Are you dealing with a toothache that just won’t subside? It is difficult to focus on anything else while you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth. Even if you think that you can withstand the pain, having a toothache is a sign that something isn’t right, so you should have your dentist take a look. Continue reading to learn more about the urgency of addressing toothaches and some of the most common causes.
Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
If you have had a toothache for more than a couple of days, and it is still causing you discomfort, you are likely dealing with a dental emergency. You could have a cavity, infection, or another issue that won’t resolve itself on its own. With proper treatment from an emergency dentist, it won’t be getting any better. This means it’s time to schedule an emergency visit with your dentist to address the problem.
What Are the Common Causes of Toothaches?
Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of issues. Here are some of the common ones that your dentist encounters:
• Cavities: If you have tooth decay that has penetrated through the protective enamel and into the dentin of the tooth, you are likely to experience discomfort when biting down. This is especially the case when you eat something sweet, hot, or cold.• Infected Tooth: When a cavity is left untreated, the entire tooth can become infected. This can result in extreme pain, and you might require root canal treatment to save your tooth. When infections become too severe, an extraction may be necessary. This type of toothache is often accompanied by swelling and sensitivity of the surrounding gum tissue.• Oral Trauma: If you’ve recently experienced an injury to the mouth and feel pain, one of your teeth could be broken or cracked.• Bruxism: Bruxism is a condition where you clench and/or grind your teeth at night. After doing this for a long time, stress is put on the ligaments and roots of the teeth, causing them to ache. If you think this may be an issue for you, you should bring it up with your dentist. This way, you can discuss solutions, like wearing a nightguard while you sleep.
