If you’ve broken a leg or an arm, you probably can correctly assume that you should head to the nearest emergency room right away. However, many patients struggle with knowing whether they need to call their dentist immediately for a toothache.
Unfortunately, dental problems rarely resolve themselves and usually worsen over time, so it’s better to contact your dentist sooner rather than later. Continue reading to learn more about potential causes and when your toothache is considered a dental emergency!
What’s Causing My Toothache?
There are many potential reasons for your discomfort, and some are more urgent than others. For example, brushing over aggressively can cause sensitivity, but so can cavities and gum disease. Some common culprits include:
- Exposed roots. If you’ve developed periodontal problems, your gums can recede and leave the roots of your teeth exposed, which can lead to swelling and aches.
- Cavities. If bacteria in your mouth erode your enamel, they can infect the tender roots and pulp inside, causing pain and decay.
- Impacted teeth. Molars and wisdom teeth can become trapped in your jawbone and become infected, often requiring a surgical extraction to mend the damage.
- Chips and cracks. Physical damage can also cause aches and inflammation because the structure of your teeth is compromised.
Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?
If you’re unsure whether you need to see your dentist urgently, call them and let them know what’s happened. They’ll discuss your situation and schedule an appropriate time for you to visit based on your individual circumstances. You might require a same-day appointment if the pain is severe, you are bleeding, or present with other signs of an infection like high fever or chills,
Also, if you have lacerated the tender tissues inside your mouth and the bleeding doesn’t subside with 10 minutes of firm pressure, it’s best to head to the closest ER. You should also get help immediately if you’ve broken your jawbone or sustained a life-threatening injury.
How Should I Handle My Toothache?
Dental emergencies often occur outside of normal business hours, so you might have to cope with the discomfort for the night or the weekend until you can contact your provider. Fortunately, there are things you can do to address symptoms in the meantime, such as:
- Rinse with salt water. If it hurts to brush and floss your tender tooth, you can rinse gently with salt water to remove dirt and debris without exacerbating your condition.
- Watch what you eat. Avoid eating on the sore side of your mouth to keep pain to a minimum. You may also want to stick to softer, blander foods that are easy to eat and won’t trigger a reaction.
- Apply ice packs. Pressing a cold compress to the aching side of your face for 15 minutes provides some much-needed relief.
- Address aches. It’s usually safe to take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen. You might also benefit from a numbing oral gel placed on your tooth or gums.
No pain is considered “normal” when it comes to your smile, so if you’re hurting, it’s best to contact your dentist!
About the Practice
Patients of Grant E. & Mark A. Smith DDS benefit from a team of dentists with 30+ years of combined experience. They work together to offer a comprehensive array of services to conveniently meet all your and your family’s dental needs under one roof. Plus, they offer same-day emergency appointments and are licensed to administer sedatives to enhance patient comfort. They can quickly identify the cause of your toothache and recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your circumstances. You can request an appointment on the website or call (903) 893-8030.