Toothache which tooth

The brain can immediately distinguish between a splinter in the index finger and a paper cut on the thumb, even though the digits are next-door neighbors.

But in the mouth this can be more difficult, depending where and how intense the ache is. The new study is one of the first to address the puzzle of toothache localization, he says. In the study, researchers led by Clemens Forster of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany analyzed brain activity in healthy — and brave — volunteers as they experienced tooth pain. The researchers delivered short electrical pulses to either the upper left canine tooth the pointy one or the lower left canine tooth in the subjects.

The following issues may be the source of this type of tooth pain:. Flossing and rinsing your mouth can remove food that has lodged itself in your teeth or gums. If the issue is bruxism, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard and other treatment options. An abscessed tooth needs to be addressed immediately.

Dental sensitivity is common, but it can be a serious issue. Pay attention to what triggers the toothache and how long the pain lasts. If the pain is minor and fleeting, you most likely have worn down enamel. Try using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid extremely hot or cold foods for a week to see if the issue subsides.

If your pain is severe and lasts for more than thirty seconds, the cause is likely much more serious. Tooth decay, fractures, exposed roots, worn fillings, and gum disease can lead to more painful sensitivity. You should schedule an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible, if your toothache persists longer than a day, is accompanied with a fever or earache , or if it is causing severe pain.

To treat your toothache, we will first assess the tooth that is hurting, ask questions about your medical condition and your current condition, as well look at the rest of your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, throat, sinuses, and so forth. Once we have a clear understanding on what is causing the toothache, we will recommend a course of treatment.

For patients with a minor toothache, or those who cannot make it to the dentist immediately, like toothaches that hit in the middle of the night, there are a number of steps you can take at home to minimize pain.

The following can provide temporary relief at home, until you can get to the dentist:. If your toothache is accompanied with swelling, hold an ice pack or frozen vegetables to the outside of your cheek on the side of the toothache. The cold will help numb the area, relieve swelling, and reduce inflammation. Cold compresses are a good way for temporary relief, so you can try and get some sleep. However, if you have a more advanced problem, like a root canal infection, the toothache will not get better, until you make it to the dentist.

Clove oil can temporarily reduce pain in toothaches. To apply clove oil, dip a cotton ball in the oil, allowing it to soak in a few drops, then gently rub the cotton ball over the sore tooth and gums.

Clove oil uses a natural anesthetic, eugenol, which works to relieve pain. While clove oil can temporarily help with pain, it does not taste pleasant. Rinsing with salt water can help soothe swollen gums. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a warm cup of water, then gently swish the solution in your mouth and spit it out. Be careful to not let the water get too hot, which can make the pain worst.

To help with toothache pain, you can purchase over the counter pain medication, like Ibuprofen or Advil. Pain medication can keep you comfortable for a short time, until you can get to the dentist.