man holding jaw in pain

Emergency Dentistry

Can A Toothache Go Away On Its Own?

A person needs to make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible if they begin to feel discomfort in their mouth since this could be the first sign that they are on the verge of experiencing tooth pain. When we smile, we may experience discomfort that doesn't go away, which might signify that we have a cavity or an infection. The American Dental Association suggests that anybody experiencing tooth pain should see a dentist as soon as possible so they may be assessed.

Tooth pains are one of the most frequent dental problems, and they are the cause of millions of visits to the emergency room each year. Poor dental hygiene, a sugary diet, and infrequent brushing and flossing may lead to cavities. Cavities may spread through a tooth and reach the nerve core. At this stage, tooth decay causes infection and tooth pain. The good thing is that most tooth pain is caused by treatable issues which can be cured with the assistance of a dentist. Let us go further into the fundamentals of toothache.

What Is Tooth Pain? Tooth pain is defined as an uncomfortable feeling in and around a tooth. It might indicate tooth pain when you feel sensitivity or dull pain in your mouth. It could also be the consequence of sinus or allergy troubles or even rapid elevation changes. However, these circumstances could result in your discomfort being transient and lasting just a few hours. 

If you are in pain due to a cavity or an infection, your discomfort will remain for longer than 48 hours and intensify with time. Minor toothaches might be caused by gum inflammation, which can be treated at home. More significant toothaches are caused by dental and oral issues that will not resolve on their own and must be addressed by a dentist.

Why Are Toothaches Painful? Toothaches are unpleasant because the pulp within your tooth is made of soft material that contains nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among your body's most sensitive. These nerves may produce significant pain when inflamed or infected with bacteria such as abscesses.

Types Of Tooth Pain -Sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink is likely nothing serious if it lasts a short time. If the pain lasts longer than 30 seconds, it may be in the tooth pulp. -Pain when biting down might suggest a fractured tooth or a more profound condition. Loose fillings produce similar discomfort. -Puffy and painful red gums indicate an abscessed tooth. The infection has now spread to nearby soft tissues. -Dull aching pain is caused by teeth clenching and grinding and causes dull excruciating discomfort. Grinding causes jaw and teeth pain.

Treatment For A Tooth Pain Your dentist may utilize a variety of treatments to alleviate tooth pain, but the root of the problem will determine the specific approach. If the problem is just a little amount of decay, like a cavity, then you will only need a basic filling. However, if the decay is more severe and spreads into the tooth's pulp, a root canal procedure may be required to alleviate the discomfort.

If the problem is caused by periodontitis or gum disease, beginning a routine that includes flossing, brushing, and going to the dentist regularly will be helpful. In addition, your dentist will most likely do a more in-depth cleaning of your teeth, which is called scaling and planing, to provide your gums with a clean slate.

If you have a tooth that is fractured, chipped, or cracked, your dentist or oral health professional will try to repair and seal the tooth first. However, if the damage is substantial and cannot be repaired, the tooth will need to be extracted since it cannot be saved. It can be replaced with an implant, a false tooth.

Home Remedies For Tooth Pain Relief If you have a toothache and can't visit your dentist, you may be eager for pain relief. You can try these pain remedies for temporary relief:

-Warm salt water rinses are one of the best treatments to reduce tooth swelling pain. Add a few tablespoons of salt to warm water and swirl for a few seconds before spitting. Warm water and salt can temporarily alleviate gum swelling. -Clove oil helps relieve dental pain and swelling. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the aching tooth and gums. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic that relieves toothache discomfort. -Cold compress numbs the region, relieving pain. It reduces inflammation and swelling. Cold compresses may help you fall asleep but won't cure your toothache.

How To Avoid Tooth Pain Tooth pain is easy to avoid by maintaining routine dental checkups, avoiding sugary foods and beverages, brushing one's teeth twice daily for approximately two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning the space between one's teeth daily with dental floss or an interdental brush to remove food particles, plaque, and debris.

When Should You See A Dentist For A Toothache? It is essential to visit your dentist if your discomfort is continuous and does not go away after a day or two, even after taking pain relievers. Other symptoms include fever, discomfort while biting, red gums, a terrible taste in your mouth, and a swollen cheek or jaw. These signs indicate that the infection has progressed further into your jaw and surrounding tissue, or perhaps to other parts of your body. You should consult your dentist about your toothache as soon as possible.

What Happens If You Leave A Toothache Untreated? An infection could cause tooth pain, and if left untreated, the infection can worsen, causing more significant difficulties and costly procedures: infection results in bacteria in the blood, often known as blood poisoning, bacteremia, or septicemia. If untreated, septicemia could lead to sepsis, a severe whole-body infection that can be fatal.

For example, if you have a few fillings that need to be replaced but don't have them done and the infection spreads to the nerve six months later, those teeth will need root canal procedures to be saved. Anyone who has a toothache for more than 1 or 2 days and does not have signs of a sinus infection should visit a dentist for a complete diagnosis and treatment.

Why Does Tooth Pain Come And Go? The pain that comes and goes is possibly caused by tooth decay or a tiny cavity that only starts to show symptoms. The pain of a moderate or severe kind is often an indication that the affected tooth's nerve is severely inflamed or infected with bacteria. Another cause of such irregular throbbing tooth pain is that the tooth is dying. The lack of pain may be a relief, but it does not always signal that things are improving. Once a tooth dies, your options for saving it diminish dramatically.

Conclusion Tooth pain is an unpleasant experience for everybody. However, many home treatments may give brief comfort and aid sleep but are not long-term solutions. If you suffer tooth pain for more than two days, you should see a dentist. If you have a fever and swelling in your face or have problems breathing or swallowing but can't reach your dentist, go to the emergency department.

The wise thing to do if you have tooth pain is to go to the dentist as soon as possible. Specific tooth pain could be managed at home without needing to see the dentist, but most of them cannot. A dentist can provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your issue. Dentists often reserve time slots for emergency patients, so you may be able to secure a same-day appointment.

Recently Posted

Fresh news from the dental world...

Recent Post

When One Missing Tooth Starts Causing More Trouble Than You Expected

Learn how a dental bridge replaces a missing tooth, who it helps, and how long it can last at Bellflower Dental Group.
Read More
Recent Post

When Bleeding Gums Are Trying to Tell You Something

Learn the signs of periodontal disease, treatment options, and when to schedule care at Bellflower Dental Group.
Read More
Recent Post

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction

Learn the difference between root canals and tooth extractions, including the benefits, risks, and how dentists decide which treatment is right.
Read More
Recent Post

Why Your Invisalign Trays Aren't Fitting Right — and What to Do About It

Struggling with Invisalign gaps or tracking issues in Bellflower? Learn what's normal, what's not, and when refinements may help. Call us today.
Read More
Recent Post

Do Veneers Stain? What Every Patient Should Know Before Getting One

Wondering if veneers stain over time? Bellflower Dental Group explains what causes discoloration and how to keep your smile bright. Call today.
Read More
Recent Post

Should You Whiten Your Teeth at Home or Get Professional Treatment in Bellflower?

Discover the real differences between at-home whitening kits and professional teeth whitening in Bellflower—plus which option works best for you.
Read More
Recent Post

Can Same-Day Veneers Really Transform Your Smile in Bellflower?

Transform your smile instantly with same-day veneers in Bellflower—book your consultation at Bellflower Dental Group today!
Read More
Recent Post

Bad Breath That Keeps Coming Back? What Your Mouth May Be Telling You

Learn what causes bad breath and halitosis, when to worry, and how Bellflower Dental Group can help you treat it.
Read More
Recent Post

How Nighttime Teeth Grinding Quietly Damages Your Jaw in Bellflower

Discover how nighttime grinding strains your jaw—even without morning pain. Expert TMJ care in Bellflower. Call us today.
Read More

Preview Our Dental Office In Bellflower, CA

Virtual Office Tour

Dental treatment room with two dentists talking to their patients.
A dental treatment room with two dental chairs.
Exterior view of the building with the Bellflower Dental Group sign.
View through a fish tank into a dental treatment room with several dentists working on patients.
Colorful kids’ playroom with two bright tables, small chairs, toys, and a TV on the wall.
Two front desk staff talking on the phone at a dental office.
Room with multiple seats and a large screen, resembling a mini theater.
Exterior view of the building with the Bellflower Dental Group sign.
Dental treatment room with two dentists talking to their patients.
A dental treatment room with two dental chairs.
Exterior view of the building with the Bellflower Dental Group sign.
View through a fish tank into a dental treatment room with several dentists working on patients.
Colorful kids’ playroom with two bright tables, small chairs, toys, and a TV on the wall.
Two front desk staff talking on the phone at a dental office.

Request An Appointment Bellflower, CA

Our Locations & Hours

OFFICE HOURS

Mon - Fri 9AM - 6PM

Saturday 9AM - 3PM

Sunday Closed

Click to Schedule or Call Now

(562) 925-3765REQUEST APPOINTMENT

Top Dentist Bellflower, CA

Patient Stories

Check out what our patients are saying in Bellflower, CA...

Amanda K.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Great customer service!
Amanda K.

Great customer service and attentive staff! My 3 year old enjoyed his visit! Yes, I said he enjoyed it! He had to have X-rays done, and I was so worried that he wasn't gonna be a happy camper but the X-ray tech, Dominique, is so good with kids! The X-rays were fast and painless! Overall a great experience!

Brian B.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Surpasses my expectations!
Brian B.

Amazing staff! My experience at Bellflower Dental Group was outstanding. I highly recommend this dental group. I come to them for my braces, their ortho is incredible, the highlight of this dental group. The staff is amazing, their employees are so kind and take the time to perfect your braces.

Rosa V.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
I love this dental office!
Rosa V.

I have been coming here for years. It is a one-stop-shop! You can get your x-rays, cleaning, braces, labs, dentures, toothbrushes, and more all right here. The staff is great, and they try to work with you if you need a payment plan. Never had any issues with any of the work done here!

Amanda K.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Great customer service!
Amanda K.

Great customer service and attentive staff! My 3 year old enjoyed his visit! Yes, I said he enjoyed it! He had to have X-rays done, and I was so worried that he wasn't gonna be a happy camper but the X-ray tech, Dominique, is so good with kids! The X-rays were fast and painless! Overall a great experience!

Brian B.
testimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__startestimonial__star
Surpasses my expectations!
Brian B.

Amazing staff! My experience at Bellflower Dental Group was outstanding. I highly recommend this dental group. I come to them for my braces, their ortho is incredible, the highlight of this dental group. The staff is amazing, their employees are so kind and take the time to perfect your braces.

Our Professional Affiliations

Check out our accreditations, sources, and relationships in the wide world of dentistry...

c.e.r.e.c. logo
icoi logo
invisalign logo
california dental association logo
academy of general dentistry logo
lumineers logo
dental board of california
waterlase laser dentistry logo
care credit logo
american academy of cosmetic dentistry logo
american dental association logo

Our Recent Posts

Check us out and follow our Bellflower, CA practice on social media...

Three dental assistants from Bellflower Dental Group.
A woman smiling with her dentist.
A group of women from the Bellflower Dental Group team.