Brushing and flossing twice daily strengthens your teeth and gums so you can better resist common problems like cavities, gum disease, and injuries. However, there’s no guarantee that you won’t ever have a dental emergency.
For example, you might develop a throbbing tooth out of the blue. If one or more of your pearly whites hurts, it’s natural to wonder whether you should contact your emergency dentist or if it can wait. Continue reading to learn more about three different toothaches and their potential causes so you know when to get help!
Type #1: Mild Sensitivity
You might be dealing with dental sensitivity if you’ve noticed a tingling sensation in your teeth, especially when consuming anything overly hot or cold. There are many potential causes, and some are more urgent than others.
For instance, if you tend to brush your teeth too aggressively, you can wear down your enamel, which can lead to discomfort. Switching to a desensitizing toothpaste might be enough to address your symptoms. However, if it’s due to receding gums exposing more of your roots, you might require a more involved treatment, like scaling and root planing, to mend the damage. Call your dentist, and they’ll schedule an appropriate time to examine you based on your individual circumstances.
Type #2: Dull & Lingering
Another common complaint many patients have is the development of a dull but persistent ache. This might be caused by something simple, such as a piece of food caught between your teeth, so you can try gently brushing and flossing first to see if that helps.
Other potential reasons for this type of tenderness include teeth grinding, or bruxism, which wears down your enamel prematurely. It might also be due to an abscessed tooth that’s become infected. You should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment so they can examine your condition to determine the underlying issue, which might involve taking X-rays to see under the surface of your gums.
Type #3: Sharp & Severe
If you feel a jabbing or sudden pain when biting or chewing, you might have a damaged dental restoration, like a loose filling or crown, that deserves immediate attention. You might not think it’s emergent, but the underlying tooth is susceptible to injuries or infection until it’s repaired. This kind of ache can also be caused by more serious concerns like cavities or breaks that also deserve a same-day appointment.
Once you arrive at your dentist’s office, they’ll identify the problem and provide treatment suggestions to alleviate the discomfort so you can get back to life as usual!
Meet the Author
Dr. Luke Vernon is dedicated to helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the Indiana University School of Dentistry and maintains his skills with active memberships with prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association. He provides a full array of services at one convenient location, including same-day emergency appointments so you don’t have to wait for relief. If you have a toothache and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (720) 902-8080.