Mouth pain may not seem like a big deal at first. In cases where it’s dull or intermittent, you may even believe you can safely ignore it. However, there are times when that pain signals a significant health risk. You’d be better off knowing which toothaches require an immediate response.
Listed below are three types of tooth pain that your emergency dentist should monitor. Learn their unique traits so you can recognize when you urgently need treatment!
Sharp Pain
As you might expect, a sharp pain is the first sign that something isn’t right with your tooth.
It could indicate you have a cavity — a hole in your teeth caused by plaque and bacteria buildup. That likelihood increases if you feel pain in one or more teeth when you bite down. Cavities are pretty common, so see an emergency dentist to confirm whether your pain stems from one.
Your sharp toothache could come from a tooth abscess, a pocket of puss in your tooth caused by a bacterial infection. Tooth abscesses are usually accompanied by bad breath and fever. You’ll want to seek treatment immediately for an abscessed tooth since it may need to be extracted.
Sensitivity
If your teeth are particularly achy, it could be that you’re clenching or grinding your teeth at night. This condition is known as bruxism, and your dentist might recommend various treatment options depending on its underlying cause. They might suggest TMD therapy or prescribe you a customized mouthguard to wear while you sleep.
Other sensitivity cases can indicate a cavity or an abscessed tooth, both of which are dental emergencies. In these cases, being sensitive to temperatures and sugar are the telltale marks.
Loose Teeth
A toothache from a loose tooth could be caused by advanced gum disease. If you notice that one or more of your teeth can wiggle around or have loosened from the gum, visit your emergency dentist as soon as possible. While there are various treatment options for gum disease, the best approach will depend on how far along it’s developed. Even if the symptoms prove irreversible, you should seek treatment to keep the disease from progressing.
Loose teeth sometimes indicate your bone tissue has weakened too. When caused by advanced gum disease, connective bone and gum tissue that hold your teeth into position will deteriorate. That said, you’ll also want to treat the disease to prevent the total loss of your teeth.
Even if it feels convenient in the short-term, don’t tune out the soreness in your teeth and gums. Remember the dangerous tooth pains above so you can see an emergency dentist at the right time!
About the Practice
Daily Smiles MacArthur is an Irving, TX dental practice. They are a family-friendly dental team that provides excellent treatments at affordable prices. Head dentist Dr. Rafiq does everything he can to ensure each patient’s needs are met, no matter the situation. That even includes offering emergency dental services, which provide fast relief for issues like toothaches, lost teeth, tooth fractures, etc. To learn more or schedule an appointment, they can be reached at their website or by phone at (972)-546-4114.