A severe toothache causes unmistakable pain. Pain in the mouth distracts from everything else. Extreme mouth pain can cause problems eating, induce headaches and initiate flare-ups of TMJ disorder.
Causes of Severe Toothaches
There is no single cause of all toothaches. Tooth pain happens when a tooth is irritated or damaged, which can be caused by many things. Some common causes of pain in your teeth are:
- Tooth decay
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Problems with recent dental work such as fillings
- Scratched or punctured gums
- Debris or particles lodged between teeth or gums
- Dental abscess
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Gingivitis
Some causes of toothache are minor while others may be a sign of serious problems. Most toothaches considered severe originate from more serious issues in the mouth like damage and infection that will need to be treated by your local dentist.
When is a Toothache Considered Severe?
A severe toothache is a dental emergency, but how do you know when a toothache becomes severe? A good rule of thumb about when to seek professional help is if you have had the pain for more than a couple of days or if you have unbearable tooth pain, it is time to schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist.
Bleeding, throbbing pain, swelling, and fever or chills are also indicators of a dental emergency. These are often signs of an abscessed tooth which will need to be treated by a dentist.
Is a Toothache an Emergency?
You should seek the help of an emergency dentist within 24 hours of the onset of a severe toothache, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They will be able to address both your symptoms as well as the underlying cause of the pain.
You should go to your local hospital emergency department if you have sustained other injuries in addition to injuries to your teeth. However, there is very little they can do for a severe toothache. If an infection is present, they may be able to prescribe antibiotics and refer you to your dentist for further care. When you are suffering from dental pain after hours or on weekends it is far better, and less expensive, to see an emergency dentist than it is to make an unnecessary visit to the hospital.
Toothache Remedies and Treatments
When experiencing a toothache, there are some things that you can do at home which may bring you some comfort. The Cleveland Clinic says to try rinsing with warm salt water to dislodge any particles that could be causing irritation. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen to help dull the pain.
If your tooth pain lasts for more than a day or two, don’t make the mistake of thinking it will magically go away on its own. In fact, even if your toothache goes away on its own, it is likely to come roaring back with a vengeance sooner rather than later.
Even if a toothache seems minor, you should still schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible to address any issues before they have a chance to become more serious.
Emergency Dentist in Ventura, CA
Severe toothaches are accompanied by brutal pain. To get out of pain fast call Avra Dental at (818) 345-5556 to schedule an appointment for dental services in Ventura now.