Toothache: What It Means And What You Can Do

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Most people will have a toothache at some point in their life, and when addressed appropriately it won’t affect long-term oral health. Some toothaches can be caused by minor irritations that are easily repaired but others may require intensive repairs or even tooth extraction.

To manage a toothache at home begin with assessing the cause. A warm salt water rinse often helps with tooth pain, and a water pick or dental floss can help with any food that is stuck around the teeth. If the pain continues a dentist appointment should be made as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Saltwater rinse for toothache

A minor toothache may be caused by sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks, food particles stuck between or around the teeth, or an irritation along the gums. To address these concerns a warm saltwater rinse can be beneficial.

Simply add salt to a cup of warm water and rinse the mouth thoroughly to remove any lodged bits of food, soothe any irritation caused by salty or spicy foods, reduce irritation caused by small traumas, and ease inflammation in the gums. This can be done a few times a day and will even ease pain caused by tooth infection by helping to pull out the bacteria from the gums.

Antibiotics for toothache

In the event an infection has formed within the tooth or the gums around them it will cause pain and discomfort. The bacteria multiply and cause mucus or puss to form in the area, which pushes on nerves and causes inflamed and swollen gums.

Saltwater rinse can assist in easing the inflammation as well as reducing the bacteria, but it will need to be addressed by a dentist quickly. Antibiotics are prescribed to heal the infection, and as the infection is reduced, the pain and swelling will also decrease.

Where the nerves have been damaged or the roots affected, a root canal may be required. In a root canal the roots are removed from the tooth and the tooth is then sealed.

A broken tooth and toothache

In instances where the tooth has been affected or broken a dentist must be consulted to address the concerns. A broken tooth can often be repaired with fillings, then a crown or veneer can be added, whereas some broken teeth are not able to be saved and will need to be extracted.

Once the damaged tooth has been repaired or removed the swelling and inflammation will begin to decrease and the pain and toothache will subside.

Many things can cause a toothache and there are as many solutions for the symptoms as there are causes. It is often recommended to rinse the mouth with saltwater a few times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help while waiting for a dentist. An emergency dental appointment may be required to address the problem quickly before it becomes worse, such as with a broken tooth and infection.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.