Do you have a toothache? Since there are so many different factors that can potentially cause pain in your smile, it can be difficult to tell how to treat it. Sometimes, you can care for it at home with improved oral hygiene, over-the-counter pain relievers, or simply by flossing. However, there are times when a toothache is the result of a serious oral health issue that needs urgent dental care. Here’s how to tell if that discomfort in the back of your mouth can wait until your next dental appointment or if you should call your emergency dentist center in East Texas right away.
Types of Non-Emergency Toothaches
Your teeth should never cause you discomfort, so any type of toothache should be seen by your dentist right away. However, some toothaches can wait to be treated until you next appointment, including:
- Flashes of tooth sensitivity: Teeth that are painful for a few seconds when exposed to hot or cold temperatures may be the result of chewing on hard objects or a highly acidic diet.
- Quick stabs of pain: A sudden prick of pain that only lasts a few moments could mean that you have a cavity, a broken filling, or a small crack in your tooth.
- Dull, consistent ache: If your teeth, gums, or jaw are constantly sore, you may have a condition known as bruxism and grind your teeth in your sleep.
- Discomfort in the back of your jaw: This uncommon type of toothache often indicates a developing wisdom tooth that has become impacted in the jaw or is pressing on nearby teeth.
Symptoms of a Dental Emergency
Tooth pain that is related to a broken or knocked-out tooth is easy to identify as a dental emergency. However, you may need urgent care from a dentist if your toothache is accompanied by:
- Gums that are inflamed, bleed easily, or have a small bump: These symptoms could be pointing to a serious bacterial infection in your gums. If left untreated, it may spread, cause permanent damage to your jawbone, and lead to tooth loss.
- Teeth that are loose, shifting, or painful to chew with: Damage or a dental abscess can destroy the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place, which can cause your teeth to become wobbly and painful to use. You need to visit your dentist center right away to stabilize the tooth and prevent it from falling out.
- Fever, fatigue, or swelling in the jaw, face, or neck: These are signs of a serious oral infection that your body is attempting to fight off. Without professional help, it may become life threatening. If you have difficultly breathing or swallowing, go straight to your local ER.
Thankfully, most toothaches can be easily treated and prevented altogether with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Remember, any pain or discomfort in your mouth should be seen by your dentist before it has a chance to get worse. They can help you decide which steps to take in order to get back to enjoying your happy, healthy, and pain-free smile!
About the Practice
Whatever is standing between you and optimal oral health, Family Dental Center of East Texas in Center, TX is here to help. Our talented and highly trained team of dentists are proud to offer all manner of high-quality dental services, from thorough cleanings to custom smile repairs. They always do their best to provide same-day appointments for dental emergencies like toothaches, even on weekends. For urgent care for that pain in your smile, don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (936) 427-9070.