Overview
Symptoms
Common symptoms of toothache can range from a dull ache in the mouth, sore gums and jaw to an acute pain in a particular tooth. Should a toothache persist for more than 2 days you should contact your dentist.
Causes
The general causes of toothache are:
- Tooth decay
- A dental abscess
- A broken or loose filling
- A cracked or a damaged tooth
- An infection
Treatment
Toothache can be prevented by maintaining healthy teeth and gums, with regular brushing and flossing, using a fluoride toothpaste and cutting down on sugary foods, snacks and drinks.
To alleviate symptoms while waiting for a dental appointment you can
- Take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Rinse your mouth with salty water
- Use a pain-relieving gel such as Orajel. This contains a numbing agent that will relieve symptoms and pain.
- Apply a few drops of Clove oil using a cotton bud to the affected area.