7 Telltale Signs You Have a Toothache and Easy Remedies to Try

Toothaches are no fun. Period. And when you have a toothache, you want tooth pain relief, and fast. We get it. You’re likely having trouble sleeping since it can be hard to get comfortable and ignore the pain. And you might even be a bit cranky toward others. That’s why the team here at Berrien Dental, your St. Joseph dentist, wants to make sure you know how to properly identify a toothache and take steps to ease the discomfort.
Signs You Have a Toothache
If your tooth hurts, you have a toothache. But sometimes, other symptoms might be going on that you can easily write off as something else.
So, before we get into those helpful tooth pain relief remedies, let’s get on the same page about what constitutes a toothache in the first place. Many of these are also cavity symptoms, which means you need dental attention.
- Persistent pain: If you’re experiencing continuous pain that doesn’t go away, it could be a strong indicator of a toothache. This discomfort may come and go or remain constant throughout the day.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold: A sudden, sharp reaction to hot drinks or cold foods might be a sign that something is wrong with your tooth. This sensitivity can indicate you have developed tooth decay.
- Swelling around the tooth: Noticeable swelling or puffiness in your gums or face near the affected tooth is another common symptom of a toothache. This can also indicate an infection, which requires prompt treatment.
- Pain when chewing: If you feel discomfort or pain while biting or chewing food, it may be a sign of an issue with your tooth, like a cavity or crack.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding when you brush or floss could point to a deeper problem, especially if it’s accompanied by pain. While bleeding gums are often linked to gum issues, they can also occur with a toothache.
- Bad taste in your mouth: A lingering bad taste, especially when combined with tooth pain, could suggest an infection or decay that needs attention.
- Jaw pain or headache: Toothaches can spread pain to the jaw or even cause headaches. If you’re feeling discomfort in these areas alongside a toothache, it’s a sign something is off with your dental health.
Home Remedies for Tooth Pain Relief
Oftentimes, you can address tooth pain at home without the need to visit the dentist. Perhaps you have a kernel of popcorn or a piece of food stuck between your teeth that you can remove by flossing.
However, if you notice more serious symptoms like pus from an abscess, fever, or intense swelling, it’s a sign that a call to your dentist in St. Joseph, MI, should not be delayed. These could indicate a more serious infection that requires immediate attention.
For non-infection-related tooth pain, here are some home remedies you can try to help ease your tooth pain:
- Rinse with warm salt water: A saltwater rinse can help soothe irritated gums and clear away any debris stuck between your teeth. To do this, mix a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water. Do not drink the solution. Rather, take a sip and swish it around your mouth for 20 or 30 seconds before spitting it out. Rinse your mouth with fresh water afterward. Repeat as needed.
- Apply a cold compress: Applying a cold compress against your cheek (on the outside of your mouth) can help numb the pain and control any potential swelling. Apply the compress every 30 minutes or so to help you feel better—make sure you wrap it in a towel to prevent skin damage.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers: Anti-inflammatory medications can temporarily relieve tooth pain. Common solutions include Advil or Motrin; however, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on dosage.
- Try clove oil: Applying a small amount of clove oil (mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil) directly to the painful area can help numb the pain thanks to its natural anesthetic properties.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing gently around the affected tooth can help prevent further irritation or infection.
- Avoid trigger foods and drinks: Stay away from foods and drinks that are too hot, cold, or sugary, as they can worsen your tooth pain.
How to Avoid a Toothache
Once you’ve had a toothache, you don’t want it to recur. The best thing you can do to prevent this from happening is to practice good oral hygiene at home. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash at least once per day to help rinse away food particles and harmful bacteria. And don’t underestimate the power of flossing.
Remember, your toothbrush can’t get between your teeth so you need to floss to remove food and other particles that get stuck. Be sure to floss at least once per day, ideally before you rinse with that mouthwash.
There are a few other things you can do to lessen your risk of a toothache. Here are our recommendations.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or tear through anything hard. This can lead to cracks, chips, or other damage that might cause pain later on.
- Limit hard foods and candies: Chewing on hard candies, ice, or foods such as popcorn kernels can easily damage your teeth, leading to pain or even a toothache. Stick to softer alternatives to protect your enamel.
- Reduce sugar intake: Sugary foods and drinks feed harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Try to limit how much sugar you consume and brush soon after eating anything sweet.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, especially after meals. It also encourages saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth from decay.
- Use a mouthguard during sports: If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard helps protect your teeth from injury and can prevent trauma that may lead to toothache.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups and cleanings can help catch potential problems before they turn into painful toothaches. Be sure to schedule dental visits at least twice a year.
Schedule your next professional dental cleaning with Berrien Dental.
See that last thing on the list we just mentioned? Yes, visiting your dentist every six months is the best way to prevent a toothache from occurring. During your visit, we’ll conduct an oral evaluation to check on the health of your teeth, and we’ll clean your teeth professionally to remove stubborn plaque and tartar.
Request an appointment today if you are overdue for a cleaning or need help with tooth pain relief.