Any sort of tooth pain requires a trip to the dentist. Although, if a dentist can’t be seen right away, there are ways to help reduce the level of discomfort in the interim. This doesn’t mean you should depend on these remedies and expect the pain to disappear forever. It is a signal that your body is experiencing pain and it needs addressing, so a dental check-up is still very important.
There are many causes of tooth pain. It’s typically caused when a nerve in the tooth root is disturbed. The pain can also radiate to other areas of the face.
What Are The Causes Of Tooth Nerve Pain?
The tooth nerve is located at the pulp of the tooth and falls into two categories; Pulpal Sensitivity, where the nerve pain is focused on an individual tooth, and Dentinal Sensitivity, a more widespread nerve pain felt in more than one tooth due to enamel erosion.
What Does Tooth Nerve Pain Feel Like?
Tooth nerve pain is a sharp, throbbing pain that comes and goes. An exposed tooth nerve will hurt even more if food and drink interact with the affected tooth. If the pain decreases, it is important that you don’t consider this a problem of the past. This is because an exposed tooth nerve needs dental treatment as soon as possible because your teeth become more sensitive to pain and decay.
Methods To Ease Tooth Nerve Pain
If you’re still waiting for an appointment at the dentist, there are some short-term remedies available to reduce the pain temporarily:
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Reduce swelling and nerve pain by taking medication such as ibuprofen. Take it at least 6 hours at a time throughout the day, even if the pain subsides because it can return shortly after. You can consider taking acetaminophen if you don’t have ibuprofen.
Rinse Your Mouth With Salt Water
Saltwater is a natural antibacterial agent designed to reduce pain and inflammation. Therefore, take a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish it around your mouth. This not only reduces pain but washes away from any food debris that may irritate the exposed nerves.
A Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress such as an ice pack against the cheek of the affected area can blunt the tooth nerve pain temporarily. Take a cold compress and place it against the affected area for 20 minutes at a time.
Try Clove Oil
Clove oil has been used for many studies which confirm it can help reduce inflammation and numb pain. Clove oil contains a natural pain-relief agent called Eugenol. To use clove oil, dip a tissue or cotton wool with a few drops of it and wipe it gently over the gums against the affected area.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water forms an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce pain relief and inflammation from tooth nerve pain. This can be used as an alternative to saltwater. Ensure the solution is 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide, rinse around your mouth thoroughly, and spit it out. Avoid swallowing the solution.
What Happens At The Dentist?
The dentist will conduct the normal formalities to uncover the problem in terms of pain severity and any treatments you’ve tried. The dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth to identify the location of the problem and the root cause of it.
Treatment options will be outlined to you, such as root canal therapy or a filling. The treatment may be administered immediately or in a few days after the examination. This depends on how severe the tooth nerve pain is and its impact on your oral health. While you wait for your appointment, try the above methods for temporary pain relief.
If you’re suffering from tooth nerve pain, talk to our Ashfield Dentist at Ashfield Family Dental and we’re more than happy to help.
Dr. Johnson Tang, a dentist in Ashfield, earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, he is known for his gentle, patient-centered approach. Dr. Johnson Tang continues to expand his expertise through courses in implant dentistry and orthodontics to offer comprehensive care.