Toothaches have many causes and can feel different from person to person. Because of this, it can be a bit confusing to understand exactly what is causing a toothache without seeing a dentist. Generally speaking, if you are feeling any dental discomfort around your teeth or gums you should see a dentist. That said, some toothaches are different from others. In some cases, you might have a dental emergency and need to see a dentist that day. In other cases, you might want to see a dentist in the next week or so to handle your dental issue. We will discuss the difference in this article. If you live in the Lewiston area and are in need of a dentist, please contact our team.
Is My Toothache A Dental Emergency?
A toothache is often a sign of an underlying issue. That said, there is a strong difference between an issue that needs to be handled right now by an emergency dentist and something you might want looked at in the new few days or week. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, call a local emergency dentist to have your tooth looked at.
- Severe Pain: Severe pain that makes it difficult to eat is often the sign of a bad underlying dental issue like infection in the tooth pulp or root. This needs to be handled as soon as possible. Another common sign of a severe tooth issue is that pain medication is not helping dull the pain.
- Pain Duration: If tooth pain lasts for two days or more and is either consistent or recurring, you should see a dentist to have them take a look at your teeth,.
- Swollen Jaw: A swollen jaw or red gums near the tooth are often signs of an infection and inflammation.
- Difficulty Biting: If the pain is made worse by biting or putting pressure on the tooth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Strange Taste: If there is a foul or bad taste in your mouth, this can be a sign of an abscess or infection.
What If My Toothache Isn't An Emergency?
If you have a dull toothache that doesn’t include the symptoms above, or you have noticed oral pain like increased sensitivity to temperatures (like when drinking hot coffee) that is still something to be concerned about. Don’t wait months for your next routine dental appointment. Part of the benefit of frequency dental visits is catching issues before they get worse. If you are noticing the signs of an oral issue like a cavity or gum disease, you will want a dentist to look at your teeth and help intervene. Intervening care today can mean the difference between a simple filling and a cavity spreading to surrounding teeth.
Make a dental appointment in the next week or so. And in the meantime avoid hot/cold foods as well as hard foods. You can also gargle salt water to help disinfect your mouth. Painkillers like Ibuprofen are recommended to decrease discomfort while waiting for your dental visit.
Emergency Dentist in Lewiston Maine
Joy Dentistry is a family dental office located in Lewiston Maine. We help patients with everything from regular dental cleanings and services to emergency dental solutions. If you are experiencing a toothache, please give us a call, and we will help you get the appointment and care you need.