Toothaches can be a real pain in your life. If you have ever held your cheek in discomfort, you know how frustrating and distracting a toothache can be. It is important to take care of it quickly. Fortunately, if you are in Oakland, there are many trusted treatment options to help you feel better.  

Let’s look at what causes toothaches and how to find relief, and toothache treatment options available in Advanced Dental Concepts of Oakland.  

What Can Cause Toothaches?

Toothaches can happen for several reasons. Knowing what causes the pain is important for finding the right treatment.  

Here are some common reasons for toothaches explained in simple terms:

Cavities

Cavities are one of the most frequent dental problems. They develop when the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth, gets worn away by acids from bacteria that feed on sugars. If you don’t treat cavities, they can get worse. These will ultimately cause a lot of pain and even leading to tooth loss.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease usually happens when plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up along your gums. The early stage is called gingivitis, which can make your gums swollen and bleed. If gum disease is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. It can cause teeth to become loose and painful.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can occur if the enamel wears down or if your gums recede. It exposes the softer part of the tooth called dentin. This can lead to sharp pain when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Tooth sensitivity can also be caused by grinding your teeth or brushing too hard.

Infection

A tooth abscess is a serious condition where bacteria infect the pulp of tooth. It is causing pus to build up. This can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even fever, and it requires urgent dental care.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can happen for many reasons, like biting hard foods, injuries, or grinding your teeth. Cracks can expose the inner part of the tooth, leading to pain and sensitivity. This is especially when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. 

Immediate Relief for Toothaches

While it is essential to visit a dental professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment, there are a few methods you can try at home to alleviate the pain temporarily.  

These remedies can help manage discomfort until you can see a dentist:

Rinse with Salt Water

A salt water rinse can help disinfect the mouth and reduce inflammation. Mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can also help draw out any infection and soothe irritated gums.  

Salt water rinses can be done several times a day, especially after meals.

Cold Compress

Applying a cold pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek can significantly reduce swelling and numb pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time.  

This will make sure not to apply ice directly to the skin to avoid frostbite. The cold helps constrict blood vessels, which can reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective in relieving toothache pain. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the packaging and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.  

Pain relievers can help manage discomfort, but they do not address the underlying issue.

Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for tooth pain due to its eugenol content, which has anesthetic and antibacterial properties. Dab a small amount on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected tooth for temporary relief.  

Clove oil can also help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria in the mouth. 

Dental Treatments for Toothaches

When you visit a dentist for a toothache, they will find out what is causing the pain and suggest the right treatments.  

Here are some common options and what you can expect during each one:

• Teeth Fillings

If your toothache is caused by a cavity, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth. They will then remove the decayed part using a dental drill or laser and clean the cavity.  

After that, they will fill it with a strong material like composite resin, amalgam, or gold. This helps restore the tooth and prevents further decay. The whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how big the cavity is.

• Root Canal Treatment

If there is a severe infection or decay that has reached the tooth’s pulp, you might need a root canal. The dentist will numb the area and make a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp. They will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.  

A crown may be placed on top afterward to restore the tooth’s shape and function. While root canals can sound scary, they often relieve pain caused by infection, and most patients feel much better afterward.

• Tooth Extractions

If a tooth is too damaged or decayed to fix, the dentist may need to remove it. They will numb the area and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it loosens. Sometimes, a surgical extraction is needed, especially for teeth that are impacted.  

After the extraction, the dentist will give you care instructions. It may include medication for pain and swelling. Recovery can take a few days. So, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions to avoid complications.

• Gum Treatment

If your toothache is related to gum disease, the dentist might recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gum line. It also helps to reduce inflammation and allowing your gums to heal.  

Scaling involves scraping off tartar, while root planning smooths the roots to help the gums reattach. This treatment may require local anesthesia and could take one or more visits to complete.

Fluoride Treatments

If your toothache is due to early decay, fluoride treatments can help strengthen the enamel and prevent further damage. This treatment involves applying a concentrated fluoride solution to the affected area. This helps protect your teeth.  

Fluoride varnishes are quick to apply and can provide significant benefits for your dental health.