Toothache is a health problem we all experience from time to time, significantly reducing our quality of life. There are many causes of it, with tooth decay being the leading factor. In addition, dental abscess, infection-related issues, cracks or fractures in the teeth, damage to dental fillings, and wisdom teeth can also cause toothache.
Tooth decay is quite common. It has negative effects such as jaw and tooth pain, throbbing gums, and tooth sensitivity. The pain can be temporary or persistent. Consumption of very hot or very cold foods especially triggers toothache. When faced with this risk, the first step should be to consult a specialist. However, there are also home remedies you can try on your own.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Symptoms of tooth decay vary depending on its cause and extent. Early-stage cavities often show no symptoms. However, in severe cases, effects such as sensitivity and pain appear. Cavities first appear as black or brown spots. Of course, the most accurate diagnosis will come from your dentist. Tooth decay symptoms are listed below:
- Bad breath
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Throbbing pain
- Pain when consuming very cold, hot, or sugary foods
- White spots on the teeth
Irregular dental care, the quality of saliva, tooth structure, and other illnesses can trigger decay. Essentially, decay occurs due to the erosion of teeth. Over time, this erosion turns into a small cavity, and if left untreated, it progresses and causes severe pain. This condition lowers the patient’s quality of life.
How to relieve cavity pain?
Tooth decay can occur unexpectedly and does not only show symptoms as pain—it can progress to infection and even tooth loss. Here are some tips to help ease the pain:
- Very hot, cold, and sugary foods and drinks can intensify the pain. Avoid these kinds of foods.
- Brush your teeth carefully every day. While this may not relieve pain initially and may even worsen it, the intensity of the pain will lessen over time.
- Avoid foods that require excessive chewing to prevent jaw joint pain. Opt for soft foods like purees, soup, yoghurt, and other healthy liquids.
- After brushing, use an oral rinse to remove leftover food particles. This not only eliminates debris but also helps regenerate enamel, strengthening your teeth.
- You may also use over-the-counter pain relievers to ease the pain.
What are the treatment methods for tooth decay?
There are different methods and techniques for treating cavities. After you share your complaints with a specialist, the examination process begins, and the dentist identifies the underlying cause. The treatment path is determined based on the severity and extent of the decay. Tooth decay treatment methods are listed below:
1. Filling treatment
In filling treatment, the dentist first cleans the decayed area. After removing the decay, the resulting cavity is filled with composite or amalgam material. Filling is usually applied in early diagnosis cases.
2. Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment is used for patients with advanced decay. These patients often report severe pain. In this treatment, the nerves inside the tooth are removed, and the tooth’s interior is sterilised. This eliminates infection, and the treated tooth is sealed with filling material.
What helps relieve tooth decay pain?
There are home remedies you can apply yourself to relieve pain caused by cavities. Before your dental appointment, you can try the following methods at home:
Cold compress
There are two ways to relieve or reduce gum pain. The first aims to reduce inflammation, while the second targets the underlying causes of pain. If you want to reduce inflammation, you can apply a cold pack from your freezer to the side of your face for 20 minutes. Be sure to wrap the cold item in a cloth or tissue—direct contact with the skin may cause damage. Cold compress can help ease cavity pain.
Painkillers
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers can reduce both swelling and pain signals from the tooth. These medications can offer some relief from cavity pain.
Saltwater rinse
Besides cold compress and painkillers, natural remedies can also help relieve cavity pain. One of these is rinsing with saltwater. Swishing warm saltwater in your mouth can help get rid of infections. This method also heals oral wounds and reduces inflammation. Be careful not to swallow the saltwater during rinsing.
Warm compress
As the opposite of cold compress, you can apply a warm pack to the side of your jaw. If you don’t have a heat pack, you can fill a sock with rice and heat it in the microwave. The warmth applied to your face helps block pain signals from the brain.
Garlic
The benefits of garlic in health are countless. It not only kills harmful bacteria but also acts as a pain reliever for toothaches. To ease the pain, you can chew a clove of fresh garlic.
Clove oil
It has anti-inflammatory and numbing effects on oral pain. As a natural antiseptic, clove oil is also effective for oral sores.
Thyme rinse
The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of thyme help reduce the symptoms of tooth decay.
What causes front tooth decay and how does it heal?
Causes of decay in front teeth are listed below:
- Excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks
- Overconsumption of acidic foods
- Food particles left on the teeth after brushing
- Poor oral and dental hygiene
- Not using dental floss or mouthwash
- Fluoride deficiency
If you have a cavity in your front teeth, you should definitely visit a dentist. In advanced cases, swelling, sensitivity, and pain may occur, which can be quite uncomfortable.
During the treatment process, the dentist first cleans the decay. Then, they fill the resulting cavity and restore it using a filling treatment. This way, the decayed front tooth is cleaned and restored to its healthy state.
During treatment, dentists consult patients on the choice of filling material after cleaning the decay. They complete the treatment using the patient’s preferred filling. Some patients choose a filling that matches their tooth colour, while others opt for gold material. If the cavity has compromised the aesthetic appearance of the tooth, the dentist may recommend crowns or veneers.
