The most common causes of toothache

Toothache is often caused by various oral and dental health problems. Common causes include tooth decay, gum disease, and problems with wisdom teeth eruption. Malocclusions, such as bruxism (teeth grinding), can also cause pain that radiates to the teeth. Irritation or inflammation of the nerve tissue caused by a chip can also be a significant cause of toothache, as can chronic diseases and various infections in the oral cavity.

If the pain lasts longer than just occasional twinges, it is usually advisable to make an appointment with a dentist to determine the cause of the pain. For the purposes of diagnosis and treatment, it is essential that the toothache be examined thoroughly and professionally. Some causes of pain require more urgent treatment.

Pulpitis

Inflammation of the dental pulp, or pulpitis, is most often caused by advanced tooth decay, which allows bacteria to reach the dental pulp. The pulp can also become exposed to infection as a result of a chipped tooth or other traumatic injury. Inflammation of the dental pulp can be particularly painful, as the pulp contains many nerves.

A typical symptom of pulpitis is that tooth pain worsens at night and when chewing.

An infected tooth pulp often requires root canal treatment, but in the most severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with, for example, a dental implant.

Symptoms caused by tooth decay

Tooth erosion is caused by prolonged exposure of the teeth to acidic substances. It weakens tooth enamel and can cause a variety of symptoms.

• A sharp pain caused by cold or hot foods and beverages
• Discoloration of the teeth due to enamel wear
• Detecting tooth surface smoothing
• The formation of pits or grooves on the surface of teeth
• Thinning of the tooth enamel, which can be felt when touching it with a finger

Thinned enamel, microcracks in the enamel, or a leaking dental filling often cause sensitivity to temperature, such as a sharp pain when consuming cold or hot drinks or foods. On the other hand, this sharp pain can also be caused by receding gums and the exposure of the tooth neck.

These symptoms may worsen over time if the cause of the erosion is not identified and treated properly.

Treatment strategies for erosion are based on protecting and strengthening damaged enamel, as well as addressing potential underlying causes, such as diet or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Pain caused by gingivitis

Tooth pain caused by gingivitis is a common problem. It usually manifests as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums when brushing teeth or eating. The pain may be throbbing or sharp.

The buildup of tartar is a major factor in the development of gingivitis. Regular dental checkups, tartar removal, and good oral hygiene are key to preventing and treating inflammation. Gingivitis often does not heal until tartar has been thoroughly removed.

At its worst, gingivitis can lead to the destruction of the periodontal tissues and, consequently, to tooth loss. This is referred to as advanced periodontitis, or a disease of the periodontal tissues.

You can prevent or slow down tartar buildup by flossing between your teeth twice a day as part of your brushing routine. It’s important to floss along the gumline as well. If your gums bleed when flossing or brushing, it is likely a sign of early gum disease, and this is not a reason to stop flossing. Instead, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist, who can refer you to a dental hygienist for tartar removal and determine what other treatment the gum inflammation requires.

However, gingivitis can be caused by factors other than tartar.

Gingivitis should be taken seriously: starting treatment early reduces the risk of complications.

Problems with wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of oral health problems. Often, symptoms begin as pain or inflammation around the wisdom tooth. This pain can radiate to other areas of the jaw.

The eruption of a wisdom tooth can be difficult if there isn’t enough space for it. This can lead to the tooth erupting only partially or even growing crooked. This situation can contribute to the buildup of food debris and an increased risk of infection, which in turn causes pain and swelling.

Pericoronitis is a common problem associated with the eruption of wisdom teeth, in which bacteria accumulate around the gum pocket, causing inflammation. If the condition does not improve on its own or with good oral hygiene, you should see a dentist.

Sometimes a wisdom tooth can put pressure on other teeth, which can lead to pain and changes in tooth alignment. If this pressure persists, a wisdom tooth can even affect the bite and chewing function, underscoring the need for a professional evaluation and treatment.

Wisdom tooth extraction is an option to consider if the tooth or teeth are expected to continue causing problems. The procedure is always performed under local anesthesia. Both the complexity of the procedure and the recovery time depend largely on the position of the wisdom tooth and the patient’s age. Typically, extraction is easier for patients under the age of 25. In the easiest cases, wisdom tooth extraction can be completed in a couple of minutes, and the recovery time is a few days. After tooth extraction, you should avoid strenuous exercise and saunas.

Bite problems and muscle tension

Sometimes the root cause of pain that can be felt all the way in the teeth may lie in the jaw muscles. For example, bruxism—or constant, unconscious grinding—can cause the chewing muscles to become stiff and sore, with pain radiating to the teeth and other areas of the head. Over time, bruxism can also damage the teeth and thus cause toothaches.

If you suspect bruxism, you should schedule a consultation with a dentist. Possible treatments include night guards and Botox injections into the jaw muscles.

Teeth damaged by grinding may require treatment, such as fillings, veneers, or crowns.

Any malocclusion can also cause pain, particularly in the jaw joints. In such cases, it’s a good idea to discuss orthodontic treatment options with your dentist.

Home Remedies for Pain Relief

The following home remedies may provide temporary relief from toothache before you see a dentist. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can reduce swelling and relieve inflammation. A cold compress on your cheek reduces both swelling and pain. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also provide temporary relief. However, it is important to remember that these remedies are only temporary and do not address the underlying cause of the pain. If the pain persists or worsens, you should consult a dentist immediately.

Cold and heat therapy

Cold therapy utilizes the effects of cold to reduce inflammation and sensitivity to pain. The use of cold packs relieves pain and reduces swelling. Cold therapy is particularly recommended after dental procedures and in cases of dental trauma. In the case of tooth pain, the cold compress should be placed against the cheek, as placing it directly on the sensitive tooth may increase pain. It is important to protect the skin from frostbite by placing a thin cloth or towel between the cold compress and the skin.

An ice pack or cold gel pack can also be used as first aid for acute tooth pain. Cold therapy should last a total of 10–20 minutes, in intervals of a few minutes at a time. The treatment can be repeated if necessary. Cold therapy may help reduce pain immediately and slow the spread of inflammation to neighboring teeth and surrounding tissue.

On the other hand, heat therapy can be used to relax cramped jaw muscles. Placing a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the sore area can relieve tension, promote blood circulation, and thereby alleviate pain. However, heat should not be applied immediately after a possible injury or to an inflamed area, as it can worsen swelling and inflammation.

Many people alternate between heat and cold therapy to get the most out of both treatments. In this type of sequential therapy, cold therapy constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation, while heat therapy dilates them and promotes healing. However, the specific choice and timing of treatments should be determined on an individual basis and in accordance with professional advice.

Remember that heat and cold therapy are only temporary remedies. If your symptoms persist, it is recommended that you see a dentist as soon as possible. A professional’s expertise ensures proper treatment of the problem and helps prevent further complications.

The Proper Use of Pain Relievers

When using pain relievers, it is important to follow the dosage instructions very carefully.

1. Read the package insert carefully and follow the dosage instructions exactly.
2. Start with the lowest recommended dose and increase the dose as needed, following your doctor’s instructions.
3. Do not exceed the maximum dose, as this can pose serious health risks. For example, an overdose of acetaminophen can easily cause liver damage.
4. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and many types of pain relievers while taking pain medication.
5. Contact your dentist if the pain persists or worsens despite taking the medication.
6. If you are pregnant or have any drug allergies, talk to a healthcare professional about medication safety before using pain relievers.

Before seeking treatment, medication should be at a tolerable and safe level, and it must not mask the severity of symptoms or prevent the dentist from making an accurate diagnosis.

Please note that pain relievers do not cure the underlying problem; they only alleviate the symptoms. That is why it is important to see a healthcare professional.

When is it time to see a dentist?

The onset of tooth pain or a sudden worsening of pain is a clear sign that you should make an appointment with a dentist. Unbearable pain, swelling, fever, or a general decline in well-being are alarming symptoms that require immediate professional evaluation and treatment. Also, if the intensity of the pain prevents you from performing normal activities, such as eating, drinking, or speaking, you should visit the dentist.

Toothache is almost always a sign of an oral health problem that requires a diagnosis by a dentist and a structured treatment plan. Acting without delay often helps prevent problems from worsening and avoids permanent damage to your teeth or gums. Seeking timely dental care is an investment in your oral health.

Recognizing Signs of Infection

An infection in a tooth or gum can manifest in various ways, and the recognized signs can help determine the urgency of treatment. For example, swelling, redness, warmth, and pain are typical symptoms of an infection.

As the infection progresses, more obvious symptoms may appear that require immediate attention from a dentist. This may mean that medication or a procedure is needed. The infection can cause noticeable swelling in the mouth or face, and may also be accompanied by a fever, general malaise, or even swollen lymph nodes.

In particular, if the pain is constant and severe, it usually indicates an acute condition that requires immediate treatment. Constant pain may result, for example, from the formation of a fistula or abscess, which is a clear sign of inflammation of a tooth or gum. In addition, a sharp, stabbing pain may be a sign of nerve tissue irritation or inflammation.

It is important to recognize and respond to these symptoms of infection early on, so they do not spread or lead to more serious health problems. An experienced dentist can assess the severity of the symptoms and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Tips from the experts on preventing toothaches

Dental professionals recommend brushing with an electric toothbrush twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time, using fluoride toothpaste. The toothbrush should be small and have soft bristles. Even with a regular toothbrush, softer bristles help prevent gum damage and enamel wear. Cleaning between teeth should be part of your daily oral hygiene routine—using dental floss or interdental brushes can help prevent tartar buildup and gum inflammation.

If you experience tooth pain, contact your dentist promptly so that the cause and appropriate treatment can be identified as early as possible.

It is possible to get treatment quickly, but in the public sector, emergency hours are limited and are generally intended for the treatment of sudden-onset and the most severe cases of pain. In the private sector, it is possible to get an appointment quickly. In addition to pain relief, the dentist will determine the root causes of the pain and offer more permanent solutions to the underlying issues, helping to prevent similar situations in the future. Timely treatment can prevent many oral health complications and effectively relieve pain.

Ebeling Dentists offers high-quality care for the relief and prevention of toothaches in the Helsinki area. You can book an appointment yourself using our online calendar or by calling 010 323 3963.

Regular checkups to prevent pain

The most affordable and pain-free dental care is care received early on. Preventive care is always the better choice. Regular checkups at the dentist help identify and prevent potential problems early on, such as cavities, gum disease, and tartar buildup. In addition, checkups reveal potential tooth wear and bite problems. Maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing toothaches require regular attention as well as the assessment and advice of a skilled dentist.

You should have a dental checkup at least every two years, but annual visits are recommended if you already have cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.

What if you’re afraid of going to the dentist? You should be more afraid of neglecting your dental health than of the dentist. Our staff has received special praise for their consideration of anxious patients and their attentive approach. Here you can read more about how we approach anxious patients, as well as hear their experiences in their own words.

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