Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
Nerve pain in a tooth can be unbearable, making it difficult to eat, drink, or even sleep.
This blog explains what causes dental nerve pain, how to identify it, and the most effective ways to stop it. You will learn about at-home remedies for temporary relief and professional treatments for long-term solutions.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Dental Nerve Pain
- How to Identify Dental Nerve Pain
- How to Stop Nerve Pain in a Tooth
- When to See a Dentist
- Get Lasting Relief—Book Your Dental Visit Today
Key Takeaway
Tooth nerve pain can stem from tooth decay, infections, gum disease, or exposed nerves. For fast relief, rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress, or use clove oil. However, for long-term care and to prevent further complications, seek treatment from a dentist as soon as possible.
Understanding Dental Nerve Pain
Inside each tooth is a bundle of nerves and blood vessels known as the tooth pulp.
When this area becomes irritated or exposed due to tooth decay, broken teeth, infection, or trauma, it can cause intense pain. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and sharp pain when eating or drinking.
This type of pain, called pulpal sensitivity, can worsen without treatment.
Learn more about how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in this blog: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene to Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
How to Identify Dental Nerve Pain
You may have dental nerve pain if you experience:
- Sharp, shooting pains that come and go
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure
- A persistent toothache that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Discomfort from cold air or touch
If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to err on the side of caution and book an appointment for a dental checkup.
How to Stop Nerve Pain in a Tooth
If you need immediate relief, there are a few things you can do to provide temporary relief. Remember, these are just temporary solutions. These remedies may provide short-term pain relief, but they do not fix the underlying problem.
At-Home Remedies for Tooth Nerve Pain Relief
- Warm salt water rinse: Mix a glass of warm water with salt and rinse several times per day to reduce inflammation and harmful bacteria.
- Cold compress: Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek to numb the area and reduce swelling.
- Clove oil: Dab a drop of clove oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area for its natural numbing properties.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: Use a diluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution to kill harmful bacteria and ease discomfort.
- Garlic paste: Crush a fresh garlic clove and apply it to the painful tooth for its antibacterial and pain-relieving properties.
- Peppermint tea: Soak a tea bag in warm water and place it against the sore tooth for a mild numbing effect.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for temporary relief. Always follow the recommended dosage and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Professional Dental Treatments for Long-Term Relief
If dental nerve pain persists, a dentist can provide effective treatment to prevent long-term damage.
Treatment options include:
- Dental filling: Repairs a fractured tooth or cavity that exposes the dentin or irritates the pulp.
- Crown: Restores a cracked or fractured tooth or large cavity that compromises the structural integrity of the tooth..
- Root canal therapy: Removes infected pulp, eliminates severe pain, and saves the tooth.
- Tooth extraction: If a tooth is too damaged, removing it prevents further oral health complications.
Prevention is better than treatment! To learn more about preventative dental care, read: 5 Proven Ways to Prevent a Root Canal
When to See a Dentist
If you are experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain, visit a dental professional as soon as possible.
At Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley, our emergency dentist is here to help with urgent dental matters. We do our best to accommodate same-day appointments for urgent dental matters. Call (970) 515-3550 to book an appointment.
Signs that you need urgent care include:
- Severe pain lasting more than two days
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Fever or signs of infection
- Pain spreading to the jaw or ear
Get Lasting Relief—Book Your Dental Visit Today
Tooth nerve pain can disrupt your daily life, but you don’t have to suffer through it. Whether it’s a cavity, infection, or exposed nerve, our team in Greeley, CO, can diagnose the cause and provide the right treatment to stop the pain for good.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
