🦷 Home Remedies for
Toothache Under a Crown 👑
- Introduction
- What Causes Toothache Under
a Crown
- Home Remedies to Try for
Toothache Relief
- Saltwater Rinse
- Cold Compress
- Clove Oil
- Guava Leaves
- Raw Onion
- Garlic
- Wheatgrass Juice
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Peppermint Tea
- Ginger
- Vanilla Extract
- Lifestyle Changes to Prevent
Toothache
- When You Should See a
Dentist
- Professional Treatment
Options for Toothache Under a Crown
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Experiencing a toothache under a
crown can be extremely frustrating and painful. Even after getting a crown
placed on a tooth, you may still have sensitivity, discomfort, or outright pain
underneath the restored tooth. This can disrupt your daily activities and make
eating, drinking, and even talking unbearable.
There are several home remedies
you can try first to find relief from a toothache under a crown before needing
to see a dentist. Many natural ingredients have pain-relieving,
anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties to temporarily alleviate tooth
pain and gum inflammation.
In this comprehensive guide, we
will discuss the common causes of toothaches under crowns, home remedies to try
for relief, when you need to see a dentist, and professional treatment options.
Read on to learn how to manage tooth pain under a crown and prevent it from
returning!
What Causes Toothache Under a Crown
There are several potential
reasons you may experience tooth or gum pain underneath a dental crown:
Infection Under the Crown
One of the most common reasons
for toothache under a crown is an infection. Bacteria and debris can get
trapped underneath the crown during dental work and irritate the tooth and gum
tissue. This causes inflammation, swelling, pus, and severe throbbing pain.
As the infection worsens, it can
spread down the root of the tooth and into the jaw bone, causing an abscess.
Abscesses require urgent dental treatment as they can be life-threatening if
left untreated. Infection is likely the culprit if you have pain accompanied by
a bad taste or odor in your mouth.
Ill-Fitting, Damaged Crown
Sometimes the crown itself is the
problem. A crown that does not fit properly or seals the tooth completely can
cause pain when chewing or biting down. If the crown is damaged by a crack,
chip, or becoming loose, the tooth underneath is exposed.
This allows bacteria, food, and
other irritants to seep underneath and inflame the tooth's nerve and pulp.
Damaged or poor-fitting crowns need replacement by a dentist to prevent infection
and continued discomfort.
Lingering Nerve Inflammation
Even after having a root canal
treatment, some inflammation in the tooth's nerve may still remain. This can
cause occasional or persistent pain under the crown as the nerve continues to heal.
Using anti-inflammatory home remedies can help calm the irritated nerve. But if
pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, see your dentist.
Bruxism or Teeth Grinding/Clenching
Bruxism involves clenching the
jaw muscles tightly or grinding the teeth, often during sleep. This puts too
much pressure on the dental crowns, leading to pain as the tooth tissue and
nerves become inflamed. Wearing a night guard and using stress-reduction
techniques can help prevent bruxism.
Other Causes
Less common causes for tooth pain
under a crown include a fracture in the actual tooth, pulpitis (inflamed pulp
due to decay or trauma), periodontal disease damaging the roots, or a
hypersensitive reaction to hot or cold temperatures. Your dentist can determine
the exact cause of pain through x-rays and examination.
Now that we've covered why you
may have a toothache under your crown, let's discuss home remedies and relief
options.
Home Remedies to Try for Toothache
Relief
Before calling your dentist,
there are many natural home remedies you can test out for temporary relief:
Saltwater Rinse
One of the simplest and most
effective home remedies for tooth pain is swishing and gargling with warm salt
water. The salt helps reduce inflammation and swelling of the tooth and gum
tissues. This can provide quick pain relief by drawing out fluid buildup and
bacteria.
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sea salt
or Himalayan salt in a glass of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth
for 30 seconds, focusing on the painful area, then spit it out. Repeat 3-4
times a day for best results. Be sure not to swallow any of the salt water.
Cold Compress
Applying something ice cold
against the aching tooth numbs the area to alleviate pain. This helps constrict
the blood vessels and reduces inflammation.
Try holding an ice cube wrapped
in cloth or a plastic bag against the outside of your cheek near the painful
tooth for 5-10 minutes at a time. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables
or a cold compress from the fridge.
Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a
natural compound with anesthetic and antibacterial properties that can
temporarily relieve toothache pain.
Dip a cotton ball in clove oil
(about 5-6 drops) and gently press it against the sore tooth and gum. Leave it
there for at least 10 minutes. Reapply a few times a day until the pain
subsides. Be sure to spit out excess oil rather than swallowing.
Guava Leaves
In many cultures, guava leaves
are used as a traditional remedy for dental pain and oral infections. That's
because compounds called flavonoids and tannins in the leaves have analgesic
and anti-inflammatory abilities.
Chew on a few fresh guava leaves
for several minutes to release the juices, then spit out. You can also brew the
leaves into a strong mouth rinse and swish for a minute before spitting. Use
guava remedies several times a day.
Raw Onion
Onions have been used for
centuries for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties.
Placing raw onion against an aching tooth can significantly relieve toothache.
Cut a slice of raw onion and
place it directly against the painful tooth for at least 10 minutes. The onion
juices will be released and seep into the area to reduce inflammation. You can
also try chewing a small piece of raw onion in the mouth near the sore spot.
Garlic
Similar to onions, garlic also
contains compounds that give it antimicrobial, antiseptic, and pain-relieving
abilities. This makes garlic cloves a great home remedy for toothaches under
crowns.
Cut open a garlic clove and place
it next to the sore tooth for 10-15 minutes. You can also crush some garlic
into a paste and apply it directly to the area. The garlic oils will be
absorbed and alleviate inflammation. However, the strong odor may linger - a
small price to pay for pain relief!
Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass is an extremely
nutrient-dense plant with many health benefits. Sipping wheatgrass juice can
ease tooth pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Swish a small shot of wheatgrass
juice (about 1 oz) around your mouth and over the painful tooth for 30 seconds
before swallowing. Repeat a few times a day. You can also apply soaked
wheatgrass directly against the tooth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances pH
levels in the mouth and contains acetic acid that kills harmful oral bacteria.
This helps treat infection and reduce toothache.
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, organic
apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth
for 30-60 seconds before spitting out. Do this a couple times a day but don't
overdo it, as the acidity can erode enamel over time.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea can temporarily
numb pain and has a cooling effect for natural pain relief. The menthol in
peppermint reduces inflammation as well.
Steep some fresh peppermint
leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes to make a strong tea. Let it cool slightly,
then swish it around your mouth, holding some near the painful tooth before
spitting out. You can also sip peppermint tea throughout the day.
Ginger
Ginger contains the bioactive
compound gingerol which gives it analgesic and anti-inflammatory powers to
combat toothache.
Chew a small piece of fresh
ginger root for a few minutes near the sore spot for instant relief. You can
also brew chopped ginger into tea or crush it to make a paste and apply it
directly to the tooth.
Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract contains
alcohol which helps numb tooth pain. It also has antibacterial properties to
fight infection.
Dip a cotton swab in vanilla
extract and dab it gently onto the gums, tooth, and area around the aching
crown. Let it sit for a minute before rinsing and spitting. Repeat as needed
for pain relief.
Be sure to use pure extract
without added sugar. The high alcohol content gives vanilla its pain-relieving
abilities.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent
Toothache
Making certain lifestyle
modifications can help prevent tooth and gum issues that lead to pain under
crowns:
- Maintain good oral hygiene -
Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and use antiseptic mouthwash to prevent
bacteria buildup under crowns.
- Quit smoking - Smoking harms
oral health and healing, increasing chances of infection and pain.
- Reduce stress - Chronic stress
can cause teeth grinding and clenching which damages crowns.
- Avoid hard, sticky foods -
Prevent crown breakage or chipping by minimizing very hard or chewy foods.
- Get preventative dental exams -
See your dentist every 6 months to ensure your crowns are in good shape.
- Use a night guard if you grind
your teeth - Night guards protect your teeth from too much pressure caused by
bruxism.
Making these positive lifestyle
changes can help decrease your risk of developing toothaches under dental
crowns.
When You Should See a Dentist
While home remedies may provide
temporary relief, it's crucial to see a dentist promptly if you have:
- Severe, throbbing tooth pain
that does not get better with over-the-counter medication
- Swelling in your gums, face, or
neck
- Pain accompanied by fever,
chills, or fatigue
- Bad taste/odor coming from the
tooth
- Significant decay or damage to
the crown itself
- Crown feels loose
- Pain that prevents you from
sleeping or eating properly
Seeing a professional is very
important so the source of the toothache can be accurately diagnosed and
treated. Let your dentist know you have pain under an existing crown right away
so they can pinpoint the cause.
Dentists have advanced tools and
x-ray technology to examine what's happening under your crown. They can check
for cracks, damage, uneven wear, infection, abscesses, and other problems. Most
toothaches under crowns require some type of treatment or repair for relief.
Professional Treatment Options for
Toothache Under a Crown
Depending on the diagnosed cause
of pain, your dentist may recommend:
Adjustment of the Existing Crown
If the crown does not fit
properly or has rough, uneven edges, the dentist can reshape and smooth it
down. This adjustment may instantly relieve a toothache caused by a
poor-fitting crown.
Replacement Crown
Damaged crowns with cracks,
chips, broken pieces or extensive decay need to be fully replaced. This will
cover the exposed tooth and nerves to stop pain. A replacement crown procedure
is similar to getting a crown initially.
Antibiotics
If there is an infection under
the crown, your dentist will prescribe strong antibiotics to clear the bacteria
and infection. This is crucial before getting a new crown or other dental work
done.
Root Canal Retreatment
Occasionally, a previously root
canal treated tooth may get re-infected and require a root canal retreatment.
This will clean out bacteria hidden in the canals and stop pain.
Dental Implant
In severe cases where the tooth
under a crown dies or cannot be saved, it may need extraction. Your dentist can
replace the missing tooth with a dental implant to restore function and
aesthetics.
Night Guard if You Grind Teeth
Custom night guards that fit
precisely over your teeth prevent too much pressure from clenching/grinding.
Wearing one at night helps reduce pain under crowns caused by bruxism.
Following your dentist’s
treatment plan is vital for resolving toothaches under crowns and preventing
recurrence. Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments for evaluation after
treatment. Avoid putting off dental care to stop tooth pain in its tracks.
Conclusion
Dealing with a toothache under an
existing dental crown can be extremely uncomfortable. However, there are many
home remedies you can try for temporary pain relief, such as saltwater rinses,
cold compresses, clove oil, and guava leaves. For severe or persistent tooth
pain, promptly contact your dentist for an exam.
With professional help, the cause
of pain under the crown can be diagnosed - whether it's infection, nerve inflammation,
bruxism, or crown damage. Treatments like antibiotics, root canals, crown
replacement, or dental implants can resolve the problem for good. Catching
issues early and maintaining thorough oral hygiene helps prevent painful
toothaches from coming back under healed crowns.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Why does my tooth still hurt
after getting a crown?
There are several reasons why a
tooth may still hurt after getting a crown placed:
- Infection trapped under the
crown due to bacteria sealed in during crown prep work
- Inflammation in the tooth nerve
and pulp that was not resolved prior to getting the crown
- A loose, ill-fitting crown that
does not properly cover and protect the entire tooth
- Bruxism or grinding/clenching
that puts too much pressure on the crowned tooth
- A crack, chip or fracture in
the crown itself which exposes the underlying tooth
It’s crucial to see your dentist
to determine the cause of lingering tooth pain so it can be treated properly.
Leaving it unchecked allows the problem to worsen.
FAQ 2: Can I remove my dental crown
at home if it is causing pain?
No, you should never attempt to
remove a dental crown on your own. This can severely damage the tooth underneath
as well as break the crown itself. The crown needs to be properly removed by a
dentist to avoid trauma to the tooth.
See your dentist right away if
the crowned tooth is in pain so they can evaluate the situation. In most cases,
the crown does not need removal - the tooth may just need treatment like a root
canal or crown adjustment instead.
FAQ 3: What foods should I avoid
with a painful crowned tooth?
When you have a toothache under a
crown, avoid very hot, cold, crunchy, chewy, sticky, hard, or acidic foods
against the sensitive tooth. These can make the pain worse and further irritate
the area. Stick to lukewarm soft foods like broth, mashed potatoes, yogurt,
oatmeal, eggs, etc. You want to minimize pressure on the affected tooth while it
heals.
FAQ 4: Can I still get cavities
under a crown?
Unfortunately yes, it is still
possible to get decay in the portion of the natural tooth structure that lies
just below the dental crown margins. That's why it's critical to maintain
excellent oral hygiene through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings
even after getting a crown. Seeing your dentist every 6 months allows them to
check for decay before it causes pain.
FAQ 5: Is it normal for my crowned
tooth to be sensitive to hot and cold?
Some sensitivity, especially
right after getting a new crown placed, is normal and should resolve within a
few weeks. But if it persists long-term or worsens, that likely indicates an
underlying problem like infection, nerve inflammation, or crown damage that
needs treatment to prevent complications.
FAQ 6: Can teeth whitening or
bleaching harm my dental crowns?
Teeth whitening systems only
affect the natural tooth structure, not the dental crowns themselves. Crowns
are made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combo and won’t change
color from bleaching agents. However, you may notice more of a mismatch between
natural teeth and crowns after whitening treatment.
FAQ 7: Why does my tooth hurt when I
bite down with a crown on it?
Pain when chewing or biting on a
crowned tooth usually indicates the crown needs to be adjusted or replaced. It
likely does not fit properly and is hitting other teeth unevenly, causing pain.
See your dentist so they can fix the bite and alignment for pain-free function.
FAQ 8: Can a dentist tell if I have
an infection under my crown based on x-rays?
Yes, dentists can often diagnose
an infection under a crown via x-rays, as there are usually visible signs
indicating an infection. This includes loss of bone levels around the tooth,
darkening of the root and bone areas, widening of the ligament space, and
evident abscesses.
FAQ 9: What happens if I delay
getting treatment for an infected tooth under a crown?
Putting off treatment for an
infection under a crown can have serious consequences, from pain and swelling
to complications like sepsis. An untreated infection spreads through the tooth
and jaw, destroying tissue and bone. This can ultimately lead to tooth loss and
spread infection through the body.
FAQ 10: Can a dentist refuse to
treat my tooth pain if I don’t have dental insurance?
Most dentists should not refuse
to treat your tooth pain even if you don’t have insurance. However, they may
request payment upfront for the visit or ask you to apply for their payment
plan options. Ask if they accept discounted services like Dental Lifeline
Network for low-income patients. Seek help from a dental college clinic if cost
is an issue.