Dental neuralgia, also known as toothache, is a fairly common problem among the population. As the name suggests, dental neuralgia is the pain ("algia") of a nerve ("nevr") in a tooth. If you are dealing with dental neuralgia, here is what you need to know about its causes and how to manage the problem as effectively as possible.
Toothaches can have multiple causes, ranging from cavities to periodontitis and dental hypersensitivity. Here’s what you need to know about the main reasons dental neuralgia occurs:
There are several types of neuralgias depending on their location and cause:
This type of pain does not have a clear location, is intermittent, short-lasting, with a sudden onset and end. It does not have a known cause.
This type has a locatable, identifiable cause. The pain can be persistent, long-lasting, and may send the patient to the emergency room.
Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, is a sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain felt in the jaw, maxilla, around the nose, and above the eye. It is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve and can be triggered by simple actions such as brushing teeth, shaving, eating, or a gust of wind. Initially, the episodes can be short, but unmanaged trigeminal neuralgia can gradually worsen.
This condition cannot be cured, but available treatments, including anticonvulsants, are prescribed by a doctor. Surgical intervention on the affected area is also possible. There are two types of trigeminal neuralgia: primary and secondary. The primary, essential, or idiopathic type has no obvious cause of trigeminal nerve compression. The secondary type can be caused by pressure from a tumor, cyst, facial injuries, dental conditions, etc.
Trigeminal neuralgia affects women more than men and is more common in people over the age of 50.
The main manifestation of dental neuralgia is, as the name suggests, severe pain, which can be acute or throbbing. This pain starts at the level of the affected tooth and moves to the surrounding tissues, potentially radiating to the rest of the head. Tooth pain is sudden and can occur when the affected tooth comes into contact with cold, heat, sweets, during chewing, or even when the patient talks. The pain can be violent and throbbing, like an electric shock or a needle prick.
In addition to pain, the symptoms of dental problems include:
Regardless of the associated symptoms, dental neuralgia is a sign that you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Dental neuralgia is often a symptom of a dental condition. Therefore, risk factors include:
It is recommended to visit your dentist at the first sign of pain to prevent the condition from worsening. Some complications of dental conditions can be severe. For example, if an abscess is left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body and cause endocarditis/myocarditis or septicemia.
There are numerous treatments for toothache, depending on its causes. Initially, the dentist will determine the causes and, based on these, will create a treatment plan while also reducing the pain by prescribing anesthetic mouthwashes, anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or antibiotics. Thus:
Regarding medication treatment, the dental specialist may prescribe analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Ibuprofen and paracetamol are among the anti-inflammatory medications for teeth. Antibiotics may also be necessary if dental neuralgia is caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, a doctor's advice and prescription are required. Additionally, certain antiseptic mouthwashes sold over the counter in pharmacies can be used.
There are numerous natural methods to manage dental neuralgia. However, prevention, including at least an annual visit to the dentist, remains the best way to limit the occurrence of dental pain. Proper brushing and the use of interdental brushes or floss can clear a blocked area of food debris, calming the pain. While waiting for your dental appointment, here are some temporary remedies you can use:
It is important to remember that dental neuralgia is a symptom of various conditions, and its causes can only be determined by a specialist, ranging from a dentist to a neurologist. The occurrence of tooth pain can be prevented with impeccable oral hygiene, limiting the consumption of sugar, alcohol, acidic foods, and through annual dental cleanings performed at the dental office.
Tooth pain or dental neuralgia, even though it is a fairly common discomfort, should not be ignored. It can be a symptom of more or less serious conditions, so do not hesitate to consult your dentist, who will provide you with a treatment plan and the best advice.