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Toothache – When should you worry about it

Have you ever experienced a sharp or lingering pain in your mouth while brushing your teeth or while drinking your morning cup of coffee? If yes, then you might want to visit a dental clinic immediately. Since toothache is a common occurence, many people ignore it and wait for it to get healed on its own. But, sometimes, if the toothache is ignored, it can lead to severe dental issues, which may even lead you to lose a tooth. In this article, the issues a toothache can bring about and when and why you should not ignore it.

When Should You Worry About A Toothache?

Everyone experiences toothache once in their lifetime. You may have consumed something hard or maybe you have a wisdom tooth erupting, which could have resulted in a toothache. While most of the times home remedies can help you deal with it, there are times when you should start worrying about it and seek professional help immediately. Here are some cases when you shouldn’t ignore your toothache and consult a dentist:

  • When the toothache lasts longer than 1-2 days
  • When you experience fever or chills because of the toothache
  • When you suffer from earache, or you experience pain when you open and close your mouth

Why You Should Worry About Your Toothache

Tooth Decay/Cavity

Cavity can be one of the reasons for your toothache. And, if it goes unnoticed, then it can lead to decay. Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating habits are the major causes of tooth decay. When cavity forms and decay starts, the tooth enamel is eroded and your tooth nerves are exposed to the external environment. The bacteria causes infection, which results in pain.  Other signs of tooth decay are sensitivity to hot and cold foods and bad breath. If you’ve been experiencing severe toothache and also these signs, you must consult a dentist immediately.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can be caused due to an accident, grinding of teeth, poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, etc. If left untreated, the issue can turn severe. A cracked tooth can cause severe tooth pain, especially if the fracture is under the gum line. Visit a dental clinic, where dentists can help you with treatments.

Wisdom Tooth

Impacted wisdom tooth or a wisdom tooth erupting in the wrong direction (horizontally or stuck in the gums) can cause severe tooth pain.The misaligned growth of your wisdom tooth pushes other teeth and can even affect your jaw movement. This results in pain while chewing or opening and closing your mouth. If you have been feeling pain in the corners of your mouth, then you may want to consult a dentist to ensure you get appropriate treatment before the situation worsens.

While these were some, there are many more reasons, like an abscessed tooth and gum disease, behind a toothache. It is best to not avoid a toothache, especially if it still persists after you try home remedies to heal it. Before the problem of toothache becomes a dental emergency, visit a dental clinic in Edmonton as soon as possible.