One of the most common oral conditions is toothache, also called odontalgia. It usually appears suddenly, is intense, and is difficult to control.
Its appearance is due to stimulation of the nerve root, which is triggered by mechanical, thermal or chemical agents; and which our brain perceives with a powerful intensity.
Toothache usually manifests as discomfort in a localized area; however, if the pain intensifies, it can radiate to other parts near the focus, such as the ear or head, and can even cause significant headaches.
Nerve fibers detect pain in response to cold stimuli, and thus, when consuming very cold foods, tooth sensitivity occurs, which is associated with toothaches. There are several causes, and it’s important to identify the specific one in order to address it. The most frequent causes of toothaches are:
- Tooth decay: This is the most common infectious disease associated with toothaches. The pain intensifies when it spreads to the deeper layers of the tooth (dentin or pulp). Sometimes, tooth decay leads to a dental abscess that irreversibly damages the pulp, causing extreme sensitivity and profound pain.
- Active periodontitis: This manifests as bleeding, an indicator of disease activity. Active points produce inflammation in the area due to the presence of irritants, also causing pain.
- Dental trauma: A blow or accident can crack or fracture a tooth, even leading to the loss of one or more teeth. Trauma is one of the most painful conditions.
- Bruxism: Also known as teeth grinding or clenching. It is usually caused by stress, and prolonged activity over time can lead to tooth pain due to muscle overload and tension on the temporomandibular joint.
- Tooth eruption: In babies and children, the moment when their teeth erupt causes pain due to the rupture of the oral mucosa.
- Infections: Generally, any type of oral infection triggers toothache, sometimes accompanied by radiation of the pain to other nearby areas.
HOW DO WE SOLVE TOOTHACHE?
We can consider several treatment options for a toothache; however, the most advisable course of action is to consult a trusted dentist for a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, as well as any necessary diagnostic tests to determine the most effective treatment. The dentist will examine your oral cavity, identify the cause of the pain, and treat it appropriately.
Meanwhile, it’s advisable to apply some remedies to alleviate the pain, such as applying a cold compress to the affected area of the face, as this will help reduce inflammation. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water is also recommended, as this helps reduce infection by acting as an antiseptic. Finally, oral analgesic medications can help relieve the pain.
