What Should I Do If I Have a Toothache
A toothache can have many different causes and also present in many different ways as well. Because of this, it can be difficult to categorize all toothaches the same way. One common questions patients have is whether or not they should see a dentist if their teeth and gums begin to ache. Some common things to consider is the severity of the toothache as well as the duration of the pain/discomfort. If your toothache is severe, continuous, or recurring, that is often a sign of an underlying issue. The quicker you see a local dentist the quicker you can get answers and solutions. Plus, toothache causes can progress over time. In this article we will discuss different types of toothaches and what to do, but if you have a dental issue and live in the North Shore / Greater Boston Area, please give us a call to set up a dental appointment.
Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency?
Any dental or oral pain is cause for concern, but if you have the following symptoms you should try and see a dentist as quickly as possible:
Duration
If a toothache is constant for two or more days, you should see a local dentist as quickly as possible to have your tooth assessed.
Discomfort
If the pain is severe or the pain doesn’t subside after taking over the counter pain killers like Aspirin, this is often a sign of an underlying issue. Severe pain that isn’t getting better is a common sign of dental issues.
Other Symptoms
If you experience pain when biting, notice a strange, bad taste in your mouth, have a swollen jaw, or have a high temperature you should see a dentist right away as these are often signs of infection and & abscessed teeth.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Hot & Cold Foods?
Temperature sensitivity is one of the most common causes of oral pain and is different from a toothache. While a toothache involves constant or recurring pain, tooth sensitivity discomfort is often caused when you bite into something hot or cold or when drink a beverage. The reason you feel this discomfort is usually because of the demineralization of tooth enamel. Enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that protects the dentin and tooth pulp. As plaque, acid, and sugar dissolves this outer layer it can expose nerves that might feel discomfort caused by extreme temperatures. You might feel this discomfort when you breath in cold air or when you take a sip of hot coffee.
If you have temperature sensitivity we highly recommend mentioning it to a dentist. They might recommend treatments or special toothpaste that can help strengthen your teeth and prevent further loss of enamel.
What Should I Do About My Toothache Before My Dental Appointment?
If you have a toothache and are waiting to see a dentist later-on you will probably want to decrease your discomfort. Painkillers that are bought over the counter can help decrease pain. Gargling salt water can also be used to disinfect the mouth in cases where the toothache might be caused by an infection. In the meantime, you want to avoid hard foods as well as hot or cold foods.
Emergency Dentist in Swampscott Massachusetts
If you are in the Greater Boston are and need either an emergency dentist or a family dentist, please contact us for more information regarding our dental services.