Tooth pain can happen for a variety of reasons – some of which could be considered emergencies, and some of which are not. If you have pain that lingers, or if the pain is extreme, you should definitely call an emergency dentist right away. But if the pain is not severe and hasn’t lasted long, it might be a temporary situation that doesn’t require the services of an emergency dentist. What follows are some of the most common causes for tooth pain.
- Teeth grinding – Also referred to as “bruxism,” grinding your teeth at night can lead to a variety of other symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, and toothaches. Stress is often the single biggest contributing factor when it comes to grinding your teeth. While this type of tooth pain is definitely uncomfortable – and bruxism is an issue that you should talk to your dentist about during your next visit – it’s usually not an emergency situation.
- Gum disease – If your tooth pain is accompanied by red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums, it could very well be a sign of gum disease. This condition should never be ignored since it could lead to tooth loss and has been associated with other serious health issues, but in and of itself gum disease probably doesn’t warrant a trip to the emergency dentist. Still, you should definitely schedule an appointment for an oral exam as soon as you can so that your dentist can get you back on the road to good oral health.
- A cracked or chipped tooth – You could have a very minor crack in a tooth without ever knowing it, and this can be quite painful. Whether or not it constitutes a dental emergency depends on the severity of the damage, but at the very least you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can.
- Tooth decay – If your tooth pain is relatively mild, and you’re experiencing hot and cold sensitivity as well, it’s most likely due to tooth decay. In fact, cavities are the most common reason for tooth pain. And while it’s important to visit your dentist soon to have the decay removed, it’s not considered to be an emergency.
- Abscessed tooth – If you are feeling intense pain combined with a foul taste in your mouth and/or a nasty odor or excreting pus, call the emergency dentist right away. These are indicators of an infection and, as is always the case with any infection, it needs to be treated right away.
We all experience tooth pain from time to time, but not all of these circumstances require the services of an emergency dentist. Just remember to always discuss your discomfort with your dentist during you
