What to Do About Severe Tooth Pain

Severe tooth pain can be awful and frustrating, and it can definitely throw your day off. Fortunately, there are things you can do to feel better quickly.

We’ll explain what might be causing the pain, the symptoms to watch for, and how dentists can help you return to smiling comfortably.

What Are the Symptoms of Severe Tooth Pain?

Severe tooth pain refers to intense discomfort in or around a tooth, which can be constant or intermittent. Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing or sharp pain
• Swelling in or around the tooth or gum
• Fever
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
• Swollen glands

Common Causes of Severe Tooth Pain

Identifying the underlying cause of severe tooth pain is essential for effective treatment. Some common causes include:

• Tooth decay and cavities — Cavities occur when bacteria produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, leading to holes in the teeth.
• Abscessed tooth — An infection in the tooth’s pulp can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. This condition requires immediate dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Gum disease — Infections of the gums, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding.
• Tooth fracture — Cracks or breaks in a tooth can expose the sensitive inner layers, leading to pain, especially when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
• Impacted wisdom teeth — When wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge properly, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) — Grinding or clenching teeth can wear down enamel and cause pain in the teeth and jaw.
• Referred pain — Conditions such as sinusitis, heart disease, or neuralgia can cause pain that feels like it is coming from the teeth.

How to Diagnose Severe Tooth Pain?

A dental examination can diagnose the cause of severe tooth pain. It allows the dentist to identify the underlying issue and recommend appropriate treatment.

Without a proper diagnosis, the pain may persist or worsen, leading to more severe dental problems and potentially more invasive treatments.

Here are the diagnostic tools and methods that dentists use to figure out the cause of your severe tooth pain:

Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are a basic diagnostic tool in dentistry. They help dentists visualize issues that are not visible during a regular dental exam, such as:

• Cavities — X-rays can detect cavities between teeth or under existing fillings.
• Abscesses are infections at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth that can cause severe pain.
• Bone loss — X-rays can show the extent of bone loss due to gum disease.
• Impacted teeth ⁠— Wisdom teeth or other teeth that are blocked from coming in properly can be identified.

Dental Checkups

Comprehensive dental checkups are designed to ensure optimal oral health. During a checkup, the dentist visually inspects your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, and other issues.

Your dentist can also perform other tests. For example, a percussion test, in which they tap on the teeth to identify areas of sensitivity or pain, can indicate issues like abscesses or fractures.

A biting pressure test involves biting down on a stick or applicator to locate the source of pain. A cold air test, on the other hand, identifies areas of sensitivity, which can indicate issues like cavities or exposed roots.

Patient History and Symptom Discussion

Your dentist will want to know your history and symptoms. This discussion can help them understand the nature and duration of the pain, any associated symptoms, and potential triggers.

It also provides context for the clinical findings and aids in formulating a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.

A thorough patient history can reveal underlying conditions that may contribute to tooth pain, ensuring a complete approach to treatment.

Home Remedies for Severe Tooth Pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and saltwater rinses can provide temporary relief while you wait for professional treatment:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers ⁠— A great first line of defense. Look for familiar names like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, or Tylenol. Just remember to follow the directions carefully.

• A cold compress — Helps numb the area and reduce swelling, especially if your pain is from an injury or an abscessed tooth. Wrap some ice in a towel and hold it against your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

• Saltwater rinse — This is a simple and effective way to clean the area, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria that might be contributing to the pain. Just mix half a teaspoon of table salt in a warm glass of water and swish for 30 seconds.

• Clove oil—This contains a natural numbing agent that can provide temporary relief. Be careful, though. Clove oil can be strong, so dilute a few drops with coconut oil before applying it to a cotton ball.

• Peppermint tea bags—These can numb the area and soothe your gums. For best results, use a cooled or slightly warm tea bag.

• Garlic—This has antibacterial properties that might help. Crush a clove and apply the paste to the affected area—but be warned, it might not have the most pleasant taste.

• Vanilla extract ​​— The alcohol in vanilla extract can numb pain. Put a tiny amount on a cotton ball and dab it on the sore tooth.

When to Seek Professional Care

See a dentist right away if your toothache lasts more than a day or two, is severe, or if you have other concerning symptoms like:

• Fever
• Earache
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Jaw swelling
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Early intervention is critical to preventing complications and getting you back to feeling your best.

Professional Treatments for Severe Tooth Pain

After proper diagnosis, your dentist will know what to do next. To help you prepare, here are some dental treatments that might be appropriate for your severe tooth pain.

Fillings and Crowns

Fillings are used to treat minor to moderate tooth decay or small fractures. They’re cost-effective and can be completed in a single visit.

Crowns are recommended for more extensive decay, large fractures, or after root canal treatment. The procedure typically requires multiple visits⁠—one for tooth preparation and impression-taking and another for crown placement.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. It’s highly effective and can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is considered when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired by other means, such as severe decay, fractures, or advanced periodontal disease. Depending on the tooth’s condition and position, extractions can be simple or surgical.

Post extraction, options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can replace the missing tooth.

Gum Disease Treatments

Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning procedures used to treat periodontal disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach.

These procedures can prevent further damage and promote healing. In severe cases, surgical interventions like flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration may be necessary.

TMJ Treatment Options

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders can cause severe tooth pain due to jaw misalignment or muscle tension. Treatment options include:

• Mouthguards — Custom-fitted devices to prevent teeth grinding and reduce jaw strain.
• Physical therapy — Exercises to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint function.
• Medications — Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Surgery — In severe cases, surgical interventions may be required to correct structural issues.

If you’re experiencing a painful toothache, swollen gums, or intense dental discomfort, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can effectively diagnose and treat the root cause of your severe tooth pain, preventing future complications and restoring your oral health.