Although toothache is not usually an emergency, there are some cases where the toothache is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Tooth pain accompanied by swelling or fever needs immediate attention.
Swollen lymph nodes, abscesses, and knocked-out teeth can cause severe pain and require immediate action. In addition, if you have a toothache accompanied by a headache, jaw pain, or earache, you should also seek an emergency dentist in Brentwood.
What are the Causes of a Toothache?
Tooth pain can result from different dental problems, including
- Tooth decay: Plaque can accumulate on the gum line due to poor decay and intake of sugary foods. The sugary foods cause acid solution that attacks the enamel and leads to cavities. If not treated, the cavities can lead to decay, which can cause toothache.
- Tooth fracture: Tooth fracture is a break in the tooth that can occur due to trauma, decay, or other factors. Tooth fractures can range from small cracks to complete breaks and can be painful. Treatment for a tooth fracture depends on the severity of the break but may include bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy.
- Gum disease: Gum infection is when the gums become inflamed and can eventually lead to tooth loss. It is caused by plaque build-up, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. The disease causes the gums to turn red, swollen, and bleeding. Untreated gum disease can lead to periodontitis, which causes gum recession and bone loss.
Other causes of toothache include abscessed teeth, impacted teeth, and TMJ disorders.
If the toothache is severe or lasts more than a few days, it is vital to see an emergency dentist to find the cause and get treatment.
What Other Symptoms Can You Check?
A cavity or an infection causes most toothaches but can also be caused by other things, like a cracked tooth or gum disease. While throbbing pain is the primary symptom you may have, you can experience other problems, too, like, tooth sensitivity and swelling.
What To Do if Tooth Pain Is Unbearable
The best way to deal with throbbing and persistent tooth pain is to visit an emergency dentist immediately.
However, there are ways you relieve the pain as you wait for assistance, including taking pain medication (as advised by the dentist), using a cold compress, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
What Helps a Toothache?
The toothache treatment depends on the cause and severity.
- Use home remedies: You can take over-the-counter pain medication, use a cold compress, or rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Avoid hard, hot, acidic, and crunchy foods, as they can aggravate the pain. You can elevate your head with a stack of pillows or wedge pillow. This prevents fluid accumulation in the area, hence relieving pain.
- Teeth fillings: A filling or other dental work may be necessary if the pain is due to dental decay. The dentist will become the decayed part and cover it with a filling.
- Root canal treatment: The dentist may also recommend a root canal treatment to address an infected pulp. A root canal treatment repairs and saves an infected tooth. It involves removing the damaged tissue from the tooth and cleaning and sealing the tooth. Root canals are usually successful and can help extend the life of your tooth.
How Can I Prevent a Toothache?
You can prevent toothache by avoiding decay or gum infections. This can be achieved by:
- Practice proper oral hygiene to prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth and gums, which can cause toothaches.
- Avoid eating sugary or acidic foods, as these can cause tooth decay. Sugar can promote the growth of bacteria in your mouth, leading to toothache.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to keep your mouth healthy and prevent problems like cavities, which can cause toothache.
Take Action
Visit Brentwood Dental Arts for assistance if you have pain, swelling, and bleeding.
