Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of factors that can cause our teeth to hurt. Sometimes, the discomfort can be easily remedied with improved oral hygiene, better brushing practices, or quitting a bad habit. Other times however, that pain in your mouth could indicate a much more serious issue in your smile. Here’s how to tell if your toothache can wait until your next dental appointment or if you need immediate care from your Williamstown emergency dentist.
Which Types of Toothaches Aren’t a Dental Emergency?
Any pain in your mouth should be looked at by your dentist right away. However, you are not likely to need urgent dental care if you’re experiencing:
- Sudden jabs of pain: A sudden, sharp pain in your teeth that occurs when chewing or while eating cold foods or drinks is often caused by tooth decay, a broken filling, or a cracked tooth.
- Flashes of tooth sensitivity: Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold foods, drinks, or even air and feel pain for 30 seconds or less may have weakened or slightly damaged enamel.
- A dull, nagging pain: Consistent, dull soreness in the teeth, gums, or jaw is a common indicator of grinding your teeth in your sleep, which is a harmful condition known as bruxism.
- Pain that reacts to the tilt of your head: A toothache that worsens when walking, bending over, or tilting your head could be the result of sinus pressure or sinusitis.
Even if your toothache isn’t likely due to a dental emergency, don’t delay seeing your dentist. They can help you identify the root cause, efficiently treat it, and prevent it from permanently ruining your smile.
What Makes a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
You should seek immediate care if your tooth is in danger of being lost or if you have a serious oral infection. Your toothache may be a dental emergency if accompanied by:
- Darkening of a tooth or visible damage: This could mean that the layers underneath the enamel, the sensitive tooth pulp and nerve, may be damaged or infected.
- Gums that bleed easily and have a small bump: These are symptoms of a serious infection known as periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, which can cause tooth loss.
- Teeth that are loose, shifting, or painful to chew with: These may be signs of an abscessed tooth or damage to the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
- Fever, fatigue, and swelling in the face, jaw, or neck: These are signs of a serious oral infection that needs immediate attention. If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room first.
Thankfully, the vast majority of toothaches are not a dental emergency. If you do notice any pain or discomfort in your teeth, a checkup with your dentist can help you get back to enjoying your happy, healthy, and pain-free smile in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem of iSmile Dental Arts is dedicated to helping the smiles of Williamstown, NJ and the surrounding communities stay beautiful and intact for a lifetime. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency or a severe toothache, he encourages you to call or come into the office right away. With a combination of the latest dental techniques, the most advanced technology, and his years of experience, he can help save your smile in a scary situation. Please don’t hesitate to contact him via his website or at (856) 818-9998.
