How toothache does not even arise

What really helps against toothache

Toothache is truly no pleasure. Whether toothache sets in only during eating, or whether it plagues you permanently: the complaints always have to be taken seriously. Experts explain what you can do when you have a toothache and also how you do not even develop it.

Always take a toothache seriously

Health experts keep pointing out the importance of taking a toothache seriously. For example, if the pain is caused by inflammation of the gums and remains untreated, the germs can enter the bloodstream via the inflammatory foci, thereby favoring, among other things, arteriosclerosis. The dangers of inflammation can even reach the heart. But despite the often violent complaints and the knowledge about the possible consequences some people do not go to the doctor. Experts from the Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Jena (UKJ) explain what you can do with toothache, why you do not need to be afraid of treatment and how to prevent the symptoms from developing.

If you have toothache, you should definitely go to the dentist. Because the complaints can sometimes have dangerous consequences. No one has to worry about treatment today. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com)

The hardest substance of the human body

Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, our teeth also have a "soft side". They are not just lifeless chewing tools.

"Like every organ in our body, every single tooth has a complex network of blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerve fibers. These extend from the pulp, the so-called pulp, to the dentin, also called dentin, "explains senior physician Dr. med. Markus Reise, Dentist at the Polyclinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology at the UKJ in a communication.

"This allows us to perceive heat, cold, pressure or chemical stimuli - and also pain," says the expert.

Caries as the main cause of the pain

Very often behind toothache are caries and their consequences. Tooth decay occurs when the bacterial biofilm, ie plaque, is not removed regularly and thoroughly from the teeth.

This favors acid-forming microorganisms to destroy the hard tooth substance. In the worst case, this leads to pulpitis, a - very painful - inflammation of the dental pulp.

Unfortunately, patients often do not notice caries until they have progressed, in the form of a sore tooth or a hole. Therefore, it is important to go to the dental check twice a year, "says Reise.

The dentists can detect even the smallest carious lesions, for example by means of bite-wing radiographs, - and treat them early.

Infections can be life-threatening

As the UKJ communication says, if you have a toothache, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Although there are painkillers, some natural emergency aids and home remedies for toothache that may provide temporary relief, they do not fight the cause of the pain.

"Just waiting or delaying the visit to the dentist can have serious consequences," warns the experienced dentist. The bacterial infection of the tooth can spread.

Not only on the surrounding jawbone, but even in the entire neck and head area up to the chest area. "Such infections can be life-threatening for the patient."

Minimally invasive treatment options

Many sufferers, however, shy away from the dentist for fear of the drill and the pain of the treatment.

According to the trip, however, various minimally invasive therapy concepts are offered. As a result, a removal of the caries may be possible without a drill, for example by means of laser or caries infiltration therapy.

But only if the holes are not too big. Even with gingivitis such as gingivitis or periodontitis, the dentists at the UKJ like to resort to a gentle soft laser therapy.

Only in very rare cases a treatment under general anesthesia is necessary. A gentler method is the sedation with nitrous oxide directly at the treatment chair. Who is afraid of the treatment, that's the best way to the dentist.

"Fear should never be the reason to shun treatment," says Reise.

That's how you can prevent

To prevent toothache from even occurring, everyone can prevent themselves. Very important is the oral hygiene at home.

The expert recommends brushing twice a day, paying particular attention to cleaning the interdental spaces. Interdental brushes or dental floss can help. Professional teeth cleaning also protects against gingivitis.

Those who pay attention to the right nutrition also do good things for their teeth: they prefer to eat less low-molecular carbohydrates or sour foods such as sweets. Even acidic drinks such as soft drinks should be consumed only in moderation.

Instead, put on a vitamin-rich diet with fruits and vegetables. It also protects the gums. Also recommended are wholegrain products.

In addition, the regular visit to the dentist is important, ideally from the first tooth. (Ad)