It’s natural to want to de-emphasize our problems, especially when it comes to our health. There are plenty of aches and pains that come with daily life, and many people are tempted to just wait it out and see if it goes away on its own. That tendency sometimes extends to dentistry, meaning people with toothaches might not be sure that what they’re experiencing is a dental emergency. If you’re currently hurting, here’s a guide to what to do if you have a toothache.
Is Tooth Pain a Dental Emergency?
Yes, it is! You might wonder if you’re wasting your dentist’s time when you come in for a simple toothache, but the reality is that most pain is an indicator of a larger issue. In some cases, it could be a sign of a serious oral health problem that needs to be addressed. Pulsing pain from within the tooth, for example, could indicate a deep infection requiring a root canal. Intense, splitting pain could be a sign that a tooth has broken, making it susceptible to such infections. Even a simple cavity is a problem worth fixing as quickly as possible, as it’ll only get worse with time. Whatever tooth pain you’re feeling, you should contact a professional who can help you.
What to Do If You Have a Toothache
If you have a toothache, call your dentist as soon as you can. They’ll try and get you in for an emergency appointment within the same day, or as quickly as possible. If it’s after hours, leave a message on their voicemail with a detailed description of the problems you’re facing. Many dentists’ answering machines will also include an emergency after-hours number that you can call if you’re in pain.
Then it’s just a matter of managing the pain until your appointment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can work wonders, as can a cold compress applied to the painful area. You might also try rinsing with salt water, which has natural antibacterial effects. If your pain is caused by an infection, this could help you until you see your dentist.
If you’re in pain, you don’t just have to grin and bear it. Talking to a dentist is not only the best thing for your health, but it’ll also have you feeling better in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Chung Chien Hsia knows the power that dentistry has to change people’s lives for the better, which is why he’s so proud to offer immaculate dental care to his patients. He loves being able to ease people’s pain and give them the smile they’ve always dreamed of. Dr. Hsia received his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, and since then has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education. If you have any questions about tooth pain & dental emergencies, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (214) 432-1133.
