There’s nothing like a toothache to bring your day to a halt. Toothaches aren’t just uncomfortable — they can cause mild irritation or debilitating pain. You might slowly start to notice a dull ache in your mouth as the toothache grows. From sharp pains while eating to headaches around your temples and jaw, toothaches are a stubborn discomfort that need immediate treatment.

While you should always talk to a dental professional about your toothache, they often have a waiting list. While you wait to see a dentist, you can use soothing techniques like massage therapy to get some relief.

What Causes a Toothache?

Toothaches are usually a catch-all term for general tooth pain. Try to figure out what’s causing your tooth pain so you can start finding relief. Common causes include:

• Tooth decay: Cavities are extremely common — 90% of adults have had one at some point. Acids wear down your enamel, eventually putting a hole in your tooth.
• Gum disease: Plaque buildup can lead to a gum infection, causing gum disease. This infection inflames your gums. Regular brushing with electric toothbrushes can reduce your risk of some gum diseases by 11%. 
• Tooth abscess: An abscess is an infection in your tooth’s root or between the gums and teeth.
• Tooth fracture: Cracks or breaks can expose your tooth’s nerves, leading to pain.
• TMJ disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders lead to pain around the head, neck and jaw. An inflamed jaw joint could cause toothaches.

The Benefits of Gum Massage For Toothaches

Massage therapy is mainly known for relieving muscle tension, helping you relax without pain. While toothaches aren’t always muscle-related, you can gently massage around the area to relieve some discomfort. 

Massages are great for helping relieve discomfort through:

Muscle relaxation

Tension in the muscles can lead to more pain, especially if you have TMJ. Massages ease muscle tension, reducing pressure around the area. Working muscle knots and pain loosens up your muscles. If your pain is caused by tension, a massage can act as a temporary relief.

Improved circulation

Vibrational massages can increase blood flow to the painful area, reducing inflammation. A gentle massage can mimic these effects. As you work the muscle, you stimulate circulation. Getting blood moving helps with the healing process while relieving tension.

Endorphin release

Massages are relaxing. Relaxation releases endorphins, your body’s pain relievers, which can help with pain. Endorphins travel through your body, making you feel happy. Engaging in other endorphin-releasing activities like exercise, can also improve your mood. You’ll support dental health while feeling better overall.

It’s important to note that massage can provide short relief, but you still need to address the cause of your toothache. Combine massages with oral pain medication and treatments recommended by your dentist.

How to Massage Your Gums

Remember to be gentle when massaging your gums. Avoid massaging around your toothache if you experience severe, sharp pain. Take things slow and follow these steps to gently relieve the ache:

1. Wash your hands: Before touching your gums, make sure your hands are clean. Wash thoroughly to avoid introducing bacteria to the area.
2. Use soft tools: Try massaging with your finger, a clean cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation.
3. Apply gentle pressure: Focus on the gumline while you massage. Use small, circular motions and light pressure. If you feel painful irritation, stop the massage.
4. Focus on tender areas: As you massage, feel for tender areas. Spend a little extra time on these tender spots to work out any soreness. 
5. Massage for short periods: Only massage for a few minutes at a time. Your gum area is sensitive to irritation, especially if you’re dealing with a toothache. Repeat a few times a day to help relieve mild discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

While massages and pain relievers can help with minor toothaches, you should visit a doctor for more extreme cases. Ignoring persistent, severe pain can lead to larger issues. For example, if you’re dealing with a tooth abscess, the infection can spread to your jaw and body. Once infections spread, you might be dealing with serious complications. 

See a doctor or dentist if you’re experiencing:

• Severe or persistent pain lasting several days.
• Swelling in your gums, face or jaw, which might mean you have an infection.
• Fever or nausea.
• Foul tastes or pus, which could indicate an abscess.
• Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing.

Go to a professional immediately to get recommended treatments. The longer you wait, the more an infection or abscess could worsen. Mild toothaches are common, but you must treat the cause to eliminate the pain.

Ease Muscle Pain at Home

Managing any muscle pain can be frustrating, but simple techniques like massage may provide temporary relief while supporting your overall health. Once you’ve treated your toothache pain, you need to address tension throughout the rest of your body. Larger muscle groups often hold lots of tension, causing hidden pain.

Myobuddy works to provide clients with at-home solutions for muscle pain, headaches and stress. Our tools are a great way to address muscle problems and improve circulation. If you want to get the best approach for your needs, reach out to us and unlock new levels of relaxation!