Have you been suffering from a toothache? This could mean that it’s time for you to head to the emergency dentist to get it looked at. Afterall, tooth pain isn’t something that should be taken lightly. It usually means that something isn’t quite right in the mouth, and it could even become worse over time, meaning that you may end up needing a more costly and invasive procedure in the future. Here are some different types of tooth pain you certainly shouldn’t be ignoring and why.
Sharp Pain
If you are experiencing sharp pain that is increasing in severity over time, this could indicate that you are suffering from a cavity. This is especially the case if you feel pain when biting down. It is important that you have this treated as soon as possible. If you leave this to progress, your tooth could become infected. If it isn’t treated quickly enough, you could even require an extraction. It is best to get these things over with early on.
Sensitivity
Teeth that increase in sensitivity could point to bruxism. This is when you clench and/or grind your teeth, usually at night. If your tooth or teeth are sensitive to sugar or temperature, this could indicate that you have a cavity that is compromising your tooth’s protective enamel.
Discoloration
A discolored tooth paired with pain or discomfort could mean that the pulp inside of your tooth is dead. This happens when your toot becomes infected and is left without treatment for too long. Another major sign of infection is if you notice pus being emitted from the tooth. At this point, you need to see your dentist right away so you can have your teeth treated and hopefully saved.
Swollen Glands
If you have swollen glands along with an infected tooth, this means that the infection may be spreading to other areas of the body. This is especially dangerous because you could be at risk for infecting vital organs. Ultimately, this can become life threatening. Seek medical attention right away!
Loose Tooth
If your toothache is turning into loose tooth, this points to gum disease. You should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible, as this is a symptom of late-stage periodontal disease. This symptom may be reversible, but you need to see your dentist to have any chance of saving the tooth and eliminating the infection in your mouth.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
You may notice that your gums bleed and swell from time to time. However, if you also have a toothache, this can indicate that you have gum disease. If you don’t feel like you’ve been doing a great job keeping up your oral health, this condition can develop. The good news is that it can be treated and reversed early on, allowing you to restore your gums to health.
Bad Breath and Taste
If you’ve been experiencing a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, this could mean that you have an abscessed tooth. When a tooth is infected, toxins are emitted and can result in these unpleasant symptoms. Head to your dentist so they can get to the root of the problem.
Any of the toothaches and symptoms listed above could be a sign of something more serious. Contact your dentist so you can get some relief. Your smile will be back to its healthy self in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his DDS degree from the University of the Pacific before serving in the US Army Dental Corps taking care of troops. He is committing to continuing education and is a member of the American Dental Association, Northern Nevada Dental Society, Seattle Study Club, and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have a toothache, Dr. Thomas would be happy to help you get some relief. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (775) 626-3535.