Toothache: consult a doctor by instant messaging

Toothache: consult an online dentist to relieve the pain

A toothache can be particularly painful and often strikes without warning. It can be a sign of an infection of the teeth or gums, but it can also have other causes. Consulting a dentist without delay helps identify the cause of the pain so it can be properly treated and the problem resolved. A general practitioner can also prescribe a treatment while you wait to be seen by a dentist.

What are the symptoms of a toothache?

The pain associated with toothache is felt around the mouth but can have a variety of origins. A cavity can cause the pain, but the origin can also lie elsewhere: it can come from sinusitis, from gum problems, from the jaw, or even from the ears. Toothache can vary in intensity, from brief and mild to something resembling a raging toothache, making the pain very difficult to bear. When the pain is too intense, has lasted more than two days, and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, pain in the ears or when opening the mouth, it is best to see a dentist without delay. The pain can come on suddenly or appear gradually. What starts as a simple discomfort in a tooth can turn into strong, constant pain. In cases where the pain is intense, it can become throbbing, radiate to the head, ears or jaw, and disrupt daily life. A toothache can be recognised by sensitivity to heat and cold. With a toothache, dental hypersensitivity is often observed, characterised by pain appearing on the tooth or teeth on contact with cold or heat, when air passes through the mouth, on contact with sweet or acidic foods, or when brushing teeth. Most often the pain only occurs occasionally, but it can become constant and give the sensation of an electric shock in the tooth that is hurting. Acute dental pain is very intense and is often inflammatory in origin, most commonly caused by an abscess. Dental pain that appears when the teeth come into contact with each other may be linked to a gum problem, a poor bite alignment between the teeth, or a chronic infection.

What can you do while waiting to see the dentist?

Before a dental appointment, it can be worth considering solutions to ease the pain, especially when the appointment is still some way off. Taking painkillers can relieve the pain. Anti-inflammatories can also prove very effective but are not necessarily recommended because of their many contraindications, such as the presence of an infection elsewhere in the mouth. If a bacterial infection is responsible for the toothache, antibiotic treatment will be the most effective and necessary option to relieve the pain. Before taking certain medications, it can be worth trying other, more natural remedies that may nonetheless ease toothache. Cloves have interesting properties for relieving pain; a clove can be placed directly on the painful area. Clove essential oil can also work. Ice or cold water can bring relief provided it is not the cause of the pain. Cold can calm inflammation; rinsing the mouth with cool water can ease toothache. You can also apply an ice pack to the cheek. A mouth rinse made with vinegar diluted in water may have anti-inflammatory properties and ease dental pain. Gentle brushing of the teeth and the use of dental floss can soothe the mouth and dislodge anything trapped where the tooth hurts. Crushed garlic (using a garlic press) can be applied to the painful tooth for relief; its anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties make it a valuable ally. These natural solutions can be useful while waiting for your dentist's appointment but do not replace a consultation.

What are the causes of a toothache?

Dental pain (odontalgia) can have several causes, such as:
 • A cavity;
 • Tooth sensitivity;
 • An infection: dental abscess, pulpitis, untreated cavity, etc.;
 • Wisdom teeth;
 • Teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause jaw pain, dental pain and headaches (migraine);
 • Dental trauma, such as a fracture or a blow;
 • Poor alignment of the teeth or jaws (malocclusion);
 • Periodontitis or gingivitis;
 • Other health problems can be behind a toothache: sinusitis, an ear infection (otitis), heart conditions, etc.;
The cause of the dental pain must therefore be clearly identified, and seeing a dentist is essential.

How is a toothache treated?

The treatment for a toothache depends on its underlying cause. It is therefore essential to consult a dentist to receive an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment strategy. Here are nonetheless a few possible treatments for dental pain:
 • Rinse the mouth with warm water to remove particles or food debris causing discomfort or pain;
 • Use dental floss to remove food debris between the teeth;
 • Take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Be careful with aspirin, which can cause a chemical burn if it comes into direct contact with the gum or tooth;
 • Use cold compresses on the outside of the painful area, on the cheek, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain;
 • Avoid spicy foods and hot, cold, acidic or sugary drinks;
These measures aim to relieve pain but are only temporary; they are not medical treatments. The causes of a toothache can indeed be numerous and may require a dentist's intervention, such as:
 • Cavities;
 • Dental infection;
 • Dental fracture;
 • Gum inflammation or gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.);
 • Or other, more serious problems.
It is therefore essential to consult a dentist as soon as possible if you have dental symptoms. A delay in treatment can indeed lead to complications. Finally, prevention is important to avoid dental pain. This can include:
 • Regular tooth brushing;
 • Regular visits to the dentist;
 • Using dental floss;
 • A balanced diet.

What is the price of a dentist consultation?

A dentist's fee is generally 23 euros, and French health insurance (Assurance Maladie) covers 70% of this fee. That said, prices are rarely fixed and vary depending on the care provided, so additional costs may apply. Several factors can influence a dentist's fee, such as the type of practice, which can sometimes justify unregulated fees (fee overruns). In addition, not all dental treatments are priced the same. It is generally recommended to ask your dentist for a quote so you can pass it on to your complementary health insurer and find out the French social security reimbursement rate. Taking all these factors into account, it is not unusual for a dentist consultation to cost between 50 and 80 euros, depending on the treatment provided.

The benefits of using Feeli for dental pain

In the case of a medical emergency or a toothache, it is advisable to turn to a specialist doctor, a dentist or a dental surgeon. If this healthcare professional is not available, in an emergency you can turn to a general practitioner. Feeli offers you an online consultation with doctors or specialists. In an emergency, the site does everything it can to speed up your care. Fast and easy to access, Feeli saves you having to travel. All consultations take place without an appointment. If you have a toothache, there's no need to wait: whether on holiday, at the weekend or in the evening, log on to the Feeli website, complete the medical questionnaire and wait for a professional to take care of you.