Pain is our body’s way of telling us something’s wrong–and that it’s time to take action. For example, if you accidentally pick up a hot object, your nerves send you a signal to drop it to avoid injury. Similarly, tooth pain is our body’s way of alerting us to the fact that something needs attention. That’s why we shouldn’t ignore it when we have a toothache. As with almost any dental or medical condition, ignoring pain or other symptoms usually makes things worse. The sooner we address problems, the easier it is to solve them. That said, tooth pain isn’t always an emergency. Sometimes, there’s a relatively easy fix. However, it’s best to see your dentist instead of simply hoping it will go away.
What Are Common Types Of Tooth Pain And What Do They Mean?
There isn’t just one kind of tooth pain. We can have wildly different experiences depending on what’s wrong. Here’s a look at the most common types and what they might mean.
- Sharp, sudden pain can indicate a cavity. If you don’t see your dentist regularly, a cavity can linger on your enamel for some time before it causes significant pain. If your cavity reaches the inner pulp layer of your tooth, sharp pain can occur. Sudden pain can also mean a cracked tooth or damage to a crown or filling.
- A constant ache or throbbing can be a sign of an infection or abscess. These conditions are severe and potentially threaten your overall health, so see your dentist right away.
- Sensitivity to heat or cold can indicate that your enamel is wearing down, or you may have exposed dentin or nerves. Sensitivity or tenderness in the gums can be a sign of gum disease or a gum infection.
- Pain when chewing is another warning sign that can result from tooth decay, a broken tooth, an old or broken filling, or gum disease.
- Pain above the upper molars can be an indication of a sinus infection (usually accompanied by other medical symptoms).
- Some patients experience mild pain and sensitivity because of teeth whitening products.
How Do I Know If I’m Having A Dental Emergency?
We recommend visiting your family dentist whenever you experience dental pain or sensitivity. However, some warning signs indicate you may be experiencing a dental emergency and need to take immediate action. Call your dentist right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that won’t go away
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever or other signs of infection
- A broken or lost tooth from injury or other damage
- Bleeding gums
How Can I Manage Pain Before My Dental Appointment?
When you experience pain in your teeth or gums, it’s essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible. However, tooth pain doesn’t always respect office hours, so you may need to take some steps to manage pain in the meantime.
- A saltwater rinse is one of the easiest and most effective ways to temporarily manage tooth pain. Salt is a natural disinfectant and also reduces discomfort. Add one teaspoon of salt to each cup of water.
- A cold compress can reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Clove oil and peppermint oil are time-tested natural remedies that can temporarily soothe tooth and gum pain. Many patients also experience relief by drinking cool peppermint tea or placing a peppermint tea bag on the painful area.
- Over-the-counter numbing gel can ease pain for a short time, but don’t use it as an excuse to avoid the dentist, as it doesn’t address the root of the problem.
- You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen to reduce pain, but be sure to stick to the recommended dosage and don’t rely on them for long-term relief.
Tooth Pain 101: Call Your Dentist At The First Signs Of Pain
At Greenhill Family Dental Care, we understand that home remedies and temporary fixes can provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the underlying issues or improve your oral health. When you have tooth pain, don’t tough it out. Instead, call your dentist for judgment-free care that will not only relieve pain but also offer lasting solutions. One rule of thumb when it comes to oral care is that the earlier you get to the dentist, the easier and less expensive the solution usually is. Preventing tooth pain is another excellent reason to schedule routine checkups. The Greenhill team can often catch problems early before pain begins, allowing us to offer less invasive treatment options. Please call us at the first sign of trouble. As always, we’re here to help.
