Toothache is a common health problem that many people experience. It can be caused by various factors such as tooth infection, tooth decay, or sensitive teeth.

Toothache can certainly disrupt daily activities and even affect the quality of life. Therefore, it is important for us to know how to treat a toothache quickly and effectively.

What is a Toothache?

A toothache is the pain you feel in your tooth, either inside or around it. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe. You might experience sharp pain that comes and goes unpredictably or continues incessantly.

Toothaches can be caused by various factors, such as swollen gums, cavities, cracked or broken teeth, tooth abscess (pus at the base of the tooth), damaged fillings, teething, and others.

Toothache symptoms are not just pain in the teeth. Typically, a person with a toothache will also experience many other symptoms.

When a tooth becomes infected, the gum and jaw areas around it can swell, making it hard for the person to open their mouth fully. Consequently, the process of chewing and biting food becomes challenging.

A toothache can also make the teeth very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and sweet foods. If not careful in choosing the foods and drinks consumed, your teeth will feel increasingly painful.

Sometimes, toothache symptoms may be accompanied by fever, ear pain, dizziness, bad breath, and neck pain. These comprehensive symptoms intensify the pain, hindering your daily activities.

Natural Ways to Treat Toothache at Home

Treating a toothache at home can be your first aid. Here are several proven effective ways to alleviate toothache:

1. Cold Compress

Compressing the affected tooth with cold water can help reduce pain and inflammation. To do this, simply take a clean cloth, dip it in cold water, and place it on the affected tooth. Hold it for a few minutes and repeat several times a day.

2. Rinse with Salt Water

Salt has antiseptic properties and can help clean the infected tooth area. To do this, add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse for a few minutes. Repeat several times a day to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

3. Using Clove Oil

Clove oil contains eugenol, a compound that acts as a pain reliever and helps alleviate tooth pain. To use, apply one or two drops of clove oil to the affected tooth. Let it sit for a few minutes and repeat several times a day.

4. Using Garlic

Garlic has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and prevent infection. Take a few cloves of garlic, crush them, and apply to the affected tooth. Let it sit for a few minutes and repeat several times a day.

5. Using Fluoride Toothpaste

Another proven effective way to treat toothache is by using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a mineral that helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and prevent sensitive teeth. Regular use of fluoride toothpaste can help prevent toothache and maintain dental health.

6. Regular Teeth Cleaning

When experiencing a toothache, cleaning your teeth regularly can also help alleviate the pain. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help prevent tooth decay and maintain dental health. In addition to brushing, it is also important to clean between your teeth using dental floss or an interdental brush.

7. Consulting with a Dentist

    This is the last resort that should be taken if the toothache does not subside or worsens. Consult a dentist immediately. A dentist can check your teeth and do cleanings, root canals, or surgery if needed. To make it easier for you to consult, Tirta Medical Centre offers online consultation services that can help you.

    Share your complaints, and experienced top doctors will provide solutions to reduce the toothache you are experiencing. You can also contact Tirta Medical for more detailed information.

    Do You Know How to Treat a Toothache?

    A toothache can significantly disrupt daily activities and affect the quality of one’s life. However, there are several proven methods to treat toothaches such as compressing the tooth with cold water, rinsing with salt water, using clove oil, using garlic, using fluoride toothpaste, and consulting a dentist for necessary treatment.

    FAQ About Treating Toothaches

    1. Can Mouthwash Also Relieve Toothaches?

    Yes, you can try over-the-counter mouthwashes to quickly treat a toothache. Choose a mouthwash that contains active ingredients to disinfect and help numb your teeth.

    2. What Natural Ingredients Can Be Consumed to Eliminate Toothaches?

    Garlic, guava leaves, or cloves.

    3. When Should I Have a Tooth Extraction?

    You should have a tooth extraction when a toothache is due to a decayed or cracked tooth. This treatment is highly recommended, especially if your tooth is severely cracked.

    4. What is Tooth Splinting?

    Tooth splinting is a technique used by dentists to join weak teeth so that they are more stable and strong.

    5. What Over-the-Counter Medicine Can Be Purchased to Relieve Tooth Pain?

    Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and Aspirin.

    Referensi:
    • Emedicinehealth (2021). What Kills a Toothache Instantly?
    • National Library of Medicine (2016). Diagnosis and treatment of abnormal dental pain.
    • Stanford Medicine (2023). Toothache (Pulpitis) in Children.