You shouldn’t think of your toothache as a common annoyance. Despite the name, toothaches can be more severe than your average aches and pains. Your body could be trying to tell you that something is wrong with your oral health.
“But pain is subjective!” You might be thinking. “I’m fine, I can take it!”
Even if you’re on the higher end of the pain tolerance scale, this list of toothache textures will tell you whether you should call your emergency dentist. After reading what your symptoms could indicate, you might not be so inclined to tough it out.
My Toothache Won’t Go Away
The problem could be anything between an object stuck in your teeth to an abscess. If aches or pressure follow you throughout the day, check a mirror. Seeing the debris will help you get rid of it, but even if you can’t locate the object, a dedicated floss and warm water rinse should remove it.
If this type of discomfort continues for more than a day, call your dentist. The problem might not be so serious as an infectious abscess – if you grind your teeth regularly, you could also experience this consistent soreness. However, your dentist will still need to examine your mouth and prescribe treatment.
I Get Short Bursts of Pain in My Tooth
Definitely tell your dentist right away. Jabbing pangs could indicate you have a cavity, broken enamel, fracture, faulty filling or crown, or gum disease. These issues need to be addressed quickly or else they could cause further damage. Your emergency dentist will be able to more precisely determine the source of your pain and treat you promptly.
My Toothache Feels like A Heartbeat
Once again, contact your dentist in a timely manner. A pulsating, throbbing type of ache often indicates infection, which needs to be treated as soon as possible. This type of toothache also tends to be distressing, to say the least. If your discomfort is distracting, makes you lose sleep, or is otherwise disruptive, that’s all the more reason to have your pain investigated by an emergency dentist.
It Hurts to Eat Hot or Cold Foods
This means your enamel is thin or damaged, exposing the more sensitive part of your tooth to everyday sensations. Sometimes normal wear and tear or poor hygiene can cause enamel to soften. Other times, however, tooth decay or gum disease is the culprit. In these cases, your sensitivity likely lasts longer than 30 seconds after being triggered. Take note of your pain and contact an emergency dentist if you fear you might have a serious problem.
Even in instances of mild discomfort, your body is sending you signals to communicate that something isn’t right. When you ignore aching, bursting, throbbing, or tender sensations in your teeth, you risk further damage. An emergency dentist can see you for a same-day appointment and can likely solve the issue before it becomes irreversible – but only if you notify them of your symptoms.
About the Author
Dr. Lumpkin practices at Dentistry by Design in Bartlesville. He and his practice offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies. With over a decade of experience, he’ll quickly and efficiently diagnose and treat your toothaches. If you’re unsure whether your discomfort is emergency-worthy, give the office a call at 918-336-6777. We’ll be happy to address your concerns!