Are you dealing with tooth pain? Toothaches can be very painful and don’t seem to go away on their own very easily. Even if you think that you are well equipped to handle the pain, you still shouldn’t go on without dental attention. Tooth pain means that there is something wrong in your mouth, so you’re better off if you have a dentist take a look. Continue reading to learn whether or not a toothache is considered to be a dental emergency and some of the possible causes.
Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
If you’ve had a toothache for more than a day or two, and it is causing you a lot of discomfort, this means that you are likely dealing with a dental emergency. You could have a cavity, infection, or another issue that won’t be resolved on its own. Without getting proper treatment from an emergency dentist, it probably won’t get better anytime soon.
What Are the Causes of a Toothache?
There are a few reasons why you could be experiencing tooth pain. Here are a handful of the most common causes:
- Cavity: If you have tooth decay that’s penetrated through the protective enamel and into the dentin of the tooth, you’re likely to experience pain and discomfort when biting down. This is especially the case if you are enjoying something sweet or foods that are particularly hot or cold.
- Tooth Infection: When a cavity is left untreated, it can cause the entire tooth to become infected over time. There is extreme pain present with a tooth infection, and you may require a root canal or extraction. This pain is usually accompanied by tooth sensitivity and swelling of the gums.
- Oral Trauma: If you have received a blow to the mouth and are experiencing pain, one of your teeth could have been cracked or broken. You should see your dentist to have it checked out.
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding/Clenching): Bruxism is a condition where you clench and/or grind your teeth, usually while sleeping. Doing this for a long period of time can put stress on the ligaments and roots of your teeth, causing them to be achy. If you think that this may be an issue, it is something that you should bring up to your dentist. This way, the problem can be addressed.
You shouldn’t let a toothache get in the way of your busy schedule. Head to your dentist. You will be relieved of your pain in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew McKissock earned his dental doctorate from the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry before spending the next year learning advanced general dentistry in a residency program at Fort Carson in Colorado. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and has attended the world-renowned Pankey Institute as well as the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, he would be happy to take a look. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Windermere, visit his website or call (407) 909-1099.
