Happy National Toothache Day!

National Toothache Day is Sunday February 9, 2020.

Toothaches can make life pretty unbearable. They can affect your ability to eat, talk, sleep, travel or even kiss your loved ones.

Did you know the first bristled toothbrush was invented in 1498? In China people cleaned their teeth with a bristled brush with a handle made of either bamboo or bone. Interesting fact, huh? National Toothache Day was first celebrated in the early 2000’s. No one really remembers who started it but since mouth care is vital to good overall wellness, we though we would share with you some helpful information on how to take care of your teeth.

The Most Common Causes of a Toothache

Sensitive teeth
Gum disease
Impacted tooth
Inflammation of tooth pulp
Tooth decay
Sinus infection or congestion
Abscess
Cracked tooth

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. Gingivitis causes gums to become hot, red and swollen. Periodontitis is when there is an actual infection. When gum disease goes without treatment people may suffer bone loss and a breakdown of the gums, sensitivity to cold, touch and chewing, as well as tooth decay and/or loss.

Tooth decay is an erosion or cavity formation on the enamel of the tooth. Weak areas in our enamel are caused by plaque build up, which is a sticky layer of bacteria. This bacteria feeds on sugars and starches from the food we eat. Acid is formed in our mouth from the plaque that can eat away at the our enamel, which is the thin outer layer of the tooth that protects our tooth from chewing, biting, crunching and grinding. It also insulates our teeth from potentially painful temperatures and chemicals.

Causes of Enamel Erosion

Drinking too much soda which contains large amounts of phosphoric and citric acids
Drinking fruit drinks which can contain more acid that battery acid
Dry mouth caused by certain medications and medical conditions
Eating too much sugar and starches
Acid Reflux Disease
Gastrointestinal Problems
Some medications
Inherited conditions
Friction, wear and tear, stress and corrosion
Brushing your teeth too hard, improper flossing or biting on hard things like: fingernails, bottle caps, pens
Chewing tobacco

When the dentin, which is the tissue beneath the enamel and the cementum (tissue that covers the tooth root) becomes exposed it can result in cavities, worn fillings and cracked teeth. This leads to teeth sensitivity. Besides tooth decay, brushing your teeth too hard and untreated gum disease that leads to receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity. Another cause for tooth sensitivity or tooth or facial pain could be clenching or grinding your teeth (the fancy word for this is Bruxism). Talk to your dentist to find out how to relieve all of these issues.

The tissue in the center of the tooth is called pulp. Tooth pulp is filled with blood vessels and nerves and can become inflamed. If it goes untreated it can cause an abscess. Problems with the tooth pulp can lead to severe issues in other parts of the body. Karen went through this several years back. She had difficulty keeping food and water down and she lost a lot of weight. She did not look healthy. Her issues were related to gum disease she inherited from both her parents. Once the unhealthy teeth were removed, the vibrant and healthy Karen we all know and love was able to make a come back.

Impacted teeth are caused when teeth are unable to move into their proper position. This is caused when our gums can not accommodate the number or size of the teeth we have. I went through this a child because my teeth were too big for the size of my jaw. Pressure was relieved by having one of my eye teeth removed. Currently I have an impacted wisdom tooth, which intermittently causes me to live with pain, pressure and jaw soreness. I need to start saving my pennies because my insurance will not cover having my wisdom tooth removed because it is a healthy tooth.

You should make an appointment to see your dentist twice per year for regular cleanings in order to keep your teeth healthy. Reasons you might see your dentist outside of your regular cleanings include: tooth pain and sensitivity, persistent bad breath, loosening teeth and widening space between teeth, gums that are bleeding, swelling or receding.

If you are experiencing toothache along with fever, swelling, drainage and pockets of pus or you have a cracked or chipped tooth you should see your dentist right away.

Your dentist will talk with you about your medical history and family history when they are diagnosing a tooth issue. They will ask about your pain, and how long your pain has been noticeable and if there are certain times the pain happens. They will ask about triggers, recent trauma or dental procedures. Your dentist will inspect your teeth and gums and they may use imaging and other tests to help diagnose the issue you are having.

Sometimes tooth pain can also be related to sinus infection which should be treated by your primary medical professional. Certain medical conditions can cause mouth pain. I have fibromyalgia which has caused me to have enflamed nerves in my head and face. It has also caused Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which is a dysfunction of the jaw.

Once your dentist and or doctor have found the cause of your tooth pain there are several treatments to help you. You should talk to your medical professionals regarding medications, pain control, oral rinses, oral devices or dental procedures that might help you feel some relief.

How to Observe National Toothache Day

Commit yourself to brushing and flossing
Set yourself up for success by stocking up on toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. Create a habit of flossing and brushing your teeth two times per day. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and replace it every 3 months.
Learn how to care for a toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and use ice packs to numb the painful area. If your toothache is still there after 2 days see your dentist.
See your dentist regularly
Make sure to schedule your regular cleanings twice per year. Regular visits to your dentist can help catch any issues that need special attention and it is a great way to have a professional answer any questions you might have. Some people will require more than 2 visits per year with their dentist; if you are one of those people your dentist will let you know.
Cut down on sweets
Sugar causes inflammation and can break down healthy teeth. Both of these scenarios can change a pearly white smile into a not so healthy one…and eating less sugar will also help you feel better overall. Eating a regular, balanced diet rich in colorful vegetables and fruits, protein and fatty fish is a great way to experience great overall health.
Avoid smoking

Ancient Remedies to Cure Toothaches at Home

Thyme
– apply oil with fresh or dried thyme to help increase blood flow and relieve pain
Sage
– applying a bag of tea to your cheek or swishing some tea with sage and honey can help relieve inflammation
Clove
– clove oil has antibacterial properties
Garlic
– garlic paste applied to the painful area can reduce pain and swelling

If you are interested in learning about Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils that can help with pain and inflammation please Send Me an Email.

If you are experiencing toothache I would like to encourage you to see your dentist. I understand that we are busy people and many of us have had bad experiences at the dentist but it is important to overcome this in order to keep your smile healthy. I have enjoyed my latest experiences at my dental office. I let them know that I get stimulated easily and I have anxiety disorder. This helped them prepare me and their workspace to accommodate me. I also downloaded wind chime sounds into a playlist and the sounds help me stay calm while I have people’s hands in my mouth. They even rearranged the room so that Karen could hold my hand during my cleanings. Your dentist is not overwhelmed by any fears you have and they will appreciate knowing if you have special circumstances they can make arrangements for.

I hope this article was easy to understand and answered any questions you might have. There is more information to be found in the links below. If you have other questions that we could research for you please send Jamie Holloway, our Research Manager, an email on our Dear Jamie page and one of our Team Members will write an article to answer your question.

Resources and Start Learning More:

Causes of Tooth Pain and Treatment Options by Lora Dodge, medically reviewed by Sumaya Ibraheem, DDS on January 21, 2020 for VeryWell Health
National Toothache Day – February 9, 2020 by National Today Staff
Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration by WebMD Staff

I hope this article helps Fuel Your Wellness. Please leave your comments below.

Ask Dear Jamie to Research a Topic

Summer D Clemenson co-owns Clemenson Enterprises and Wellness Works NW with her wife, Karen G Clemenson. Their personal motto is Creativity, Honesty & Positivity are a must! This mantra helps them stay community and wellness minded in all they do. Summer also writes poetry and inspirational blogs @ ClemensonEnterprises.com. Her crochet art can be viewed and purchased @ KnottyWares.com & she loves special orders!