Is a Painful Toothache a Sign of a Dental Emergency?

Many people wonder at what point a toothache is considered a dental emergency. It’s important to understand that the more severe your pain, the more important it is to seek proper dental care. Any toothache lasting longer than a day or two and causing pain and discomfort is considered a dental emergency. If you don’t seek proper care, the toothache will only worsen. You could have a broken tooth, a lost crown or filling, or even a broken tooth. Any of these conditions can leave you vulnerable to infection.

Is a Painful Toothache a Sign of a Dental Emergency?

If your tooth becomes infected, it may continue to deteriorate. As your infection progresses, the pulp supporting your tooth will begin to die. This will give you unbearable pain and discomfort. Eventually, your tooth will die or possibly fall out on its own. It’s important to understand that anytime you have a tooth infection, you may be subject to further infections, such as your sinus cavities and other areas of your body. It’s important to understand that an infection can rapidly spread, making you feel sick overall, and this can possibly cause even more damage to your health.

Your toothache is especially urgent if you have a fever along with your pain. This is a sign that infection has likely set in, and the infection can cause further damage to your tooth, surrounding teeth, gums, and the rest of your body. Your dentist can evaluate your tooth and recommend the best procedure for you to keep your tooth as long as possible. If you lose your teeth, you will have to have dentures or an implant; both procedures can be very costly, so taking care of your teeth is important.

The sooner you seek help for your toothache, the less likely you are to have long-term health damage to your body. You may be able to save your tooth if you seek dental attention immediately. The longer you wait for proper treatment, the more likely you are to require further dental procedures that are far more expensive. You may risk having to have a root canal, a tooth extraction, and a course of antibiotics if you leave a painful toothache for too long. Proper dental care can greatly improve your overall health. The more pain you’re in, the more serious the emergency, so it’s best to get to your dentist right away. Call your dentist immediately to set up an emergency appointment if you have tooth pain.

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Should You Call a Dentist If You Have Toothache?

A toothache refers to the pain that a person feels in and around their teeth and jaws. It is often the result of tooth decay, sensitive teeth, gingivitis, or breakdown of tooth enamel. And if a toothache is not treated, the pulp inside the tooth could become infected. So, a toothache could also mean the presence of a dental infection.

Should You See the Dentist If You Have Toothache?

A person should see a dentist if their tooth pain persists, have bleeding gums, redness occurs around their gums, inflammation increases, swelling occurs around their jaw or face, or they are feeling sick due to tooth pain. Also, if a person had recent trauma to their mouth or face, they should see the dentist.

Here is when a person should see a dentist if they have toothache:

Tooth Pain Persists

Persistent tooth pain is often the result of tooth decay. Once tooth decay reaches the nerves inside the tooth, the person will experience a persistent toothache. The infection can spread into the gum tissue and the jawbone surrounding the decayed tooth. A dentist can help stop the infection from spreading.

A Sudden or Severe Toothache

Do not ignore a sudden or severe toothache! It could be a sign of an infection or tooth abscess. A tooth abscess occurs due to an injury, prior dental work, or untreated dental cavity. The infection can lead to bone loss in the jaw, and it can spread into the bloodstream. A dentist can drain the tooth abscess and get rid of the infection.

Tooth Sensitivity Worsens

Having sensitive teeth can lead to severe tooth pain. Sensitive teeth are usually the result of exposed tooth roots, cracked teeth, tooth decay, or worn tooth enamel. The person will experience sharp, temporary pain inside their teeth while eating, brushing, or even drinking. However, if teeth sensitivity worsens, they need to see a dentist.

See a Dentist to Treat the Tooth Pain

Home remedies can provide temporary relief for tooth pain. However, they might not stop the spread of the infection. Seeing a dentist in Albuquerque can help treat the underlying cause of the toothache and stop the spread of the infection throughout the body. It is best to see a dentist to treat the cause of the tooth pain.

Best Home Remedies For a Toothache

If you’ve ever dealt with a toothache before, you know just how unpleasant and disruptive the experience can be. Whether the toothache manifests itself as a continuous, achy discomfort or sharp, sudden jolts of pain, your top priority is to find immediate relief.

While the best and most effective approach is to visit the dentist’s office, there are some tried and tested toothache remedies that you can try at home for immediate and temporary relief while you wait to receive professional treatment from a dentist.

Best Home Remedies For a Toothache

(i) Salt water rinses
Saltwater rinses are one of the simplest but effective ways to get temporary relief from toothache pain. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to loosen debris lodged in cavities or between teeth, which can contribute to tooth pain.
To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in the mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be repeated as often as needed.

(ii) Cold compresses
This remedy is particularly beneficial for toothaches caused by trauma or injury to the mouth. Applying cold compresses to the affected area is a highly effective way of reducing the swelling and inflammation that may be causing the toothache.
To try this remedy, wrap a bag of ice or a cold pack in a thin cloth and apply it to the cheek or jaw near the painful tooth. Experts recommend leaving it on for 15-25 minutes at a time, and repeat as needed.

iii) Clove oil
Clove oil stands out as an age-old solution to toothaches having been used as a pain relief technique for centuries. This natural oil contains eugenol, an analgesic and antibacterial compound that helps to numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
To use clove oil for toothache pain, apply a small amount of clove oil to a cotton ball and place it on the painful tooth.

iv) Garlic
For centuries, garlic has been used for its medicinal properties, including its potential to relieve tooth pain. Garlic contains allicin, a natural antibiotic that can help reduce inflammation and fight infection in the mouth.
To use garlic for toothache pain, crush a garlic clove to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, you can slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic.

(v) Over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help to provide temporary relief from toothache pain. However, it is important to follow the instructions and recommended dosage on the packaging. If the pain persists or worsens, it is important to seek dental treatment to address the underlying cause of the toothache.

It is important to reiterate that these remedies are only meant to provide temporary relief from toothache pain and should not be used in place of professional treatment. Toothaches usually have many underlying causes that tend to worsen if not addressed properly and promptly. This is why it is always important to consult a dentist whenever you experience a toothache.

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What are the Most Frequent Emergencies That Dentists Treat?

Dental emergencies come in different forms. A missing or broken tooth, gum disease, and tooth decay are some of the most common dental emergencies. It is true that the best way to prevent dental issues is through proper dental care. However, having a clear idea of how to handle dental emergencies can go a long way towards safeguarding your dental health and preventing long-term damage, when the worst happens.

What are the Most Frequent Emergencies That Dentists Treat?

With that in mind, continue reading below to find out more about the most common dental emergencies.

Toothache

A toothache is by far one of the most common dental emergencies. Pain can be a sign of various dental issues including tooth decay, oral injuries, and infections among others. In some cases, toothache can be managed at home without emergency treatment using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen among others. However, you should never place any painkillers, including aspirin, against your gum or tissue as it can burn the gum tissue. Alternatively, you can apply a cold compress over the outside of your cheek.

Any cases of toothache accompanied by swelling require urgent dental care. When this occurs, be sure to seek emergency dental care immediately.

While toothache may be considered to be the most common dental emergency, other common emergencies include:

Broken or Chipped Tooth

In addition to being very painful, a chipped or broken tooth can ruin your smile. If the bleeding is excessive, use warm water to rinse out your mouth and place a piece of gauze at the affected area. Relieve pain and swelling by placing a cold compress on the area of your face closest to the affected tooth. Afterward, contact an emergency dentist to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

Cracked Or Lost Filling

Lost or cracked fillings need to be fixed immediately to prevent further damage. This is mainly due to the fact that they are primarily used to restore the function and appearance of a previously damaged tooth. Avoid trying to fix the damaged tooth by yourself. Instead, cover the affected area with a piece of sugarless gum as you make arrangements for an emergency visit to the dentist’s office.

Knocked-out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can cause bleeding and pain. The tooth can be put back in place depending on the nature of the injury; ideally, this has to be done within an hour. Pick up the knocked-out tooth by the crown and rinse off any dirt – without removing any attached tissue fragments. You can try to put the tooth back in place carefully, without forcefully pushing it into the socket. Alternatively, you can just place it in a cup of milk, as a way of preserving it for an emergency restoration procedure.

Conclusion

Keep calm and avoid panicking when dental emergencies in Albuquerque occur. After giving yourself the necessary first aid, be sure to make an emergency visit to the dentist.

Have You Hear of the 333 Rule For Toothaches?

If you have ever had a toothache, you probably know that the unique pain is simply unforgettable. Obviously, you should promptly visit your dentist in Albuquerque if you have any tooth pain, but if you have to wait to do so for whatever reason, you can use several coping strategies, one of the most popular being the 3-3-3 method.

What Is the 3-3-3 Method for Tooth Pain?

Tooth or gum pain is almost always due to swelling or inflammation. If you reduce the swelling, then you will reduce the pain. The best way to reduce the pain and inflammation in the short-term is with the 3-3-3 method: 3 ibuprofen (600mg total) 3 times a day for 3 days.

One thing you must not do is take the ibuprofen only to stop taking it once you start experiencing pain relief. The trick is to keep the ibuprofen levels up so that you can reduce the inflammation. If you stop taking it, then it will be a while before the ibuprofen kicks in again.

Always keep in mind that the 3-3-3 method only treats your symptoms and does nothing to address the root cause of the pain. You should ensure that you can take ibuprofen and it doesn’t interfere with any health condition or medication you’re currently taking. (Talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure).

Final Thoughts

Toothaches and tooth pain are undoubtedly some of the worst forms of pain. If you have tooth pain, don’t assume it will go away on its own. If you need to wait to go to the dentist for your tooth pain for whatever reason, you have options for at-home treatment.

The most important thing to do for your headache is control the swelling. That’s why it’s so important to use an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. You also need to try using the 3-3-3 method as described above and your tooth pain will dissipate or even disappear completely.

What Conditions Are Considered To Be a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies are common and it’s essential to know what to do when one happens to you.

This includes taking the time to understand what constitutes a dental emergency and what to look out for. Here is a detailed breakdown of what a dental emergency entails and what you should do as soon as you are in such a situation.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental condition requiring immediate professional assistance to avoid further pain, discomfort, and damage to the teeth.

Examples of this can include:

* Toothaches
* Broken Teeth/Knocked Out Teeth
* Swollen Jaw
* Bleeding Gums
* Missing Filling
* Exposed Nerve

Anything surrounding these conditions should be addressed as soon as possible by a qualified dentist. They will know what to do to regulate the pain and make sure the teeth are in the condition they need to be.

How To Deal With A Dental Emergency

1. Book An Appointment With The Dentist Right Away

The first thing you are going to want to do is to book an appointment with a dentist. Some dentists work around the clock and/or are willing to book emergency appointments. They will prioritize you due to the nature of the condition you’re in.

This is ideal since you are going to want treatment as soon as you can get it.

2. Rinse The Mouth

You are also going to want to focus on controlling the bleeding if that is a concern. This can be done by rinsing the mouth with water. Just make sure to rinse gently and allow the water to dribble out as that is going to make sure you don’t aggravate the situation.

3. Use Gauze To Control Bleeding

If the bleeding is getting worse, it’s essential to use gauze to help control it. This is essential as that is one of the best ways to control how much you are bleeding. Pressing against it is going to help, but also placing it near the opening of the mouth is useful too.

Final Thoughts

These are the most important things a person should do when dealing with a dental emergency. The onset of pain can be sudden and you are going to want to numb it as best as you can until a dentist gets to see what’s going on.

By following the steps listed here, you will be able to take control of the situation before the dentist sees what’s going on.

What Happens If a Tooth Infection Spreads to Your Jaw?

A tooth infection is the build-up of pus and bacteria inside the teeth or gums. The bacteria cause tooth infections. And if left untreated, the bacteria inside the tooth might spread to the jaw. So, if it to the jaw, it could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

What Happens If a Tooth Infection Spreads to Your Jaw?

Here is what happens if tooth infection spreads to the jaw:

A tooth infection spreading to the jaw could lead to toothache, bone infection, tooth loss, blood infection, and inflammation throughout the body.

Toothache

If there is an opening in the tooth enamel, then bacteria might infect the pulp of the tooth. The infection might spread from the root of the tooth to the jaw. The infection could cause a toothache. Why? Because the infection could lead to tissue swelling and buildup of pus within the tooth and jaw.

Bone Infection

The presence of bacteria inside the tooth could lead to bone infection. The bacteria travel from the pulp of the tooth to the jaw, causing bone infection. And the bacteria can destroy the supporting bones over time. The bone infection could cause swelling and dissolve the jaw bone. The swelling can damage the bone and lead to bone loss.

Tooth Loss

Once the infection spreads to the jaw, the bone structures of the jaw become weak. A weak jaw bone structure does not support the teeth. So, if a person does not treat their tooth infection, they will lose more teeth later in life. If a tooth falls out, it leaves an empty space in the jaw, leading to bone loss and tooth loss.

Inflammation

If a person does not treat a tooth infection, the infection could spread to the jaw bones and other parts of the body. In fact, the bacteria from the tooth infection could spread to the jaws and enter the bloodstream to cause inflammation throughout the body. The inflammation could rupture organs and block arteries.

Blood Infection

Last, but not least, the bacterial infection could spread to the jaw and through the entire bloodstream. If bacteria from the tooth infection enters the bloodstream, it could lead to adverse effects. The person may experience a rapid heartbeat, high fever, chills, confusion, vomiting, and severe nausea. Blood infection can cause shock and organ failure.

Final Thoughts

Most tooth infections are easy to treat. Early treatment can stop the tooth infection from spreading to the jaw. However, if the tooth infection spreads to the jaw, the infection could become severe and life-threatening. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can prevent tooth infections.

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How To Treat An Infected Tooth While Waiting For A Dental Appointment

An infected tooth or an abscess is a serious medical condition. It’s important to make a dental appointment as soon as possible. While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, there are some steps that you can take to ease your symptoms and begin the preparation for your visit to the dentist.

How To Treat An Infected Tooth While Waiting For A Dental Appointment

To get relief and eliminate infection, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Combine one to two teaspoons of salt with four ounces of warm water, stir it until the salt dissolves, swish it in your mouth, and then spit it out. Use all of the four ounces of salt water until it is gone. Repeat as necessary for relief.

You can also rinse your mouth with baking soda water. Stir a teaspoon of baking soda into 4 ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture in your mouth for a few minutes, and then spit the mixture out. Repeat as needed for relief.

You may find some relief with an ice pack. Fill your ice pack with ice and place the ice pack against your check. You may wish to place a soft cloth between your cheek and the ice pack. Hold this on the affected area for about twenty minutes at a time. Repeat every hour or so as needed for relief.

Clove oil can offer some relief for a toothache. Apply the clove oil to the affected area with a cotton-tipped swab. Repeat this as needed for pain relief. Oil of oregano or thyme oil can also be used. Be sure to use a carrier oil so that you’re not using the oil full strength, as this can cause a burn.

Mix a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution with warm water and swish it around your mouth. Spit this out and repeat as needed to treat the pain and infection.

Acetomenophen and ibuprofen can also treat pain. Take the recommended amount and swallow with a glass of water. Do not allow the medication to dissolve on your tooth, as this can create more damage. Follow the package directions and make sure not to take more than recommended.

These tips and tricks can help to ease your pain while you wait for your dental appointment. Mix and match these remedies as needed for maximum pain relief. Make sure to avoid using oils directly on the skin without a carrier oil. Follow package directions on any OTC pain medications.

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Jaw Pain Could Be a Sign of a Serious Dental Problem

Jaw pain refers to any physical discomfort localized in the jaw. In most instances, jaw pain doesn’t require immediate medical attention. While this is definitely a relief, jaw pain sometimes can be indicative of a more serious underlying problem.

Jaw Pain Could Be a Sign of a Serious Dental Problem

Here are 3 instances when jaw pain is a sign of a serious dental problem:

Untreated Cavities

Untreated cavities might not be the most obvious reason for jaw pain, but they can progress to a point where they cause jaw pain. A cavity can cause jaw pain if the tooth deteriorates to such an extent where its root gets infected.

The infection can then spread to tissues in the jawbone and this can cause severe pain if not treated. To prevent this, you need to go for regular dental check-ups and consult with your dentist to ensure that no cavity gets this bad.

Grinding of Teeth

Grinding can cause damage to your teeth and is one of the leading causes of jaw pain. It is also referred to as clenching the teeth. Some people may grind their teeth when stressed while others may grind their teeth while sleeping and might not even be aware of it.

Grinding your teeth can likely lead to major dental problems. One way to prevent grinding of teeth is to wear a mouthguard when sleeping at night. Reducing stress is another effective way to address this problem.

TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are one of the leading causes of jaw pain. The TMJ plays an important role in your everyday life, allowing you to breathe, talk, and eat. TMJ disorders occur when there’s an issue with jaw and facial muscles.

If TMJ disorders advance to a severe state after you start experiencing pain in this area, you may eventually be unable to move the joint. To ensure that TMJ disorders and the resulting pain don’t wreak havoc on your life, you should seek immediate dental treatment.

Final Thoughts

Jaw pain is a serious problem that can cause you great discomfort and poor quality of life. It can be relatively harmless and disappear on its own without any intervention or it could be indicative of a more serious dental issue as clearly shown here.

If you have severe and recurrent jaw pain or have a combination of any of the conditions discussed here, you should see your dentist, doctor, or oral surgeon. You would want to know if the jaw pain was caused by an underlying condition that’s more serious and only a professional can make that determination.

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How Long Can You Ignore A Toothache Before Getting Dental Care?

A toothache can ruin an entire day. There are many reasons for a toothache. Depending on your reason, you may need to seek emergency dental care on the same day as your toothache. Here are some of the reasons for a toothache and emergency dental care.

How Long Can You Ignore A Toothache Before Getting Dental Care?

A broken tooth is a serious issue; you should seek dental care immediately. If left untreated, you could wind up with a serious life-threatening infection. The sooner you seek emergency care, the sooner you can get back to living and your regular activities. You may also be able to avoid an infection if you seek care immediately.

A broken or cracked filling is also a serious matter. Fillings can age and crack or break, causing tooth pain. If you have a cracked or broken filling, you’ll want to call your dentist as soon as possible to help avoid further damage to your tooth.

An abscess is a serious issue and should be treated immediately. If you have an abscess, you have a serious infection that could make you physically sick and cause issues for your dental health. Call your dentist immediately to get started on some antibiotics. In many cases, your dentist can’t make any tooth repairs until the abscess is taken care of.

If you have a loose adult tooth, you’ll want to seek dental care as soon as possible to avoid losing your tooth. Taking care of your teeth before it’s too late is always better. Having a dental implant or dentures costs more in the long run.

If your tooth hurts longer than a week or so, you should call and make a dental appointment. The sooner you seek medical attention, the sooner you can become pain-free and avoid more lengthy dentist appointments.

If you’re unsure if you need an emergency appointment, it’s wise to call our dentist and discuss the situation in more depth to ensure you can safely wait for a week or so before being seen.

Left unchecked, your damaged tooth can cause other serious health issues, including sinus infections and other illnesses. Your dentist is there to provide you with proper dental care. Most dental offices in Albuquerque have an emergency number for after-hours.

If you have a toothache, call your dentist’s office and explain what is going on to see what the best course of action is for your toothache. Routine dental care can help to prevent future dental issues.