When To See A Dentist About A Toothache

When your teeth become painful, deciding whether to visit the dentist or wait out the pain may be difficult. However, the latter decision may result in severe dental complications that can lead to tooth loss. While dentist visits are recommended when you experience a toothache, you may not know when to see the dentist. Here are the common indicators for seeing a dentist about tooth pain.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity refers to momentary flashes of discomfort or pain when your teeth contact sweet, cold, or hot foods or drinks. Sensitivity is usually a sign of severe problems in your tooth's pulp. For instance, the sensitivity may be due to a worn-out enamel or a cracked tooth that exposes your tooth's blood vessels. Other tooth sensitivity causes include tooth decay and loose fillings. Fortunately, a dentist can determine the cause of the sensitivity and offer treatment. This prevents progressive infections and severe tooth pain.

Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching

If you're struggling with the habit of clenching your jaw or biting your teeth when awake or asleep, this can cause a toothache. These are signs that you have bruxism, a condition that may damage your teeth over time. Also, the condition causes jaw and tooth soreness which may affect dental functions. Dentists can prescribe different bruxism treatments, including muscle relaxing medication and mouth guards. Additionally, teeth alignment treatments like Invisalign help correct your bite and eliminate tooth pain.

Pain During Biting and Chewing

When you bite or chew food, you apply pressure on your teeth that may cause pain. Whether the pain is bearable or severe, dental care is essential. This pain could indicate a crack or cavity on your tooth that leaves your tooth pulp vulnerable to damage and infection. An emergency dentist can perform a quick and accurate dental exam to determine the origin of the pain. Then, your dentist can fix the underlying tooth issue and stop the pain.

Gum Inflammation and Pain

A severe tooth infection may spread to the gums, causing gum pain, inflammation, and reddening. An abscess may form when gum tissues are infected, resulting in persistent pain. If you don't treat infected gums, they may recede and fail to support your teeth, causing the teeth to fall off. To prevent this, get dental treatment early.

The indicators that you should visit a dentist about tooth pain include gum inflammation and pain, teeth grinding and jaw clenching, pain when biting and chewing, and tooth sensitivity. Consider seeing a dentist when you notice these signs.

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