What Are Types of Tooth Pain I Shouldn’t Ignore?

Exposure to poison ivy, getting food poisoning, having a toothache arrive seemingly out of nowhere – these situations sure bring about unpleasant thoughts. Watch where you step and be careful about what you eat, but for now, get ready to focus your attention on those toothaches. If you’ve ever bitten down too hard, been hit in the mouth while playing sports, or woken up due to a toothache, it is a tough situation to endure. When you experience any of the tooth pain symptoms or other issues discussed below, you should act instead of ignoring them. Read on to learn what problems necessitate you should call your emergency dentist in Rowley.

Loose Tooth

If a toothache results in a loose tooth, it’s a strong indication of a problem. It could mean late-stage periodontal disease. Time is of the essence for your dentist to attempt to save your tooth and stop the infection.

Gum Tissue Is Swollen or Bloody

Bleeding and swelling can happen in your mouth sometimes, but if they occur in conjunction with a toothache, it could indicate periodontal disease. This can develop because of poor oral hygiene or other issues. On a positive note, early-onset gum disease can be treated if it is caught soon enough.

Bad Breath or Taste

When you have bad breath that won’t go away or a constant unpleasant taste, these are potential symptoms of an abscessed tooth. When a tooth gets infected, toxins are released, and it can cause these issues.

Intense Pain

If you feel a sharp pain that seems to increase in intensity over time, consider that you might have a cavity. Feeling pain when you bite down on something is a strong indicator. When a cavity is left unchecked, the tooth can become infected. Over the long term, the tooth could require a root canal or extraction when a small filling would’ve addressed the problem earlier in the process.

Sensitivity

If a tooth begins to hurt or the pain level rises, you may have bruxism. This condition results from someone clenching or grinding their teeth, usually at night while they are sleeping. If your tooth suddenly becomes more sensitive to extreme temperatures or when you are eating something containing sugar, it could indicate that you have a cavity.

Tooth Discoloration

Staining and discoloration of teeth happen naturally with age or due to a variety of other factors. But if one or more teeth are changing colors amid a prolonged toothache, there could be an active infection and the tooth pulp is at risk of dying. The presence of pus is an indication of infection.

Swollen Glands

When an infected tooth coincides with swollen glands, infection is potentially spreading to other parts of the body. Since your vital organs could become involved, this is a potentially life-threatening situation. Seek medical attention immediately.

While some are more urgent than others, all the symptoms in this blog post indicate a developing problem in your mouth that needs dental attention. Don’t wait to give your dentist in Rowley a call so your smile can get back on the right track!

About the Author

Dr. Peter St. Clair earned his dental doctorate from Tufts University and the learning continued, as he was a Faculty Club member with Spear Education for 21 years. For him, everything from his post-graduate education to the technology he uses is based on what will serve the best interest of his patients. Dr. St. Clair hopes the day never comes, but if you ever require an emergency dentist for tooth pain, he utilizes advanced diagnostic technology, and same-day care is available. You can schedule an appointment on his website or by calling (978) 948-2030.