Only 65% of adults have visited a dentist within the past year. When you have a dental emergency, however, you shouldn’t wait. You don’t want to put your dental health at risk.
When should you see a dentist for a sore tooth? Keep reading to find out. After reading this guide, you can make an informed choice with your dental health in mind.
Waiting too long to see a dentist could put your entire health at risk. For example, tooth decay or gingivitis could send bacteria through your bloodstream.
Your risk of a serious condition could increase as a result.
Don’t jeopardize your overall health. Instead, determine when to schedule a dentist appointment for a toothache with these tips today.
When to See a Dentist ASAP
Your teeth can become sensitive to temperature and infection when left exposed to damage or decay for too long. You could experience inflammation as well.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness or disease. While inflammation is meant to protect you, it can cause pain over time.
When is it urgent to see a dentist for a sore tooth? Schedule a dentist appointment right away if:
- The pain gets worse or persists
- The inflammation increases
- You feel unwell due to tooth pain
- Swelling around the face or jaw occurs
- Redness around the gum develops
- Your gums start bleeding
- You experience a trauma to the mouth or face
- Your eyes or mouth become dry
- You have a fever
Your dentist will determine the root cause of your sore tooth. Then, they can determine the best toothache remedies for your situation.
Types of Tooth Pain
The symptoms you’re experiencing could help your dentist determine the underlying cause of your toothache.
For example, your teeth might feel sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages. If you only experience symptoms for a short period, it’s likely not serious. When symptoms persist over half a minute, it could mean an issue in the pulp of a tooth.
You might experience pain when biting down, too.
A sharp pain that occurs when you’re chewing could indicate a cracked tooth. It might mean an issue deeper within the tooth as well. There’s a chance a loose filling is causing your pain, too.
Take a look in the mirror. Do your gums look red and puffy? If they experience pain under pressure, it could mean an abscessed tooth.
The infection might move beyond your tooth to affect surrounding soft tissue as well.
Otherwise, your red, tender, or swollen gums could indicate you have gingivitis (gum disease). Gingivitis and periodontitis are both major causes of tooth loss in adults. Other symptoms include:
- Foul-smelling breath
- A change in how your teeth fit together
- Gums that bleed when your brush or floss
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Sensitivity
- Partial dentures that no longer fit
- Pain when chewing
- Pus between the teeth and gums
A dull, aching pain can occur if you’re grinding or clenching your teeth. This condition is also called bruxism. You could experience jaw soreness as well.
If these symptoms sound familiar, schedule a dentist appointment right away.
In the Meantime
Make sure to call your local dentist right away to schedule an appointment. If you can’t make it to the dentist right away, don’t worry.
Instead, ask your dentist about pain relief and toothache remedies you can use while you wait.
For example, you can place a cold compress against the area. You might want to take pain relief medication, too. Avoid aspirin, which could increase bleeding in the area, though.
You might want to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater or use clove oil as well.
You can explore more toothache home remedies here: http://www.boisedentist.com/dentist-review-of-toothache-home-remedies/.
If the pain is unbearable, consider visiting an emergency dentist nearby.
Potential Causes
There are a few different reasons, both dental and non-dental, that can cause a sore tooth.
Remember, a toothache might indicate gum disease. Make sure to visit a dentist for treatment right away. Otherwise, gum disease could develop into more advanced stages.
You could risk losing teeth if the infection spreads.
Other causes of tooth pain include tooth decay. Bacteria could get a foothold on your tooth, leading to a cavity.
Cavities usually aren’t painful unless they significantly progress. The decay could infect the pulp of the tooth, causing pain.
You might damage a tooth, too. For example, a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth could cause pain.
Another dental cause of tooth pain is malocclusion, which is an uneven bite.
However, there’s a chance your sore tooth wasn’t caused by dental reasons. For example, you might have jaw pain, which you could confuse with tooth pain.
Perhaps you have a sinus infection, which can cause pain and discomfort at the back of the mouth.
Some people suffer from cluster headaches, which can also cause tooth pain. A lack of vitamin B12 could cause pain as well.
Visiting a dentist could help you determine the underlying cause.
Prevention and Treatment
Before leaving your dentist appointment, ask about prevention tips. For example, your dentist might recommend:
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day
- Flossing each day
- Scheduling regular check-ups
- Quit smoking
- Using a soft toothbrush
- Limiting sugar intake
- Rinsing your mouth out after you eat
The course of treatment can vary based on the underlying reason behind your sore tooth.
For example, your dentist might need to fill a cavity if you’ve developed tooth decay. If the decay is extensive, they might recommend a root canal.
If you have gingivitis, your dentist might recommend deep cleaning called scaling and planning.
Do you have a cracked or broken tooth? Ask your dentist if they can repair and seal it. If the damage is extensive, they might need to remove the tooth.
They can replace it with a denture afterward.
Book an Appointment: Know When to See a Dentist for a Sore Tooth
A sore tooth could indicate a more serious problem. Don’t wait to schedule a dentist appointment. Visiting your dentist right away can help you avoid additional damage.
They’ll determine the underlying problem before ensuring you receive proper treatment.
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