A toothache is almost like a throbbing live wire inside your mouth. It is one of the most excruciating discomforts a person can experience, which waxes and wanes, making life miserable for the time it stays. Many of you might feel that it is a temporary pain and might go away. But when the toothache keeps coming back, you finally realize there is something more going on there.

A toothache is never to be ignored. Many of us would have realized this after an extremely bad toothache woke us up all through the night. So, even when your pain subsides, you should still plan a visit to your dentist. Here are some of the reasons why your tooth might hurt and why it is necessary to seek medical attention.

Reasons for Toothache

Dental pain can have several reasons, from sinus infection to trauma. But the most likely causes are tooth decay, enamel breakdown, and tooth infection.

• Sensitive teeth – With time, the hard protective enamel over teeth wears away and makes them sensitive to cold and hot. Enamel erosion could happen due to dental plaque build-up (mostly because of eating starchy and sugary food.) 
• Gum disease – Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum diseases which damage the soft tissue inside our mouths. If this is left untreated, it has the potential to affect the bone that supports your teeth.
• Cavity – Due to thinning of enamel, harmful acid and bacteria can eat away at your tooth, which can cause cavities or holes. This cavity, in its early stage, can be filled up with fluoride and sealed. If the cavity grows, it might need a filling made up of porcelain, resin, or composite material.
• Root canal – When tooth decay is severe, it can reach further down to the pulp and inner tissue of our tooth. This is a serious infection and requires a root canal procedure. In this process, your dentist would remove the diseased pulp and clean out the infection in the tissue.
• Bruxism – Some people unknowingly grind or clench their teeth in sleep or even during the day. This can cause a condition called bruxism, and constant grinding and clenching of teeth can cause a lot of pain. Though dentists are still not sure about the exact reason for grinding teeth, it is believed to be a combination of psychological, physical, and genetic factors. Sleep bruxism is specifically caused due to anxiety, genetics, or sleep pattern changes.
• Damaged filling – If your tooth had a filling earlier and it has got damaged due to some reason, it can also cause toothaches.

Will My Tooth Pain Go Away By Itself?

Based on this reason, some toothaches can go away without any treatment. Despite tooth pain going away on its own, it still requires dental care. To alleviate pain and stop it from occurring in the future, one must pay attention to oral hygiene, make a conscious effort not to grind their teeth, avoid chewing from the irritating side of their mouth, avoid eating foods that have extreme temperatures, etc. A few tips to reduce pain at home before you visit your dentist are:

• Rinse with salt water –  Salt water is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. By rinsing your mouth with saltwater, you can help eliminate debris and plaque from your mouth.
• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is also helpful in subsiding inflammation and pain. You would need to dilute hydrogen peroxide with an equal proportion of water to form a solution and then swish it around your mouth and spit it out.
• Cold compress – Ice or frozen towel can be used to form a cold compress. You can then hold this compress on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat it during the day if needed.

Visit Your Dentist Even When Pain Subsides

Your pain might come and go, but the sooner you see your dentist, the better it is for your dental condition. Though toothaches are not a life-threatening condition, untreated tooth decay can cause severe problems and might lead to the untimely loss of teeth. If you experience fever, swollen mouth or face, or get an unpleasant taste in your mouth, due to pus seeping from an infected tooth, call immediately and set up your dental appointment at the earliest.