Toothaches
- Is My Toothache a Dental Emergency? There are several reasons you might have a sore tooth, and not all are considered urgent. You might have a more serious problem requiring immediate attention if you experience:
- Severe or persistent pain that lasts 24+ hours
- A sharp sensation when biting down.
- A small lump on the gums near your tender tooth.
- Discoloration of the gums.
- Other signs of infection, such as fatigue, swelling, chills, or fever.
- How You Should Handle a Toothache: You might gently floss your tooth to ensure that it’s not aching due to a trapped piece of food or other object. If that doesn’t help, you can rinse with salt water to naturally disinfect your mouth and help ease aches and inflammation. Applying a cold compress can also provide a temporary numbing reprieve.
- How We Treat Toothaches: The solution for your toothache depends on the underlying cause. Options like tooth-colored fillings, root canals, and dental crowns are all common treatments that can potentially address your condition.