A toothache can be debilitating, affecting your daily routine and causing significant discomfort. When you experience tooth pain, your first instinct might be to search for pain relief methods, and brushing your teeth might seem like a natural choice. However, does brushing teeth help toothache? In this blog, we will explore the relationship between tooth brushing and toothache pain, focusing on how brushing your teeth can affect oral health and whether it can provide lasting relief for tooth pain.
While brushing can benefit oral hygiene, it’s important to understand that brushing alone may not solve the underlying issues causing your toothache. In some cases, depending on the nature of the dental problem, brushing can even exacerbate the discomfort. Let’s explore how tooth brushing can help or hinder toothache pain and explore additional treatment options to manage the discomfort.
The Role of Brushing in Toothache Prevention
One key way that brushing your teeth helps prevent toothaches is by removing food particles and plaque buildup from the surface of your teeth and gums. Regular brushing promotes oral health by keeping your teeth free of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, two common causes of toothache pain.
1. Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a major contributor to toothache and is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if not removed regularly, it can produce acids that break down tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and potentially more severe dental problems, such as abscessed teeth.
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, reduce bacteria, and strengthen tooth enamel, thus helping to prevent tooth decay and the resulting tooth pain.
- A soft toothbrush is essential, as brushing with a hard-bristled brush can damage gums and tooth enamel, worsening sensitivity and pain.
2. Avoiding Gum Disease
Gum disease is another condition that can lead to toothaches and facial swelling. When plaque accumulates along the gum line, it can lead to gingivitis or more severe periodontitis. The inflammation in the gums can cause swelling, pain when chewing, and even tooth loss in extreme cases.
- Brushing regularly and flossing are vital for maintaining healthy gums, preventing the development of gum disease, and reducing the likelihood of painful gum infections.
- Fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush can also help with gum health by removing plaque without irritating the gums.
When Brushing Might Not Help Toothache
While brushing your teeth plays a crucial role in maintaining oral hygiene, it does not always help in cases where underlying conditions like tooth infection, abscessed teeth, or fractured teeth cause tooth pain. Brushing your teeth in these cases might make the pain worse or lead to further discomfort.
1. Infected Tooth or Tooth Abscess
An infected tooth, often resulting in a tooth abscess, is a common cause of toothache pain that will not improve with tooth brushing alone. An abscessed tooth is a painful condition caused by a bacterial infection that leads to a pus-filled pocket in the tooth’s root. The infection can cause significant swelling in the gums, jaw, and face.
- Brushing the affected tooth may cause pain or discomfort if the infection has caused an exposed tooth nerve. In such cases, brushing the affected tooth can irritate the tooth and make the pain worse.
- Emergency dental care, including root canal treatment or antibiotics, is required to manage tooth infections.
2. Severe Tooth Decay or Fractured Tooth
If tooth decay has progressed to an advanced stage or if you have a fractured tooth, brushing alone will not provide pain relief. When the decay or cracked tooth reaches the tooth pulp, the exposed nerve will cause sharp pain and sensitivity that tooth brushing cannot resolve.
- In these cases, dental treatment such as a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary to treat the underlying problem and relieve pain.
- Brushing can also irritate the exposed nerve of a cracked tooth, worsening the discomfort and causing more toothache pain.
3. Sore Tooth from Recent Dental Work
If you’ve recently had a dental procedure like a filling, root canal treatment, or tooth extraction, your tooth and surrounding tissues might be sore. Brushing your teeth gently may help keep your mouth clean, but brushing too aggressively can irritate the healing tissue and prolong the discomfort.
- Brushing can provide some relief by keeping the area clean, but the pain from recent dental work typically requires pain relievers and proper aftercare to heal effectively.
What to Do if Tooth Pain Persists Despite Brushing
If tooth pain persists even after brushing your teeth, you can take several additional steps to help manage the pain and reduce the swelling until you can visit the dentist.
1. Cold Compress for Swelling
If you’re experiencing swelling due to a tooth abscess or gum infection, applying a cold compress to the affected jaw or face can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. The cold helps constrict the blood vessels and reduces swelling in the affected area.
- How to apply: Wrap an ice pack or a few ice cubes in a clean towel and apply it to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes. This can provide temporary relief and help manage swelling until you can see a dentist.
2. Pain Relief Medication
If brushing alone isn’t enough, you can use over-the-counter pain relief to manage tooth pain. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation. However, be cautious not to exceed the recommended dosage and only use pain relievers for temporary relief.
- Note: If the pain persists or gets worse, it’s important to consult a dentist for more targeted treatment options.
3. Rinse with Salt Water
A saltwater rinse can help clean the affected area and promote healing. It also has natural antibacterial properties that can reduce swelling and prevent further infection.
- How to use: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat this process a few times a day.
4. Clove Oil for Temporary Relief
Clove oil is a natural remedy known for its ability to numb tooth pain due to its active ingredient, eugenol. Applying clove oil to the painful area with a cotton ball can provide temporary relief.
- How to use: Place a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball and gently apply it to the affected area. Avoid swallowing the oil and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
5. Seek Professional Dental Care
If the toothache and pain do not improve after trying these home remedies, it is crucial to seek emergency dental care. Your dentist can diagnose the underlying cause of your toothache and recommend the appropriate treatment.
- Treatment options may include root canal treatment, tooth extraction, or a dental filling to restore the tooth and alleviate the pain.
- Early intervention can prevent the infection or decay from worsening and causing further complications.
Conclusion
While brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing toothache pain, it may not always provide pain relief if the underlying cause of the toothache is more serious, such as a tooth infection, an abscessed tooth, or tooth decay. In these cases, professional dental care is the only way to treat the problem effectively and provide lasting relief.
If you are experiencing tooth pain despite brushing, remember to use pain relief methods like cold compresses, salt water rinses, and clove oil for temporary comfort. However, always consult a dentist to determine the cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, and seeking timely dental treatment can prevent toothache pain and ensure long-term oral health.
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling
