on sensitive gums. Therefore, it's important to apply it for a short period and not press too hard.
Garlic alleviates pain while also reducing bacteria in the mouth.
5. Peppermint Tea Bag
Peppermint can be effective in soothing toothache due to its mild anesthetic and soothing properties. Especially its antibacterial properties can also reduce the risk of infection.
How to apply? Place a used and cooled peppermint tea bag on the aching tooth and gently press. The tea bag can be warm or cool, but not too hot. Keep the tea bag in place for a few minutes.
Applying a peppermint tea bag provides relief, especially for pain caused by gum inflammation. Additionally, the refreshing effect of peppermint can help eliminate bad breath.
6. Vanilla Extract or Oregano Oil
Vanilla extract and oregano oil are other natural remedies used to relieve toothache. Both have antiseptic properties and can temporarily alleviate pain.
How to use it? For vanilla extract: Place a few drops of pure vanilla extract on a cotton ball and gently apply it to the aching tooth or gum. The alcohol in vanilla extract eases toothaches, while its antioxidants may have healing effects.
For oregano oil: You can add a few drops of oregano oil to a glass of warm water and gargle, or apply diluted oregano oil to the painful area with a cotton swab. Thanks to oregano's strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, your pain may be relieved.
While these natural methods can temporarily alleviate your toothache, they should not be used to delay seeing a dentist. Remember that these methods only help reduce pain. To permanently treat toothache, the underlying reason needs to be resolved, and a dentist must be consulted for this.
In What Situations Are Home Remedies Not Enough for Toothache?
While home remedies can provide temporary relief in some cases, they fall short under certain conditions. Especially in more serious dental problems, these methods can only suppress the pain for a short time, but they cannot solve the underlying issue.
When Your Painkiller Isn’t Working
If your toothache persists despite using pain relievers, this usually indicates a more serious problem. Painkillers only temporarily alleviate symptoms but do not eliminate the root cause. Persistent toothaches that don't respond to painkillers are often a sign of advanced infection or potential nerve damage.
Specifically, home remedies and painkillers are insufficient in the following situations:
- Advanced dental cavities: Cavities that extend beyond the dentin layer to the pulp (tooth nerve) can cause severe pain despite painkillers. In this case, tooth fillings or root canal treatment may be necessary.
- Root canal inflammation: When bacteria reach the tip of the tooth root, it will not go away without antibiotic treatment and professional intervention. In such infections, antibiotics alone are not sufficient, and evaluation by a dentist is absolutely necessary.
- Tooth fracture or crack: Cracks or fractures extending to the nerve tissue of the tooth also cause pain that home remedies cannot alleviate.
Your dentist will determine the true cause of the pain by taking X-rays and conducting a thorough examination. Based on the diagnosis, appropriate treatment methods such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction will be applied.
Inflamed Tooth and Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection inside the teeth, in the gums, or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. This is a serious health issue that cannot be handled with home remedies and requires urgent dental intervention.
Symptoms of an abscess include:
- Severe pain in the tooth or gum (may radiate to the ear, jaw, and neck).
- Swelling and redness in the face, cheek, or gums.
- Bad taste or odor in the mouth.
- High fever and general malaise.
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing.
- Swelling in the jawbone.
With early treatment, a dental abscess can be controlled, and the spread of the infection to the jaw, neck, or body can be prevented. This enables them to avoid more serious health problems. If dental abscess symptoms are noticed, consulting a specialist dentist without delay is the correct step for your health.
Similarly, root canal inflammation also does not heal on its own. Even if the pain subsides, it does not mean healing. With proper treatment, the spread of the infection is prevented, and a healthy oral environment is maintained. Early intervention makes a big difference in protecting your teeth and overall health.
Sever Toothache While Sleeping and Fever
Toothache often intensifies at night in a lying position. This is because blood flow to the head area increases in a horizontal position, raising pressure in the inflamed area. A toothache severe enough to wake you from sleep is an indication of a serious condition. This situation requires urgent intervention, especially when accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
- Malaise and general poor condition.
- Significant swelling in the face and jaw.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Swelling and fever accompanying toothache indicate that your body is actively fighting an infection. In such cases, early intervention is very valuable; consulting your dentist without delay is the correct step to protect your health. Professional support prevents the risk of infection spread and speeds up your recovery process.
Foods & Drinks That Can Worsen Toothache
When experiencing a toothache, certain foods and drinks can intensify your pain. These foods can put extra strain on sensitive teeth, worsening discomfort or prolonging the healing process. Managing your dietary habits correctly can enable you to better control your toothache and increase your comfort.
Very Hot and Very Cold Drinks
Extremely hot or cold beverages can cause sudden and sharp pain, especially in individuals with tooth sensitivity. If you feel a tingling sensation in your teeth when consuming cold drinks and ice cream, which are indispensable in summer, it is a sign that you are facing a tooth sensitivity problem.
Temperature changes directly stimulate tooth nerves, increasing discomfort. In teeth with weakened enamel, fluid movement after hot, cold, sour, or sweet foods and drinks is felt by the tooth nerve and causes a tingling sensation. Therefore, consumption at moderate temperatures should be preferred.
The most common beverages that cause sensitivity when they come into contact with tooth nerves are:
- Iced water and cold drinks.
- Hot coffee and tea.
- Ice cream and frozen desserts.
In such situations, avoiding excessively hot or cold beverages for a while alleviates the pain.
Sugary and Acidic Foods
Frequent consumption of sugary foods leads to continuous acid formation in the mouth and, consequently, an increased risk of cavities. Similarly, sugary foods accelerate plaque formation in the mouth. This plaque can eventually harden into tartar and lead to gum disease.
Acidic beverages, on the other hand, directly cause the erosion of tooth enamel. Especially:
- Carbonated drinks
- Energy drinks
- Fruit juices
- Lemon flavored drinks
These beverages erode tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to cavity formation. Therefore, when experiencing toothache, avoiding sugary and acidic foods prevent the pain from intensifying.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard crackers can strain cracked teeth during chewing or put pressure on the gums, intensifying the pain.
Hard and crunchy foods can cut or scratch the gums when eating, which can lead to gum pain or even bleeding. Especially in individuals with sensitive gums, such foods can trigger gum inflammation.
Hard foods to avoid when experiencing toothache include:
- Nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts)
- Popcorn
- Hard crackers and crisps
- Hard candies
- Hard vegetables and fruits like raw carrots and apples
Avoiding certain foods can prevent your toothache from getting worse until you see the dentist. Remember, even small changes to what you eat can significantly ease your discomfort.
When Should I See a Dentist?
While home remedies can sometimes provide temporary relief for toothache, professional intervention is often necessary. So, when should you see a dentist? Certain symptoms indicate that your problem will not resolve on its own and that you absolutely need expert consultation.
If the Pain Lasts Longer Than 2 Days
If your toothache lasts longer than a few hours, continues for days, or becomes severe enough to wake you up at night, it might be more than just simple sensitivity. Such continuous pain is often a sign of nerve damage, inflammation, or an advanced cavity.
Pain that doesn't subside despite using painkillers is an important indicator that you need to see your dentist. Especially if the pain radiates to the jaw area or is accompanied by other symptoms, expert intervention should not be delayed.
Your dentist will determine the true cause of the pain by taking X-rays and conducting a comprehensive examination and will offer you the most suitable treatment. Preventing such problems with regular check-ups is the best step for a healthy and comfortable mouth.
If There's Facial Swelling and Pus
When toothache is accompanied by fever and swelling in the face or jaw area, it indicates that your body is actively fighting an infection. In this situation, quick and accurate intervention is crucial. Early treatment is life saving to prevent the spread of infection. In such cases, consulting a specialist without losing time is the most correct step for your health.
Symptoms of a dental abscess include:
- Severe pain (may radiate to the ear, jaw, and neck)
- Swelling and redness in the face or gums
- Bad taste or odor in the mouth
- High fever and general malaise
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Swelling in the jawbone
A dental abscess is not a condition that resolves on its own. Therefore, if symptoms appear, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
If Pain Continues After Root Canal Treatment
Even after a successful root canal treatment, a mild toothache can occur. However, this pain should subside quickly. If the pain does not decrease but rather increases, it is recommended to consult a dentist without delay.
If the pain you experience after the completion of root canal treatment does not subside within 2 or 3 days, you must consult your dentist. Similarly, swelling around the treated tooth or in the facial area is normal, but this swelling should decrease after two days. If the swelling persists, the root canal treatment might have been unsuccessful.
In conclusion, early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance for your dental health. When you experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, or fever, or if the pain does not subside after treatment, consulting a dentist without delay prevents more serious health problems.
FAQs
- How can I quickly relieve a toothache at home? Natural methods such as gargling with saltwater, applying a cold compress to the aching area, or applying clove oil can temporarily alleviate toothache. However, these methods only provide short-term relief; you need to see a dentist for a permanent solution.
- What should I do in case of severe toothache? In case of severe and persistent toothache, you should see a dentist without delay. Especially if the pain is accompanied by fever, facial swelling, or pus, this is an emergency and requires professional intervention.
- Which foods and drinks can worsen toothache? Very hot or cold drinks, sugary and acidic foods, and hard and crunchy foods can intensify toothache. Avoiding these types of foods prevents the pain from increasing.
- What can I do if I can't sleep due to a toothache? Sleeping with a raised pillow, applying a cold compress to the aching area, gargling with saltwater, and using doctor recommended pain relievers can alleviate night-time toothache. However, if the pain is severe and prevents you from sleeping, it's important to consult a dentist.
- Does a dental abscess go away on its own? No, a dental abscess does not heal on its own. Sometimes, an abscess may burst, and the pain may temporarily decrease, but this does not mean the problem is resolved. Untreated abscesses can lead to the spread of infection throughout the body and serious health problems. Therefore, it must be treated by a dentist.
- Is alcohol good for toothache? It can provide temporary numbness but is not a medical solution. It's best to consult a dentist.
- Can a tooth with pain get a root canal treatment? Yes, root canal treatment is generally the most effective solution for infected teeth causing pain.
- What eases inflammation of the toothache? Cold compresses, saltwater gargles, and appropriate pain relievers can provide relief. However, dental intervention is absolutely necessary.
- How to soothe your baby’s discomfort? Special teething toys, gentle finger massage, and gels recommended by a dentist can be soothing.
- What is the best painkiller for toothache? Common painkillers like naproxen or ibuprofen are effective. They should be used with a dentist's approval.
- Does a cold compress relieve toothache? Yes, especially if there is swelling, a cold compress helps alleviate pain.
- Can I eat when I have a toothache? If possible, avoid using the painful area; soft, lukewarm foods should be preferred.
- Why does toothache worsen at night? Blood flow to the head increases in a lying position, which can increase pressure in the inflamed area.
- How does toothache relief work in children? Gargling with warm salt water, appropriate painkillers, and dental check-ups are the most effective approaches.
- How do you ease a toothache at night? Temporarily, painkillers, cold compresses, and keeping the head elevated can help. For a permanent solution, a dentist should be consulted.
- How does wisdom tooth pain go away? Relief can be provided with cold compresses and painkillers. However, treatment should be planned by a dentist according to the source of the problem.
- Can toothache radiate to the ear? Yes, especially toothaches in the lower jaw can radiate to the ear due to nerve connections.
- Why does gum pain occur? It usually results from plaque buildup, improper brushing, gum inflammation, or hormonal changes.
- Does toothache occur after root canal treatment? Mild sensitivity is normal and resolves within a few days. If it persists, a dentist should be consulted.
- Does toothache occur after a filling? Temporary sensitivity may occur. If there is severe or prolonged pain, a dentist should be consulted.