Globally, between 60–90% of school children and nearly 100% adults have some form of tooth decay (being the primary cause of toothache), often leading to pain and discomfort. Oral disease affects approximately 4 billion people worldwide, with untreated tooth decay (dental caries) impacting almost half of the world’s population (44%), making it the most prevalent of all the 291 conditions included in the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS).
Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on the sugars and starches in the food we eat. These bacteria form a sticky plaque that clings to the surface of the teeth. Acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can eat through the hard, white coating on the outside of the teeth (enamel), creating a cavity. The first sign of decay may be a sensation of pain when something sweet is eaten, a very cold or very hot food or water. Sometimes decay will show as a brown or white spot on the tooth which causes pain. An accumulation of food and debris between the teeth, inflammation or infection at the root of the tooth or in the gums, trauma to the tooth, sudden fracture of the tooth or tooth root, a split in the tooth that occurs over time, teeth that start to appear (erupt) through the gums, that don't have enough room to emerge or develop normally (impacted wisdom teeth), all contribute to the development of a toothache.
Routine dental care is an essential first step to the prevention of a toothache. Taking time to think about and prioritize oral health is also an important step in keeping the teeth healthy and pain-free. Avoiding sugary foods and acidic drinks, as well as brushing twice daily is important. Self-care tips should involve rinsing your mouth with warm water, using dental floss to remove any food particles or plaque wedged between your teeth. If the toothache is caused by trauma to the tooth, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Treating a toothache in the short term may be simply handled by over-the-counter treatments but seeing a dentist if pain persists for more than two days is essential to resolve the issue. Some toothaches are so severe as to require emergency intervention, thus treating the early signs of a mild toothache is important.
Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent all tooth problems, including toothaches. Today, we are not celebrating toothaches, but rather raising awareness about dental care, good oral hygiene, and preventing the dreaded toothache. Most toothaches that stem from oral diseases are not only curable but also highly preventable. Therefore, let’s do all we can, as our oral health can impact our overall health and wellbeing.
