Tooth pain is a common problem affecting more than 3.9 billion adults and children. The symptoms include sharp, throbbing pain, swelling around the affected tooth, fever, headache, and others. It varies from mild to severe. The mild ones can be treated with pain medication from home, while for severe tooth pain, you need to see a dentist. Leaving tooth problems untreated can lead to more severe pain and infection. Therefore, you should treat it as soon as possible.
You can use some painkillers for mild tooth pain, but you need to identify when the pain has become severe and take prompt action. Luckily some signs and symptoms manifest—knowing when your tooth pain indicates how serious the pain is. When you notice these signs, you should contact a dentist Arana hills for full diagnosis and treatments.
While you may watch out for signs, you must know when your tooth pain has become severe. Read on to find out.
The Length of Time the Toothache Lasts
When tooth pain lasts for more than 1-2 days, it’s a sign that your tooth pain is serious. Therefore, when your toothache lasts for more than two days, despite using painkillers, you should visit a dentist; otherwise, the pain will likely get worse.
The Severity of the Tooth Pain
The level of pain you experience will indicate how serious the tooth pain is. At some point, tooth pain can prevent you from talking, eating, and more. The pain may also be so severe that you can not sleep at night. A tooth’s pain severity can make the difference in whether you should go for emergency care, a routine dentist visit, or use some painkiller.
Pain in Other Parts of the Body
Another sign your tooth pain is serious is when you start having fever, facial pain, jaw tenderness, and ear aches. When the infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause the pain you feel to escalate.
Pain When you Open your Mouth Wide
You should contact a dentist as soon as possible when tooth pain prevents you from opening your mouth wide. It strongly indicates that your tooth pain is serious and should be properly diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Apart from the pain, the restriction of not being able to open your mouth wide can affect your talking, eating, laughing, and other capabilities.
Swelling in the Mouth and Face
Tooth pain infection usually starts with swelling from around the affected tooth, which in itself is serious. However, it becomes more serious when the swelling extends to the mouth and face, especially the jaw and cheeks. When you notice these symptoms, see a dentist immediately for treatment.
What to do When Your Tooth Pain is Serious
Tooth pain is usually excruciating and can disrupt the patient’s daily life. Since more than half of the world population experience tooth pain, considerable research has been done and treatments are available for any dental problems you might have. The severity of the pain and other symptoms will clue you into what to do. Don’t hesitate to visit a dentist for proper tooth pain diagnosis and treatment.