Have you ever had a lingering pain in your mouth that just wouldn’t go away? Perhaps it was annoying, but you did not believe it was serious enough to schedule a dental visit. Many people are unsure of what to do when they have a toothache and try to just push through the pain or discomfort. However, ignoring a toothache can lead to much bigger health problems in the future – including losing your teeth! Don’t leave anything to doubt. Read this helpful guide from a dentist in Danville to know when to take action when you have a toothache.
What Causes a Toothache?
A toothache, which is pain in or around a tooth, can be caused by a variety of dental issues. Some of the most common sources of dental pain include:
- Tooth decay
- Abscessed tooth
- Fractured tooth
- A damaged filling
- Gum disease
- Grinding teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
What Can I Do at Home?
Here are a few steps you can take on your own to ease your pain until you can reach a dental professional:
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller
- Apply a cold compress to your mouth
- Apply a numbing gel
- Keep your teeth clean
Moreover, a good idea when experiencing a toothache is to keep a record of the pain. Write down your observations in a notebook – for example: Is your dental pain acute? Chronic? Is your tooth sensitive to hot or cold? Keeping track of your dental pain will help you know when to see a dentist.
When Should I Be Worried?
Some mild toothaches may indeed subside own their own. However, you should see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible if:
- Your toothache has lasted longer than 1 to 2 days.
- Your toothache is causing severe pain.
- You are experiencing a fever or chills.
- You have an earache, or pain when you open your mouth.
What Happens When I Visit the Dentist for a Toothache?
When you go to the dental office for a toothache, your dentist will first review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. He or she will ask you a set of questions regarding how you feel, such as:
- When did the pain start?
- How severe is the pain?
- Where is the pain located?
- What makes the pain worse? What makes it better?
Your dentist will also thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose, and neck to try to determine the origin of your toothache. He or she may take X-rays or other tests if the cause of the toothache is not readily apparent.
After this thorough evaluation, your dentist should be able to recommend appropriate treatment to reduce your painful symptoms. What treatment is recommended will depend on the root cause of your dental pain.
Remember, ignoring dental pain and just wishing it away can allow small issues to develop into much larger problems down the road. The next time you have a toothache, use this guide to know when to call a dentist in Danville!
About the Practice
Since 1976, families in Danville and surrounding areas have relied on Danville Dental Associates for all their dental care needs. With eight knowledgeable dentists and five convenient locations, their experienced team is well-equipped to treat everything from minor toothaches to dental emergencies. For more oral care tips, visit the Danville Dental Associates website or call 434-822-0500.