Severe Toothache: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions for Relief

A severe toothache is an intense and unbearable dental pain that requires urgent attention. Most often caused by a cavity, inflammation, or infection, it can quickly impair your quality of life. Discover the main causes of severe toothaches, how to recognize them, and especially how to relieve them while waiting to see a dentist.

What Exactly Is a Severe Toothache?

A severe toothache, also known as dental neuralgia, is defined as an acute, throbbing pain affecting the nerve of a tooth. It often appears suddenly, at night or on the weekend, and intensifies rapidly to a point where it becomes difficult to bear.

The main characteristics of a severe toothache are:

• Pain localized to one tooth, which radiates to the jaw and head.
• A sensation of pulsing, throbbing, or electric shocks.
• Continuous pain that prevents sleep and resists painkillers.
• Pain triggered by hot, cold, or chewing.
• Sometimes swelling of the gum and cheek, and fever.

Faced with these symptoms, it is crucial to see an emergency dentist (within 24 hours) to identify the cause and relieve the pain. Without treatment, a severe toothache can worsen and lead to infectious complications.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Severe Toothaches?

Many dental pathologies can trigger a severe toothache, including:

• Pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp) due to a deep cavity or trauma.
• Dental abscess (infection at the root) or periodontal abscess (gum infection).
• Pericoronitis (inflammation of the gum around a wisdom tooth).
• Tooth fracture or crack with nerve exposure.
• Dentin hypersensitivity (wear of enamel and dentin).
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) which irritates the nerve.
• Sinusitis with pain radiating to the upper teeth.

In rare cases, trigeminal neuralgia (a facial nerve condition) can mimic a toothache. Only an examination by a dentist can provide the correct diagnosis.

What Are the Best Remedies for a Severe Toothache?

While waiting for your dental appointment, you can relieve dental neuralgia with these solutions:

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (with medical advice).
• Warm saltwater or baking soda rinses (1 teaspoon diluted in a glass of water).
• Cold compress application (ice wrapped in a cloth) on the cheek.
• Clove oil applied to the gum area after dilution.
• Semi-upright sleeping position to reduce intracranial pressure.

However, these home remedies are for temporary use and are no substitute for a dental consultation. Only treating the cause (filling, root canal, drainage, antibiotics...) will provide lasting relief.

Some practices should be avoided as they can worsen the pain:

• Applying heat to the painful area.
• Consuming acidic, sugary, spicy, or hard foods.
• Using alcohol or tobacco, which irritate the mucous membranes.
• Taking aspirin, which can thin the blood and promote infection.

How to Prevent Severe Toothaches

To limit the risk of dental neuralgia, good oral hygiene is essential:

• Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque.
• Eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods.
• Visit your dentist 1 to 2 times a year for a professional cleaning.
• Quickly treat any cavities, cracks, or other dental problems.
• Wear a mouthguard if you suffer from bruxism or play contact sports.

Conclusion

A severe toothache is a dental emergency that can affect anyone, often at the worst time! Whether due to a cavity, inflammation, or infection, it requires a quick consultation with a dentist to be relieved.

In the meantime, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, natural remedies, and simple actions can help calm the pain. But keep in mind that only treating the cause will bring you lasting healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Severe Toothaches

What should I do if I have a severe toothache at night or on the weekend?

Contact your local emergency dental service, which will direct you to an on-call dentist. In the meantime, take a pain reliever and apply the home remedies mentioned in the article. But do not delay in seeking consultation, even if the pain subsides!

What medications can I take for a severe toothache?

Acetaminophen is the most recommended pain reliever. Ibuprofen (unless contraindicated) can be taken occasionally for its anti-inflammatory effect. Antibiotics are sometimes necessary by prescription in case of an abscess.

How long does a severe toothache last without treatment?

Depending on the cause, the pain can persist for several days to several weeks without treatment, with a significant risk of abscess and local and general infectious complications. Do not let a severe toothache linger!

A severe toothache and fever, is it serious?

The combination of a severe toothache and fever often indicates a spreading dental or periodontal infection. It could be an abscess or cellulitis that requires rapid antibiotic treatment in addition to dental care. Seek emergency consultation.