A toothache is a sharp or persistent throbbing pain in a tooth or gum. It can range in intensity from a minor inconvenience to a major annoyance and can be caused by everything from food stuck between teeth to serious bacterial infection. Often the pain is relieved by home treatment but most severe throbbing toothaches need to be treated by a dental professional.

Toothaches can be a warning of a serious problem and it is important to call for an appointment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could exacerbate the pain and cause infection to spread from the mouth to other areas of the body.

Dealing with a Toothache: Causes and Treatment Options

Common causes of toothache include tooth decay (dental caries), damaged teeth, or jaw/mouth injury. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down sugar from food and drink to form acids that damage the tooth surface. Over time, these acid attacks can create cavities and expose the sensitive inner tissues of the tooth. Tooth decay is the leading cause of a toothache and can be easily prevented by brushing and flossing twice daily, cutting down on sugary foods/drinks, and getting regular dental checkups.

Many natural remedies can help ease a toothache including drinking a glass of salt water, chewing on a clove, or using a mouthwash with alcohol to disinfect and numb the teeth. Clove oil can also be applied to the painful area as a topical anesthetic. If you are unsure of the cause of your toothache, make an appointment with a dentist for a thorough exam including x-rays and a physical examination.

A dental hygienist is an oral healthcare professional with wide-ranging responsibilities that improve or maintain the health of teeth and gums. Hygienists often work in the dental industry, but this field also includes positions with public health programs and non-profit groups that provide care to people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

A hygienist is a valuable member of the dental team and provides patients with essential information about oral hygiene, healthy habits, and treatment options. In addition to providing patients with preventive treatments like fluoride, dental hygienists are also trained to spot potential problems early.

For example, a patient may have a risk for periodontal disease based on certain factors like age or family history. A hygienist can identify red flags such as inflammation or tissue loss and recommend treatment to the dentist before the problem escalates.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist in Maintaining Your Oral Health

During a professional tooth cleaning, a hygienist removes the soft plaque and hard deposits called tartar that build up on the tooth surface. These toxins are the root cause of gum disease, so they must be removed at every dental visit.

UB’s dental hygiene program prepares students for careers in the field through an extensive curriculum that includes introductory science courses like biology, chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy. The baccalaureate program also requires psychology and studio art courses to ensure students have the skills necessary to communicate effectively, collaborate with other dental professionals, and develop manual dexterity. Students are also required to pass a clinical exam to become licensed in their state of practice.