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A tingling sensation that comes on suddenly during the day… A discomfort that you try to ignore… But that familiar feeling that gets worse as the hours go by and finally keeps you awake at night: toothache. Maybe it’s a simple cavity, maybe it’s an inflammation, but whatever it is, a toothache is like a warning signal and should be taken into consideration.

In this article, we take a closer look at the causes of toothache, offer practical solutions to stop it as quickly as possible, and give tips on how to deal with it in special situations such as pregnancy. You will also find answers to questions such as whether toothache causes fever, why it is worse at night and many other curious questions.

If you want to learn the causes of toothache, discover ways to relieve the pain quickly and protect your dental health, this is the content for you. If you are ready, let’s start exploring what you need to know about toothache together!

Table of Contents

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache is a sign of oral and dental health problems. Damage to tooth enamel, tooth decay, gum disease and nerve inflammation are the most common causes. Toothache may start as a mild pain, but in later stages it can become unbearable. So what are the main causes of toothache?

Tooth decay: When the tooth enamel is damaged, bacteria reach the internal tissues of the tooth and cause pain.
Gum Diseases: Infection of the gums leads to inflammation and pain.
Tooth Root Infections: Infections that reach the root of the tooth can cause severe pain.
Teeth Clenching and Grinding: Overuse of the jaw muscles leads to sensitivity in the teeth and surrounding tissues.
Wisdom Tooth Problems: Wisdom teeth that put pressure on the gums when erupting or are positioned incorrectly can cause intense pain.
Tooth Trauma: Impacts or fractures to the tooth are also the cause of pain.

What is good for toothache that keeps you awake?

Toothaches that start at night can be very distressing, both physically and psychologically. These pains are usually caused by inflammation of the tooth or gum problems. You can try the following methods to relieve the pain at night and get a better night’s sleep:

Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt added to hot or warm water will relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
Keep your head in an elevated position: Elevating your head in a supine position can relieve pain by regulating blood flow.
Apply a Cold Compress: You can temporarily relieve the pain by placing a cold cloth on the cheek where the tooth is located.
Take Painkillers: Painkillers that can be used with a doctor’s recommendation are very effective, especially for pain that starts at night.
Keep Teeth Clean: Gently brushing and flossing your teeth can help reduce pressure.

What relieves toothache the fastest?

If you have a toothache, especially in the middle of the night, you may find yourself searching the internet for the fastest way to relieve a toothache. If you want to relieve your toothache quickly, the first thing you need to do is to choose the right intervention. You can soothe the pain to some extent with practical solutions that you can easily apply at home. However, you should remember that these methods will only provide temporary relief and that you need a dentist’s evaluation for the final solution.

Below are some of the fastest ways to soothe your toothache:

Painkillers: Medications containing paracetamol or ibuprofen recommended by your doctor will help relieve your toothache.
Reducing Sensitivity with Toothpaste: Anti-sensitivity toothpastes will also help you soothe your toothache.
Cold Compress: A cold compress applied to the area of the aching tooth at intervals of 10-15 minutes reduces the severity of the pain. Remember that you should apply the cold compress by wrapping it in a cloth, not directly.
Gargle with salt water: Thanks to its antibacterial effect, salt water can relieve the inflammation that causes pain.

How does toothache go away during pregnancy?

Toothache during pregnancy can occur when the hormonal changes your body is experiencing make your gums sensitive or trigger existing problems such as tooth decay. However, remember that the precautions you take for your toothache during a special period such as pregnancy are important for the health of both you and your baby.

Here are some safe ways to relieve toothache during pregnancy:

Brush your teeth with gentle movements: But remember that your toothbrush is just as important as your movements. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums.
Use Natural Methods: Gargling with salt water or applying a cold compress to the area where the tooth is located will help relieve your pain.
Contact your dentist: No matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, be sure to consult a dentist for the safest intervention for your toothache.
Use Painkillers: Choose safe painkillers recommended by your dentist.

Does Toothache Cause Fever?

Toothache can affect your overall health, especially if it is caused by an infection. If you have an infected tooth or an abscess, your immune system kicks in and you can sometimes develop a fever as a result. A high fever may indicate that the infection in the tooth has reached a serious level. If this is the case, medical assessment and intervention is essential. In this case, it is important to consult your dentist.

Which painkiller should be used for toothache?

The painkillers to use for toothache can vary depending on the source of the pain. Painkillers containing ibuprofen or paracetamol can usually be used safely. If there is inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended. Although these medicines are generally safe, they should not be used without a doctor’s advice, especially if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition.

Why does toothache increase at night?

There are several reasons why toothache gets worse at night. When you lie on your back, the increased blood flow to the head makes the nerve endings more sensitive and causes more pain. In addition, there are fewer distractions during the night, so the person may focus more on the pain. This can make the pain feel worse.

Is Antibiotics Used for Toothache?

Antibiotics may be prescribed when toothache is caused by a bacterial infection. However, this does not mean that antibiotics are appropriate for every toothache. In particular, if the pain is caused by tooth decay, the tooth should be repaired rather than treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it is not appropriate to start antibiotic use without the guidance of a dentist.

What Are Natural Remedies for Toothache?

You can use natural methods to relieve your toothache. However, these solutions provide temporary relief. Remember that you should always consult your dentist for the final solution.

However, let’s assume that you suddenly experience a toothache one night. You wonder if you can’t do something to alleviate the pain relatively until you see your dentist. Yes, there are some natural remedies that you can apply at home for toothache that keeps you up at night. Let’s list these methods below:

Clove Oil: Applying a few drops of clove oil to the aching tooth can relieve your pain thanks to its antiseptic effect.
Salt Water Mouthwash: Rinsing the mouth with salt water reduces inflammation and fights bacteria. The reduction in inflammation can relieve your pain.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, you can make turmeric into a paste and apply it to the aching area.

Is it possible to apply ice for toothache?

Ice application is an effective method to relieve toothache. A cold compress can be applied to the cheek to reduce swelling and sensitivity in the area of pain. However, applying ice directly to the tooth is not correct as it may cause increased sensitivity. It is best to place the cold compress wrapped in a cloth on the area where you have toothache at regular intervals.

Can alcohol be used for toothache?

Contrary to popular belief, drinking alcohol is definitely not the way to relieve toothache. Alcohol can irritate your gums and make the pain worse. There are also other health risks associated with drinking alcohol. Scientific and safe methods of relieving toothache should be preferred.

What is good for a toothache that keeps you awake?