A general rule of thumb when it comes to your overall and oral health is that no pain is normal. Although some levels of tooth pain aren’t too bad, you shouldn’t grin and bear it! Any pain or discomfort in your mouth could be an indication of a larger underlying problem. However, is tooth pain something that necessitates a same-day visit to your dentist? Find out more about whether or not a toothache is a dental emergency.
Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
In short, it can be. Tooth sensitivity and pain range from mild to severe. If the pain is bearable, you might be able to wait until your next available appointment to see your dentist. However, this isn’t necessarily recommended, because it can quickly develop into a dental emergency.
Some things to take notice of when your toothache becomes a dental emergency are:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Pain that worsens after 24 hours
- Discomfort when biting down
- A pimple-like bump or blister on your gums near the tooth
If left untreated, toothaches can lead to serious consequences to your oral and overall health. The CDC recommends treating dental emergencies within 24 hours of their onset. Depending on the severity of the pain and the extent of the damage, you shouldn’t wait to seek professional care. A good rule of thumb is that if you are experiencing severe, throbbing pain for over 12 hours, your gums are bleeding, or if you have fever/chills, visit your dentist immediately.
3 Tips to Handle Tooth Pain
In the event you are suffering from an excruciating toothache, your best options are to make a same-day appointment with your dentist or head to an emergency room. However, there are measures you can take to manage the pain until you can see a professional, such as:
- Cold compress – Hold a cold pack (a bag of ice wrapped in a towel) over the cheek in the affected area for twenty minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Warm saltwater rinse – Add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish the rinse around your mouth for ten to twelve seconds. Spit it out – make sure you don’t swallow any of it! If you have any debris around your tooth, gently remove it with dental floss.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – Using medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin can relieve minor pain and inflammation. Numbing pastes or gels may help dull the pain.
That being said, you should get treatment immediately for persistent tooth pain or swelling. Call your dentist if you haven’t seen improvement after an hour of using a cold compress.
The two best preventive measures against toothaches are to maintain good oral hygiene and regularly keep up with your dental appointments. You should be brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and using floss and mouthwash daily. Additionally, you should be seeing your dentist at least every six months for cleanings and checkups.
About the Practice
Family Dental Associates is led by three dental experts who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to protect and preserve the smiles of Rutland. The practice offers same-day appointments for quick emergency care for patients of all ages. No matter the treatment, the Family Dental Associates team will make sure you will get the care you need as soon as possible. If you are experiencing a toothache, contact Family Dental Associates at their website or by phone at (802) 775-0819.