Tooth pain can be frustrating, but how do you know when it’s serious enough to need immediate attention?
Certain dental problems can be postponed until your next appointment, while others require emergency dental care to prevent further complications.
Understanding the difference can save you from severe pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Here’s how to tell when your tooth pain signals a true emergency.
Persistent and Intense Pain
Mild toothaches come and go, but if your pain is severe, constant, or worsening, it could indicate a deeper issue.
This type of pain may be caused by:
- An abscessed tooth (a bacterial infection inside the tooth or gum)
- A deep cavity that has reached the nerve
- A cracked or broken tooth exposing sensitive inner layers
If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help and the pain disrupts your daily life, seeking emergency dental care is the best course of action.
Putting off treatment may cause the issue to escalate, resulting in more complicated procedures.
Swollen Gums, Face, or Jaw
Swelling is a clear sign of infection or inflammation.
If your gums, face, or jaw become puffy and tender, it may indicate:
- An abscess spreading beyond the tooth
- A gum infection, such as periodontitis
- A blocked salivary gland
Facial swelling can also make breathing or swallowing difficult, which is a serious emergency.
If you experience these symptoms, contact a dentist right away to stop the infection from spreading anymore.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold That Won’t Go Away
While occasional tooth sensitivity is common, extreme discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods can signal a more serious issue. Possible causes include:
- Exposed tooth roots due to gum recession
- A cracked tooth allowing temperature to reach the nerve
- Decay reaching deep layers of the tooth
If your sensitivity is severe and persistent, it’s time for emergency dental care.
A dentist can assess if a root canal, filling, or another treatment is needed to relieve the pain.
Also Read: How Smoking Affects Your Oral Health
Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing might indicate early gum disease, but excessive or spontaneous bleeding is a different matter.
If your gums won’t stop bleeding, it could mean:
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
- A deep cut or injury inside your mouth
- A dislodged or damaged tooth
Uncontrolled bleeding needs immediate attention, especially if it’s accompanied by pain or swelling.
A Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth
Adults should never experience loose teeth, so if one of your permanent teeth is loose or has been knocked out due to an accident, act fast.
Dentists have the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth if you seek care within an hour. If this happens:
- Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
- Rinse it gently without scrubbing
- Try to place it back in the socket or keep it in milk
Getting emergency dental care quickly increases the chances of saving your tooth.
Severe Decay or Infection
Tooth decay can sometimes be managed with routine teeth cleaning and fillings.
However, when decay reaches the tooth’s inner layers, it can cause extreme pain and infection. Signs include:
- Dark spots on teeth
- Pus around the gums
- Bad taste or foul odor in the mouth
Ignoring severe decay can lead to an abscess, which can spread to other areas of your body.
Seeking immediate treatment can prevent serious health risks.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.
If you experience these symptoms, don’t wait until it’s too late—seek emergency dental care immediately.
The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of avoiding more invasive procedures and long-term damage.
Keep your teeth wholesome with periodic checkups and teeth cleaning, but when pain strikes, don’t hesitate to act fast.