Without question, a toothache is one of the most unpleasant experiences. If you have ever had one, which you probably have, you understand. However, like a lot of other people, you might not always recognize the associated symptoms. Learning what these are will help you know when to schedule a visit to a dental clinic.
How to know when a toothache is serious
Every day, millions of people suffer from toothaches. In some cases, the pain is only mild, and it does not last long. While not always, an individual can experience pain after biting down on something hard. It might also develop in response to grinding the teeth. Many times, a minor toothache will go away without any intervention. However, if someone has any concerns, they need to contact a dentist.
Then again, some people have serious pain related to a toothache. This is the body’s way of telling them that something is not right. Rather than ignore it, these individuals need to go to a dental clinic as soon as possible. In fact, a severe toothache often requires an emergency trip to the dentist.
So, how does someone know if a toothache is a temporary and mild inconvenience versus a major problem? The answer is by learning about the different symptoms. After all, without seeing a dentist, there is no way to determine severity. This type of pain can indicate that an issue requires immediate attention.
Common symptoms of a severe toothache
People need to remember that even if toothache pain is minor, it could still indicate something more serious. This is one reason why it is so important for individuals to get their teeth checked every six months. During a routine examination, a dentist can uncover a potential problem before it spirals out of control. In other words, regular checkups combined with good oral hygiene are good preventative measures.
However, if a person develops a toothache and the pain is sharp, constant, and throbbing, they need to see a dentist. Although this might not be a full-blown emergency, if left untreated, it could become one. Rather than take a chance, it is better to head to a dental clinic. Again, this is good preventative care.
Swelling around one or more teeth is another symptom of a more serious problem. This could indicate an issue with both the teeth and gums. There are times when swelling occurs from brushing too hard or eating something hard. On the other hand, it could be something that requires immediate dental care.
A foul odor or drainage is perhaps one of the most worrisome symptoms of a toothache. These are never considered normal. If an individual begins to run a fever or gets a bad headache, they need emergency treatment. Both of these symptoms are often associated with an infection or abscessed tooth.
Causes of a toothache
Toothache can affect the entire body. Many things can cause tooth pain. Wisdom teeth can erupt and develop well along with the other teeth. The dentist may recommend letting these teeth stay if there are no problems with them. Some people may start developing pain in these teeth. That is why dental extraction may be necessary.
Tooth decay can also cause tooth pain. Poor oral care can cause the tiny holes in the tooth to grow larger and deeper. Untreated cavities can lead to severe dental pain and tooth loss. The onset of gum disease often happens at 35 years of age.
A dental abscess is an infection inside the tooth’s pulp chamber. At this stage, the infection has already reached the tip of the root or the area around the root. Trauma can also cause dental pain. This would result in a knocked-out or even a broken tooth.
An immediate dental appointment can help correct the situation. The dentist can repair the tooth if the damage is only up to the pulp chamber of the tooth. A root canal may be necessary. There will be a dental extraction if the damage has reached the jawbone.
Know the signs
It is important to learn about the various symptoms of a toothache. Ultimately, this could save a person from dealing with a severe or long-term problem. When it comes to oral health, people should never take the “wait and see” approach. Dentists recommend making an appointment even when pain is mild.
If you develop a toothache and the pain does not subside within two days, go to the dentist. However, if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms as well, do not hesitate to seek help. Remember to brush and floss daily and schedule a checkup for every six months. These two things help maintain good oral health.
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