Tooth Pain- Chapter 1

by Denticare
Updated: 06 November, 2025
Tooth Ache

People who have experienced acute tooth ache will agree , it can make your day terrible and fear of pain will be deeply embedded in your Brain. Moreover the nocturnal nature of the tooth ache will make it difficult to get access for emergency medical care . Let us see various reasons for tooth ache how you can handle it .

How Tooth Decay is formed?

Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth ache . Cavity can be formed by repeated excess sugar adherence on the tooth over very period of 12 months or more . Once the cavity is formed the decay will progress very fast . During this process you are likely to experience warning signs like sensitive to hot or cold .If your immunity is extremely good your body will still fight against infection . One stage the bacterial load will be too much to handle and blood supply to the teeth will deplete and full blown infection will set off .

Now your teeth might be painful even for a feather touch . Swelling on the gums or cheeks could happen too . Simple filling of the tooth at early stage could have stopped all these .

Weak Spots : Natural pits and fissures of tooth , between two teeth , hard to reach tooth like wisdom tooth , Malformed tooth
Carbohydrates : Sticky candies , chocolates, Potato chips , corn flakes , cakes , raw rice , sugary drinks (coke , Pepsi , fruit juices , sugary milk .etc )
Bacteria : Streptococcus mutans and few other bacterial strains are the germs that take advantage of the weak spots and presence of carbohydrates in the oral cavity and causes tooth demineralisation which lead to tooth cavity.
With all the above factors in place yet the decay will not happen overnight. It is a slow process , usually takes 1-3 yrs, in case of deciduous teeth (Baby teeth) this process is fast .

Pain Progress and solution

Initially the pain could be controlled by course of antibiotics and pain killer medicines . But remember ,medicines will not cure the decayed tooth , it can only help you to overcome the acute symptoms . After one or two episodes the affected tooth might not respond to medicines . For pain relief and to save the tooth your dentist may advice you to go for root canal treatment if you choose not to loose your tooth , Alternative option would be extraction the teeth .

How to Prevent tooth Decay / Tooth Cavity

Weak spots in teeth like pits and fissures should be sealed
frequency of sugary food intake should be cut down
Brushing twice a day and flossing must be followed
people who have history of frequent dental problems , should make a habit seeing their dentist every 6months for check ups .

At Denticare , Mogappair we are well equipped with the knowledge and skill necessary even for complex root canal treatment. We will take all the necessary steps to do the root canal treatment painless.

Frequently Asked Questions

To relieve tooth pain, start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and remove debris. Applying a cold compress on the cheek can help numb the area and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may temporarily ease discomfort. Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods that worsen pain. If the pain is due to decay, infection, or sensitivity, professional dental treatment such as fillings, deep cleaning, or a root canal may be necessary.

Cold water can provide temporary relief for certain types of toothaches, especially when swelling or gum inflammation is involved. Rinsing with cold water may soothe irritated tissues and wash away food particles. However, if the toothache is due to severe sensitivity, decay, or exposed nerves, cold water may worsen the pain instead of helping. In many dental infections, sudden sharp pain from cold is common. If cold worsens the sensation, it’s a sign you need urgent dental evaluation and treatment.

The 3-3-3 rule suggests taking 3 ibuprofen tablets (200 mg each), three times a day, for three days to reduce toothache and inflammation. This method helps control swelling commonly linked to dental infections or gum issues. However, it must be used only by adults who can safely take ibuprofen and have no medical restrictions. It is not a cure—only temporary relief. If pain persists or becomes severe, it likely indicates decay, infection, or nerve involvement requiring dental treatment.

Unbearable tooth pain usually signals a deeper issue like infection, severe decay, cracked tooth, exposed nerve, or untreated gum disease. When bacteria reach the tooth’s pulp, pressure builds, causing intense, throbbing pain that may spread to the ear or jaw. Sensitivity to cold water, swelling, or pain while biting are common warning signs. In some cases, sinus issues can also mimic toothache. Such severe pain typically requires urgent treatment like antibiotics, fillings, or a root canal.