For the last few days, you’ve felt a sharp pain in your mouth that won’t go away. You don’t want to make a big deal out of nothing and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Dublin if the discomfort is just going to go away. You’re not sure when to be worried or how to take action at home, either. Knowing how to react can save you potential health problems in the future. Read on to find out what could be causing your pain and what to do to help it.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Toothache?
A toothache can be uncomfortable and distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on work. But when you’ve been experiencing it for longer than two days, it’s probably time to call up your dentist. You should be concerned about your toothache when:
- You’re experiencing a fever or getting chills.
- You have pain or earache when you open your mouth.
- It’s causing you severe pain.
Sometimes, toothaches don’t have one root cause. When you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, chest pain, and jaw pain, it could be because of a number of issues, which is why it’s so important to get checked out by a trained professional.
What Could Be Causing Your Toothache?
Your pain could be caused by several common reasons including:
- Dental Decay— When a cavity or crack is left untreated, it can leave your tooth susceptible to decay and infection. When the pulp of your tooth becomes affected, it can directly impact your nerves and result in severe pain and may require a root canal.
- Dental Trauma— If you play contact sports, it isn’t uncommon to get hit in the face or mouth during a game or practice. This can damage your teeth and result in pain, depending on the severity of the impact.
- Growing Wisdom Teeth— If you have wisdom teeth that are growing in, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly to check up on them. They’ll get X-rays that allow them to see if they’re impacted or not and whether you need them surgically removed. If they’re growing and there isn’t enough room in your mouth for them, it could be the cause of your toothache.
It’s important to contact your dental professional as soon as you can if you experience a dental emergency that results in pain. If you can’t get an appointment right away, there are some precautions you may be able to take at home until you visit your dentist.
What Should You Do?
Until you can get the treatment you need to fix the problem, there are some ways you can ease your discomfort with products at home. Keep in mind that these are only temporary solutions and that when you ignore the problem, it could result in future oral health issues. Here are some actions you can take while waiting for a treatment plan:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the package.
- Apply a cold compress to take down any swelling.
- Record your pain to give the dentist a better idea of what the problem could be.
- Apply a numbing gel to the affected area.
- Keep your teeth clean and control harmful oral bacteria.
Taking the proper preventive measures and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can help ward off any lingering oral health problems. When these issues are spotted and treated early on, it can prevent pain and further discomfort. Knowing how and when to react if you’re experiencing a toothache could be the difference between needing extensive treatment and not.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck is passionate about helping his patients achieve healthy long-lasting smiles by giving them high-quality dental care. He’s focused on utilizing the latest advancements in his field by being an active member of several professional organizations including the Spear Education Society. He looks forward to providing his patients with the individualized care they can trust. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Distinctive Smiles of Dublin’s website or contact 614-792-1800.