Tooth pain can feel like the worst thing in the world sometimes. Whether you woke up with a throbbing toothache, chomped down on something too hard, or received a blow to the face while playing football, the aftereffect is never fun to deal with. If you experience any of these types of toothaches or symptoms in addition to tooth pain, you shouldn’t ignore them. Read on to learn which symptoms you should call your dentist about.
Sharp Pain
If you have a sharp pain that is increasing in severity as time goes on, this could mean that you have a cavity. This is especially the case if you feel pain when you bite down on something. You should have this looked at right away by your dentist. When a cavity is left to progress, the tooth can become infected. Ultimately, you could end up needing a root canal or extraction instead of just a small filling.
Sensitivity
New or worsening sensitivity could indicate that you are dealing with bruxism. This is a condition where someone clenches or grinds their teeth, generally at night while sleeping. If you notice that your teeth are suddenly more sensitive to sugar or temperature, this could mean that you have a cavity. Either way, you should have your dentist take a look.
Discoloration
Staining and discoloration happens naturally over time. It can happen as a result of pigmented beverages, tobacco use, and just aging. However, if you have one or more teeth change colors along with a toothache, your tooth might be infected. When a tooth infection isn’t treated soon enough, the pulp in the center of the tooth can die. If you see pus in the area, this is another indication. See your dentist right away for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Swollen Glands
An infected tooth along with swollen glands means that the infection could be spreading to other areas of the body. This is dangerous because it can spread to your vital organs and become life threatening. You should seek medical attention right away.
Loose Tooth
A toothache that leads to a loose tooth is a bad sign. This might mean that you have late-stage periodontal disease. See your dentist as soon as possible to have a chance of saving your tooth and eliminating the infection in the mouth.
Bloody, Swollen Gum Tissue
Bleeding and swelling can happen now and again, but if you also have a toothache, this could point to periodontal disease. This can develop as a result of poor oral hygiene and other issues. The good news is that if it is caught and treated early on, early-stage gum disease can be reversed.
Bad Breath or Taste
When you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath, you might have an abscess tooth. When a tooth is infected, toxins are emitted and can cause these unpleasant symptoms. See your dentist so this issue can be addressed.
All of the problems above can mean that you have something more serious going on in your mouth. Give your emergency dentist a call. This way, your smile can be restored to health!
About the Author
Dr. David Nichols is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over four decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee in 1969 and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He works alongside Dr. Candice Denison who earned her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, East Texas Dental Society, and Flossy Ladies Dental Club. If you have a toothache, Dr. Nichols and Dr. Denison would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at their office in Tyler, visit their website or call (903) 561-7604.