Tooth pain can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially when it’s throbbing in nature. Throbbing tooth pain is often persistent, pulsing, and can radiate through your jaw, ear, or head. Whether its caused by a cavity, abscess, gum disease, or trauma, throbbing tooth pain can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate on anything else. While the pain may seem overwhelming, there are steps you can take to alleviate it until you can see a dentist. In this blog, well guide you through the causes of throbbing tooth pain and what you can do to manage it effectively.
What Causes Throbbing Tooth Pain?
Throbbing tooth pain is often a sign that something is wrong beneath the surface. It can occur for various reasons, including:
Tooth Decay (Cavities):
Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth pain. When the outer enamel wears away, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the tooth, causing an infection. If the decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (the pulp), it can lead to throbbing pain, especially when exposed to hot or cold foods.
Dental Abscess:
A dental abscess occurs when an infection forms at the root of the tooth. This infection can spread to the surrounding gum and jawbone, leading to a severe throbbing pain that doesnt subside easily. Abscesses are often accompanied by swelling, fever, and sometimes a bad taste in the mouth.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis):
Advanced gum disease can cause throbbing pain in the gums and teeth. When plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, they can cause inflammation and infection. If untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, and eventually tooth loss.
Tooth Fractures:
A cracked or broken tooth can also cause throbbing pain. When the tooth is damaged, the nerve inside the tooth can become exposed, causing irritation and pain. Even small fractures can lead to significant discomfort if they allow bacteria to enter.
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis):
If you have an infection in your sinus cavities, it can cause pain in the upper teeth. The pressure from a sinus infection can press on the roots of the upper teeth, leading to a throbbing sensation, especially when bending down or applying pressure to the area.
Tooth Sensitivity:
For some people, a tooths enamel can wear away over time due to factors like acidic food consumption, teeth grinding, or aging. When the underlying dentin becomes exposed, it can lead to sharp, throbbing pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism):
If you grind your teeth at night or during times of stress, this constant pressure can lead to throbbing tooth pain. Teeth grinding can cause fractures, wear down the enamel, and irritate the soft tissue around the tooth, resulting in pain.
Wisdom Teeth:
If your wisdom teeth are coming in or impacted, they can cause throbbing pain. This pain is often accompanied by swelling or difficulty opening your mouth, and it can worsen if an infection develops around the tooth.
What to Do About Throbbing Tooth Pain
While waiting to see a dentist, there are several things you can do to alleviate the throbbing pain and minimize discomfort.
1. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain temporarily. Follow the dosage instructions on the label and never exceed the recommended amount.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area can reduce swelling and numb the pain. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold it against your face for 1520 minutes at a time. Repeat this process every hour as needed to keep swelling down.
3. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Saltwater rinses can help reduce swelling, clean the affected area, and provide temporary pain relief. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit it out and repeat several times a day.
4. Apply Clove Oil
Clove oil has natural analgesic and antiseptic properties that can help numb the pain. Dab a small amount of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the painful area. This can help alleviate the throbbing sensation, but its not a permanent solution, so it should be used in conjunction with professional dental care.
5. Avoid Irritating Foods and Drinks
If youre experiencing throbbing tooth pain, its essential to avoid foods and drinks that can trigger or worsen the pain. This includes very hot, cold, or sugary items. Stick to soft, cool foods and liquids that wont irritate the affected tooth.
6. Try an Over-the-Counter Oral Anesthetic
Oral anesthetics, such as Orajel or Anbesol, contain benzocaine, a topical numbing agent that can provide temporary relief. Apply a small amount of the gel directly to the painful tooth and gums for quick relief. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and does not address the underlying cause of the pain.
7. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
When dealing with throbbing tooth pain, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that is affected. Eating on the opposite side of your mouth can reduce pressure on the painful tooth and prevent further irritation or damage.
8. Keep Your Head Elevated While Sleeping
Throbbing tooth pain may worsen when lying down, as it can increase blood flow to the affected area. When sleeping, keep your head elevated with an extra pillow to minimize the throbbing sensation. This can help reduce the intensity of the pain and allow you to sleep more comfortably.
When to See a Dentist
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, its essential to seek professional dental care if the pain persists or worsens. The following signs indicate that its time to visit a dentist:
Persistent Pain: If the pain continues for more than 12 days, its a sign that the issue may require professional treatment.
Severe Pain: Intense, constant pain that doesnt subside with over-the-counter pain relievers requires immediate attention.
Swelling or Abscess: If you notice swelling in the gums or face, or if you experience fever, it could indicate an infection that requires antibiotics or other treatment.
Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: If you experience trouble breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate a more severe issue, such as an abscess or infection spreading to the throat.
Trauma or Injury: If your pain is due to a tooth fracture or injury, see a dentist immediately to prevent further damage and address the problem.
Possible Treatments Your Dentist May Recommend
Once you visit the dentist, they will perform an examination to determine the cause of the throbbing pain. Some common treatments include:
Fillings or Crowns: For cavities, your dentist may remove the decay and fill the tooth with a dental material, or place a crown if the damage is more extensive.
Root Canal Therapy: If the tooth pulp is infected, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth.
Tooth Extraction: In some cases, when a tooth is too damaged or infected, extraction may be required.
Antibiotics: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection before further treatment can be performed.
Conclusion
Throbbing tooth pain is often a sign that something is wrong and should not be ignored. While home remedies can help alleviate the pain temporarily, its crucial to seek professional dental care to address the underlying issue. Whether the pain is caused by a cavity, infection, gum disease, or trauma, a dentist can diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment to provide relief and restore your oral health.