Toothaches: How to Tell if Your Pain is Severe

A toothache can range from mild discomfort to extreme discomfort. Signs that it is severe may include the following:

• Swelling around the tooth.
• Throbbing or sharp pain in the tooth.
• An unpleasant taste coming from the painful tooth.
• Sensitive tooth when exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
• Tenderness or soreness when biting.

Generally, a severe toothache might persist for up to two days or more. How long it lasts varies from person to person, depending on many factors, like the nature of the tooth pain. Taking proactive steps towards identifying the cause of your toothache can help alleviate it and avoid recurrences.

You can do things while waiting or calling the dental clinic for an appointment. First, you may rinse with warm salt water to swish away any debris between your teeth that may be causing the pain. Second, applying a cold pack on the side of the cheeks may provide temporary relief or reduce swelling if there is. However, severe toothache should never be left unaddressed because of its serious risks.

If you are dealing with a severe toothache, it is worth considering whether the pain is coming from inside or around your tooth. Pain resulting only from irritation outside your tooth can sometimes dissipate within a couple of days without professional dental intervention.

However, if the pain persists, intensifies, or results in a fever, you should call your dentist. As a preventative measure while waiting to see the dentist, try to avoid chewing on the area of irritation to avoid any further discomfort.

Preventing a toothache is possible with proper dental hygiene habits. To start, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing between each of your teeth every day is also essential to reduce plaque buildup and prevent decay.

Additionally, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily to keep away anything left behind after brushing and flossing. Finally, aim to visit the dentist routinely for proper checkups and teeth cleanings. This is a crucial part of oral care to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Many people are surprised to learn that severe toothache can signify more serious medical conditions. The less common causes of toothaches are linked to heart disease or lung conditions. This is because of the location of the vagus nerve. It passes through your jaw and runs from the brain to various organs, including the heart and lungs.

Therefore, experiencing significant tooth pain for an extended period should never be overlooked. We recommend calling the dentist as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treatment.