How bad can a toothache be? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt an instant throbbing pain from your teeth? Does that pain come back repeatedly? If so, then you might be experiencing a tooth nerve pain. Tooth nerve pain is an indication of tooth damage happened due to an injury or trauma that affected your tooth nerves. Although it is a common issue, tooth nerve pain can be horrible destroying even the most enjoyable moments of a person.
But how does someone get rid of this situation? Does this problem have a permanent cure, or should you live with it? Tooth nerve pain can be cured. Home remedies have been a great relief for most people affected by this condition. However, how beneficial are home remedies? This article will detail all your doubts and concerns regarding tooth nerve pain. It contains the causes, symptoms, home remedies, and preventive measures for this condition.
Tooth Nerve Pain – What Are The Major Causes?
Tooth nerve pain, known as toothache, is a common yet agonizing experience. It is caused when the nerve in the root of the tooth or surrounding it gets affected. This issue which causes intense pain and discomfort may prevent you from eating, sleeping, and even speaking. It may also lead to swelling and bleeding causing extra trouble. Normally, tooth nerve pain is caused due to the following reasons:
- Gum diseases
Periodontitis, causing gum swelling and pain is a common cause of gum diseases. This issue affects the gum tissues and exposes the tooth nerves to infections.
- Cavities
Cavities are tiny holes created on the tooth as the enamel erodes due to less oral hygiene. These cavities, if untreated can develop further, affecting the nerves and other parts of the teeth leading to tooth decay and loss.
- Tooth infections
The bacterial infections in the tooth may extend to more oral parts including gums and nerves. As a result, the person will experience severe pain, abscesses, and even bleeding.
- Nerve degeneration
As people age, their nerve health will degenerate. This will lead to tooth nerve pain, tooth decay, and loss.
- Tooth Sensitivity
Different factors including aggressive brushing and tooth treatments can lead to the tear and wear of enamel. As the protective layer gets affected the nerves get exposed and people will feel sensitivity.
Along with understanding the causes of toothaches, it is also important to identify them promptly. So, how do you identify the pain caused by tooth nerve problems? Below are some of its symptoms:
- Recurrent or persistent toothache
- Swelling with pus
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Triggering pain
- Localized pain in specific areas
- Teeth decoloration
- Varied intensity of pain
Why At-Home Relief Methods Are Important?
People consider home remedies an easy alternative to reduce the symptoms caused by tooth nerve pain. Although home remedies may not permanently cure the problem, they have a crucial role in alleviating pain. They provide temporary yet instantaneous relief to acute pain and throbbing sensations. Most of these easily accessible methods help people gain relief until they can consult a healthcare provider.
Moreover, many of these methods are easily accessible and do not cause severe side effects. However, depending only on home remedies to treat tooth nerve problems is unacceptable. Sometimes, tooth pain may be a symptom of more severe problems like gum issues or tooth decay which need medical care. Even then, home remedies will help you for the time being.
Top Home Remedies for Tooth Nerve Pain Relief
You have already read about the importance of home remedies in alleviating tooth nerve pain. However, what are the most effective and side-effect-free remedies that you can try at home? This section will detail some of these home remedies.
- Garlic
Garlic is important to many chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other dental care supplements. More than providing dental hygiene, a component in garlic called allicin alleviates the pain caused by some dental problems such as tooth nerve pain, periodontitis, and gum problems. The antibacterial properties of this component prevent bacterial actions and reduce pain.
- Apple cider vinegar
Studies suggest that using cotton dipped in apple cider vinegar at the affected area in your tooth will help reduce pain. The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar kill the bacteria causing tooth problems.
- Saltwater rinse
Saltwater is a common disinfectant that will help destroy bacteria and reduce pain and inflammation. It is mainly achieved through the dehydrating property of salt. It dehydrates some bacteria causing its death.
- Cold compress
Using an ice pack or cold compress will help alleviate pain caused by any type of dental problem. The cold compress constricts the blood vessels in the affected area, leading to reduced pain. Moreover, it also helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Clove
Eugenol, a natural antiseptic in clove will help numb pain by reducing inflammation and swelling. Clove can be used directly or as clove oil. However, if you are using clove oil, it should be diluted with a carrier oil like sunflower or jojoba oil.
When To See A Doctor?
Treating tooth nerve pain only with home remedies may not be a good idea. Although some toothaches may reduce within 1-2 days, others require proper care and medication. So, although you can use home remedies for temporary cures, it is important to consult a dentist once you experience toothaches. However, if you notice toothaches accompanied by the following symptoms, you should immediately consult a dentist:
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling
- Red or bleeding gums
- Pain while chewing
Preventive Measures To Avoid Tooth Nerve Pain
Maintaining oral hygiene is important to safeguard teeth and prevent tooth nerve pain. Prioritize brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a mouthwash regularly. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks with added sugars can help enhance your oral health. These foods and drinks aid in the rapid growth of bacteria in the mouth.
So, avoiding them or reducing their intake will prevent these bacterial actions. Furthermore, schedule regular dental check-ups as they will help identify oral issues in the early stages. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is also beneficial as they are two major causes of multiple dental problems.
Final Thoughts
Tooth nerve pain or toothache is a common yet distressing pain that affects the routine and well-being of an individual. Caused due to multiple reasons including teeth sensitivity, cavities, gum diseases, infections, and nerve degeneration, the root cause of this issue is the trauma to the nerves in and around the tooth. Tooth nerve pain can be identified by various symptoms like triggering pain, swollen or reddish gums, sensitivity to temperature, and others.
As this pain is persistent and causes sudden throbbing pain, people always rely on home remedies for temporary relief. Home remedies such as using garlic, clove, and apple cider vinegar are considered safe and effective. However, cold compress, ice packs, and saltwater rinse are the most popular home remedies for tooth nerve pain. While most of these remedies are side effect-free and provide instantaneous results, residing only on these remedies may cause further problems.
Most dental issues start with nerve pain and denote the chances of some other serious oral health problems. So, if the tooth nerve pain persists even after 1-2 days it is important to consult a medical expert or dentist. Although not fully assured, maintaining proper hygiene will help reduce the chances and intensity of dental problems.
FAQs
Experimenting with home remedies for tooth nerve pain for over 3-5 days without significant improvements cannot be considered safe. So, medical professionals advise consulting a dentist within a couple of days.
Home remedies may help alleviate tooth nerve pain completely in the initial stages. However, only proper medical care can provide permanent relief during chronic situations.
Under conditions when your tooth nerve pain worsens, it is important to consult a dentist or professional oral expert.
Yes. Sometimes home remedies provide temporary pain relief, without curing the actual cause. Furthermore, taking home remedies without expert advice may cause side effects.
The frequency of using home remedies for pain relief depends on the mode and type of the remedy used. However, continuing home remedies with recurrent pain is not a good option.
Yes. tooth pain can sometimes denote more severe issues like gum diseases.