There are few things that will sour your mood the way a toothache will—tooth pain is irritating, inconvenient, and often puzzling! However, tooth pain also comes in varying degrees of intensity. But how do you know when your pain is serious enough to warrant a trip to your emergency dentist? Here are seven types of tooth pain symptoms that you should never ignore.
#1: Sharp, Throbbing Pain
In most cases, pain is often the first sign that something’s not quite right inside of your mouth. Throbbing pain is usually associated with cavities, but sometimes other issues like abscessed teeth or a severe infection can be quite excruciating.
#2: Increased Sensitivity
Throbbing pain is also often accompanied by tooth sensitivity; however, hypersensitivity can be caused by a variety of different things. One very common cause is bruxism, which occurs when a patient grinds and clenches their teeth (usually at nighttime). Increased sensitivity can also be caused by cavities, as they’re extra sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, high amounts of sugars and acids, and more.
#3: Bleeding Gums
It’s normal for your gums to bleed and swell up every once in a while, but if it’s happening often and is accompanied by tooth pain, there may be something else going on. It could potentially be a sign of early gum disease, which if left untreated can manifest into some serious oral health concerns and even lead to total tooth loss!
#4: Swollen Glands
If you’re noticing that your jawline and neck appear swollen, it might indicate that the initial problem is beginning to spread beyond your mouth! In some cases, a severe oral infection can exit the mouth, enter the bloodstream, and even make its way around the rest of your body. Seeking treatment quickly is necessary in order to protect your other bodily organs from harm.
#5: Constant Bad Breath
An infected or abscessed tooth is inherently a little gross; often, the tooth itself is emitting toxins that create a foul taste inside of your mouth, accompanied by some seriously rancid breath! The tooth needs to be treated in order to eliminate this odor.
#6: Odd Discoloration
Over time, your teeth will naturally darken due to certain foods and beverages that contain staining agents, along with the simple daily wear-and-tear on your enamel. But if your teeth are hurting and beginning to change in color from yellow to dark brown or gray, there is likely some underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
#7: Loose Teeth
Your teeth might also feel loose in addition to hurting; this could be a sign of advanced gum disease that necessitates immediate treatment. Advanced gum disease is not something that will clear up on its own; it will only continue to ravage your mouth the longer it’s left unchecked. Seeking professional care is crucial to prevent total tooth loss and the resulting jawbone deterioration.
If you’re experiencing any of these types of tooth pain, it isn’t something that you should ignore or needlessly endure! Don’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist to get your smile the urgent care it needs.
About the Practice
Lake Nona Dental Group proudly serves patients and families in the Orlando area from their Moss Park Rd. and Jack Brack Rd. locations. The practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one is suffering from severe tooth pain, don’t hesitate to call to schedule a visit: (407) 277-1779.
