What are the top symptoms of a toothache?

Everyone is bound to experience a twinge of pain in their mouth at some point. Sometimes, it goes away quickly, never returning in quite the same way. Other times, it’s a dire warning and a clear signal to contact a dentist in Middletown, Ohio, as you could have a cavity or more serious dental infection.

Life is busy, though, so many people delay scheduling an appointment. However, many types of toothaches need prompt attention to ensure toothache pain relief. The problem will persist without treatment and could leave you with no option but to remove the tooth. Identifying which symptoms to watch for will help you get the relief you need, as you’ll be able to judge when to call the dentist and when it’s okay to wait it out.

On that note, the following five symptoms are clear signs that it’s time to book an appointment with a dentist near Middletown, Ohio:

1. Persistent Pain

When your tooth pain lasts more than a day or two, you should see a dentist for toothache relief. The most common cause behind persistent pain is extensive tooth decay or infection. When tooth decay has time to spread throughout the tooth and gums, it increases the chances of developing an abscess. The damage could become so extensive that the dentist may be unable to save the tooth.

Getting the proper treatment early on is crucial. It helps prevent further complications. Ignoring a toothache could cause irreversible damage and costly treatments.

2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

A sharp pain when exposing your teeth to hot or cold food indicates that a cavity is forming. And the only way to treat that condition is by visiting a dentist. They’ll perform an X-ray to confirm the cavity’s presence and then recommend treatment. Most of the time, a filling can restore the tooth, but particularly extensive decay requires more advanced treatment, like a dental crown.

Another potential explanation for tooth sensitivity is receding gums. Your gum tissue covers your teeth, which have a hard outer shell called enamel. Under the enamel is another layer called dentin, which is extremely sensitive. When your gums recede, dentin can become exposed, triggering sensitivity.

3. Swelling or Redness

Swollen gums can occur for many reasons, from simple things like getting popcorn stuck between your teeth to more severe circumstances, like an infected tooth.

Swelling accompanied by pain, however, is a major red flag and one that signals you are likely experiencing a dental emergency. It could indicate an infection that has spread beyond the tooth and now affects the surrounding tissues. The most severe and extensive cases of swelling can make breathing and swallowing hard.

Ignoring swollen, red gums can lead to severe complications. You must schedule an appointment with an experienced dental team as soon as possible. They’ll determine what’s causing the swelling and recommend a toothache remedy that will resolve the problem.

4. Pain While Chewing

Feeling pain when you bite down could signal decay or a crack in the tooth. The area may be inflamed, infected, or damaged, requiring professional care from a dentist. A cracked tooth can be challenging to diagnose, as chewing pain may be your only symptom. You can help the dentist make a diagnosis by paying attention to where the pain is coming from.

An abscess around the root tip could cause pain with a specific tooth. The swelling inside the bone puts pressure on the tooth, making it hurt when you chew. The only way to get toothache relief with an abscess is to undergo root canal treatment.

5. Bad Taste or Smell

The taste and smell of your mouth have a range of explanations. It could be a simple case of improper oral hygiene. If you aren’t on top of your oral care, the bacteria in your mouth can grow out of control, causing tooth decay, gum disease, or infection. You’ll need to undergo treatment to correct things like cavities, and you might need medicine to get rid of the infection.

Another cause of a bad taste in your mouth is an oral yeast infection known as thrush. It can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. If you have white bumps, redness, and difficulty swallowing, you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible. They’ll prescribe medication that will resolve the issue.

Find toothache relief in Middletown today.

A toothache doesn’t always go away by itself. It usually indicates that something more serious is going on inside your mouth. Your symptoms should not be ignored. Contact Great Miami Dental Associates to schedule an emergency dental appointment. Our team will help you get the answers you need, including relief.