We have all been through times when a toothache gave us a lot of grief. Be it due to a cavity or the arrival of the painful wisdom teeth, toothaches are quite common. But when is the right time to see a dentist? If over-the-counter medicines do not ease the pain and it’s been too long, it is time to take a short trip to the dentist’s clinic. Let’s take a closer look at five signs that your toothache should send you to the dentist.
Swollen or bleeding gums
Let’s clear a misconception – blood in the mouth is not okay. We panic when we find blood in the stool but are completely fine with bleeding gums. It really isn’t right. Swollen or bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease and can result in loss of teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to plaque build-up on the teeth, which can cause your gums to swell and bleed. Try brushing slower and using a brush with soft bristles. If the swelling and bleeding does not reduce or stop, see a dentist.
Tooth sensitivity
If hot, cold, or very acidic food and drinks make your teeth feel painful, then you have sensitive teeth, also known as dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. It could be an indicator of tooth decay, an exposed root due to aggressive brushing, a loose filling, or bruxism. Use sensitivity toothpaste, avoid whitening products, and use a gentle toothbrush. If all else fails and the pain refuses to subside, visit the dentist who can fix it with a simple filling if caught at an early stage.
Severe and lasting pain
If it has been over two days and your oral pain refuses to go, there is a problem that only a dentist can solve. Severe pain for a long time may indicate that the pulp tissue of the tooth is damaged and decay has come close enough to enter the nerve. The remedy could be a root canal or a dental implant and taking antibiotics. It can get dangerous if the infection spreads to other parts of your body so if you cannot get in touch with the dentist, see an oral surgeon at the emergency unit of a hospital.
A toothache
If a toothache is unbearable or if it results in swelling, drainage, and fever, it is a cause for concern. In most cases, it will probably be a normal cavity. See a dentist or rush to the emergency room. To ease the pain for a while, apply some pain-relieving gel or hold a cold compress over the affected area.
Chipped or cracked teeth
If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, knocked loose, or been chipped or cracked, you need to rush to the dentist immediately because in most cases, a delay can cause the teeth to get infected and become untreatable. If you lost a tooth, you should be at the dentist’s clinic within 30 minutes. Common treatments in these cases are dental implants, root canals, crowns, or fillings.
Conclusion
Dental mishaps like losing or chipping a tooth in an accident cannot be prevented, but we can definitely take care of our teeth at home by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once, and seeing a dentist for a professional cleaning twice a year. These good practices ensure that your teeth stay healthy. Dentists are able to detect dental problems early on and will be able to save you from the pain and expenses of fixing big oral issues.
Tee Family Dental is a local dental office in Perth that can help ease toothache pain – get in touch today to see how we can help.
