Toothaches are something we have all endured at one point or another. They’re nothing sometimes, a quick throb that disappears with some painkiller, and then other times your whole head hurts. But the thing is, toothaches aren’t created equal. Some are simply a sign you’ve had too much sugar, and your teeth are warning you. Others are a sign something very bad is happening and you should get to a dentist right away.
In Darwin, it is not uncommon that people ignore toothache and assume that it will subside on its own. The problem with tooth health, however, is that waiting it out only serves to cause more damage than good. If overlooked, small matter might soon turn into an emergency that affects not just your teeth but your overall being.
So, how do you know whether a toothache has turned into pain, Learn through these seven signs that you should consider when to call a dentist.
1. Pain so severe that you can’t eat, sleep, or think straight
Mild pain can be managed at home with some rest and an over-the-counter pain reliever. But if you have searing, aching, or throbbing pain that keeps you from being able to eat a meal or even sleep well for the night, it’s another story.
2. The Pain Doesn’t Ease Off
Tooth pain that lingers is never a good sign. If you’ve been enduring a day or two and observing it becoming more intense, then chances are it’s not going away without treatment. Waiting longer may not only make the problem worse but also limit your treatment options.
3. A Toothache with Fever
Having a toothache is bad enough by itself but add in a fever to go along with it, then you’ve got a red alert condition on your hands. Fever will pretty much always alert to infection, and infections of the mouth have a nasty habit of spreading around the rest of the body and causing big trouble before you even realize what’s happening. If not treated, they can become serious and even life-threatening. And if you get pain along with a fever and perhaps just feel tired as well, go to the dentist at the first chance you get.
4. Swelling of the Face or Jaw
Swelling is one of the body’s indications that there is something wrong. When you notice puffiness around your jaw, gums, or face, an infection is likely brewing beneath the surface. Dental abscesses usually appear this way and will not heal without treatment. Swelling may be accompanied by heat, soreness, or pain when eating food. All these are indicators that you need to have a professional attend to you before the infection keeps advancing.
5. Chipped, loose, or broken teeth
Loose teeth are standard for children. Not adults. If the tooth has become loose all of a sudden, or if you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth and it’s painful to you. Instability can be created by a trauma to the teeth or pre-existing gum disease. Either way, though, if your tooth’s foundation has been breached, doing nothing will only invite more damage or infection.
6. Strange Taste, Bleeding, or Pus
Ever had a persistent foul taste in your mouth? Or perhaps gums that bleed or even pus alongside the aching tooth? These are warning signs of infection or gum disease. A draining abscessed tooth will vomit foul-smelling pus and have a foul odor. Only professional care can effectively treat the underlying cause.
7. Swallowing or Trouble with Breathing
This is the most critical indication of them all. If the swelling in your mouth makes it hard for you to breathe, seek help. The infection is more likely advancing and this is a matter that shouldn’t be delayed. Reach out to your Dentist in Darwin.
What You Can Do While Waiting to See a Dentist
If you notice any of the following signs and have already made an appointment, here are some simple steps that you can follow to comfort yourself while you wait:
Water with salt: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Gargle a glass of water with salt and let it soothe and flush out the area.
Cold compress: Wrapped ice pack in a towel and press it outside your cheek for 15 minutes to reduce swelling and experience relief.
Take pain killers: Drink over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol that helps ease the pain. Make sure to follow the right dosage.
Keep in mind that these are band-aid solutions, not fixes. They will get you through the day, but they won’t fix the real problem. That’s why your dentist was hired.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Treatment
Far too many Australians are guilty of putting off a trip to the dentist until it becomes too much. But with toothaches, hesitation is rarely prudent. Infections in the mouth can spread rapidly and affect the jawbone, the blood supply, and even life-sustaining organs. In worst-case scenarios, neglected dental infections can lead to serious repercussions like sepsis.
Thus, grabbing some painkillers might give you some relief for a short while, but understand that the cause will remain until it is addressed properly. Seeing a dentist at an early stage, nonetheless, can save your tooth many times and prevent much greater problems in the future.
Conclusion
Toothaches don’t take a convenient time, and neither should you. At Acacia Dental,we know how painful and frustrating dental Issues are. Our Darwin practice is available to offer service if you are in pain, swelling, infection, or even a broken tooth.
We are delighted to offer compassionate care and good solutions. As you enter our clinic, we are worried about easing your discomfort right away and then finding the cause of your toothache. We will guide you through the treatment process so that you are in good hands and informed at every step.
So, if you’ve ticked any of the warning signs above, don’t push through another sleepless night. Give Acacia Dental a call. Your smile, your health, and your peace of mind are too important to risk.