People consider a toothache to be more painful than childbirth. Here is why you get an ice-cream toothache and how to treat the same.
How Odontoblast Cells Cause Toothache
The human tooth is made up of:
- An outer layer called the enamel that doesn’t feel anything. The enamel protects the tooth from decay.
- The middle layer is called dentine that contains cells called odontoblast. These cells are responsible for toothache when there is a sudden drop in temperature.
- The inner layer called pulp is where several nerve endings connect to various parts of our head.
Sugary and aerated consumables destroy the tooth enamel exposing the dentine. Dentine exposure leads to a toothache. The TRPC5 target cells present inside the dentine’s odontoblast cells further decay the tooth, exposing the nerve ends.
Doctors suggest that treatment is an absolute necessity once the enamel decays, as nerve exposure can lead to further compilations.
How to Treat an Ice-Cream Toothache?
Once the enamel is weakened, the decaying speed of the tooth fastens and spreads to other teeth. Thus, it’s important to examine whether you need medical help or if a home-ready will do the job.
Here is a list of home remedies to treat your ice-cream toothache:
- Apply clove oil or stick a piece of clove in between your aching tooth.
- Saltwater rinses to reduce inflammation.
- Rinse with peppermint tea to numb the pain.
- Apply garlic paste on the affected area to reduce further decay.
- OTC painkillers can help reduce the pain temporarily.
- Avoid biting into ice creams; introduce the coldness slowly.
- Similarly, introduce hot consumables slowly.
- Floss if you have anything stuck between your teeth
- Apply vanilla extract on the tooth if you treat a child or feel disgusted by other remedies.
- Elevate your head and try to sleep off the pain.
Prevention methods
- Brush your teeth properly for at least 2 minutes.
- Brushing twice a day is not recommended if your enamel is already weak.
- Rinse after eating sugary or aerated consumables.
- Get your teeth checked out regularly.
- Pain in the ear, eyes, and head can be due to a toothache as well.
- Try to contain the spread by taking up better oral hygiene routines.
It is also important to understand the difference between a subsiding toothache and a dead tooth unable to feel anything anymore. Therefore, getting medical help is always advisable.