Throbbing Tooth Pain: Find Out When a Toothache Shouldn't Be Ignored

Toothaches are painful and signify that you could be dealing with a dangerous problem. Discover what it could mean to have a severe toothache.

Do you have a throbbing tooth? Neglecting care could lead to complications. You could have a dental infection, which could affect your overall health.

Oral diseases cause discomfort, pain, disfigurement, and even death. About 3.5 billion people worldwide are struggling with oral health issues. If you're one of them, don't delay seeking treatment.

When should you visit a dentist about your toothache? Read on to learn more.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Sometimes, tooth pain lasts for a moment, only to disappear. In other cases, however, your pain could indicate a bigger problem. Here are three signs you should visit your local dentist right away.

Sharp, Stabbing Pain

A sharp, stabbing pain could mean you have a dental infection or cavity. A cavity is a hole that's formed in a tooth. When left untreated, it can cause complications.

Symptoms of a cavity include:

• A visible hole in a tooth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Black or white staining
• Tooth pain

Cavities can form if you've neglected your oral hygiene. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. Acid reflux, eating disorders, and poor nutrition can also increase your risk.

If you're experiencing stabbing pain, visit your dentist. They'll assess your teeth to determine if you have tooth decay. They may recommend a tooth filling or crown, depending on the level of decay.

Visit your dentist the moment you experience symptoms. Without treatment, tooth decay can lead to gum disease or tooth loss.

Frequent Sensitivity

Are your teeth sensitive when you consume anything hot or cold? Sometimes, sensitivity is a result of tooth grinding (bruxism). However, it can also mean tooth decay or eroded tooth enamel.

If your sensitivity is persistent, visit your dentist. They may recommend a dental X-ray to determine the source of your pain. They'll ensure the damage doesn't spread.

Chronic Dental Pain

Constant, chronic dental pain could mean your teeth are shifting. It's possible you have tooth decay or your wisdom teeth are impacted.

You may have a broken dental crown or dental infection.

Visit a dentist to diagnose the problem. They'll determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment

The best course of treatment will vary on the cause of your tooth pain. For example, perhaps you have a cavity. Your dentist may fill the cavity or extract the tooth.

If a dental infection has reached the tooth's nerve, they may recommend a root canal instead. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic if you have a fever or experience swelling.

Reduce your risk of toothaches by following good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from between your teeth.

Don't forget to visit your dentist. Routine appointments will allow them to spot problems before complications develop.

Visit Your Local Dentist Today

If you have a throbbing tooth, don't avoid seeking treatment. Instead, visit your dentist right away. They can resolve your chronic dental pain at the source.

Our compassionate dentist in Cleveland, Tennessee can end your tooth pain. We focus on the body as a whole while providing a wide scope of oral care.

Rely on our holistic approach to improve your oral and overall health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.