Toothaches are one of those types of pain that almost everyone has to suffer from at some point or another. Whether it is a dull throb, stinging, or ache, tooth pain can have the ability to intrude on normal life and even make eating or sleeping impossible. Because toothaches are so common, many myths, home remedies, and old wives’ tales have been spawned as a result. While some of these suggestions are temporarily relieving you, others are just plain misleading and will have you avoiding the real treatment that you actually need.
The reality is, a toothache is probably your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong—whether it be decay, gum disease, or infection. Myths not only exaggerate the pain but also lead to severe dental problems if left unchecked. Here are some of the most popular toothache myths that you should never believe anymore.
Myth 1: Toothaches Will Go Away on Their Own
One of the most prevalent myths is that toothaches heal by themselves with or without treatment. Possibly, pain might subside for some time, but not the underlying cause. A cavity, broken tooth, or infection will not heal without a dentist. Without intervention, it may worsen, sometimes getting abscessed or even cause infection in other parts of the body.
Myth 2: Natural Remedies Always Work
Homely treatments like clove oil, garlic paste, and herbal mouth washes also abound in every home. Though some of them possess feeble antibacterial or local anaesthetic properties, they don’t even come close to dental care. There are even people who use castor oil for Toothache, thinking that it is medicinal. While it will provide temporary pain relief, it will not cure an infection or a cavity. Natural remedies are fine for relief, but should never be used in place of professional care.
Myth 3: Toothaches Are Caused Only by Cavities
Cavities are actually a prevalent cause of toothache, but they are not your only choice. Gum disease, sinusitis, cracked tooth syndrome, impacted wisdom teeth, and even grinding on your teeth can cause you the same discomfort. With the delay in getting proper care on your part before labelling it as “just a cavity” and nothing else, the consequences can follow.
Myth 4: Pain Relief Is a Cure
Others believe that if prescription medication or numbing cream can make the pain better, it’s solved. Pain relief is the Band-Aid solution—it won’t solve the problem. A tooth abscess can be made to feel better on prescription, but the infection still exists and could kill if it’s not solved. Never lose sight of: curing the symptom does not cure the disease.
Myth 5: Rubbing Alcohol or Spirits Kills the Pain
Some people swear by swishing whiskey, rum, or another hard liquor to numb the pain. While alcohol does numb nerves temporarily, it doesn’t treat the source of the pain. Worse, frequent use will once more sensitise gums and other tissues, leading to more acute problems down the road.
Myth 6: If There’s No Swelling, It’s Not Serious
Swelling is indeed a common sign of infection, but its absence doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. A small cavity, cracked enamel, or gum irritation can cause significant pain without any visible swelling. Waiting for swelling before seeking help can delay the necessary treatment and make matters worse.
Myth 7: Toothaches Are Just Part of Getting Older
Even though wear on teeth will always occur when you age, toothaches are never a sign of health. Pain at any time should be investigated. You should not have ongoing pain with healthy teeth, whether it is at 20 or 60.
Myth 8: Brushing Harder Will Stop Toothaches
Others believe that they will eliminate the “cause” of pain by brushing their teeth more forcefully, especially if they sense food fragments or plaque as the cause. Really, excessive brushing might worsen the situation by eroding the enamel and irritating the gums further. Gently brushing and flossing, not heavy-handed action, is required.
Myth 9: Skipping the Dentist Saves Money
This is perhaps the most dangerous myth. Skipping the dentist might seem like you’re saving money in the short run, but untreated tooth problems almost always get worse—and more expensive to fix later. A small filling today could prevent the need for a costly root canal or extraction tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Toothaches are more than a pain in the neck—they may be symptoms that your body is flagging to you. Myths are band-aids on a bad problem that may only temporarily ease your pain, but won’t generally fix the problem. They do more harm by only putting it off, which causes additional pain and expense down the line.
If you or someone in your family has a toothache, don’t be misled by attractive “quick fixes” or age-old myths that have been handed down. Your safest and best option is to seek out an experienced dentist who can diagnose and give you proper care. Your teeth are with you for life—don’t let myths get in the way of good oral health.
