How do I know if my toothache is serious?

See your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
  1. You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days.
  2. Your toothache is severe.
  3. You have a fever, earache, or pain upon opening your mouth wide.


When should you be concerned about a toothache?

See your dentist as soon as possible if: You have a toothache that lasts longer than one or two days. Your toothache is severe. You have a fever, earache or pain when you open your mouth wide.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading?

Symptoms
  • Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear.
  • Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures.
  • Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting.
  • Fever.
  • Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.


How long can a toothache go untreated?

In conclusion, the maximum period that an untreated tooth abscess can sustain is 12 months or more. But, such longevity is associated with dangerous complications such as sepsis or even death. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

What does a severe toothache feel like?

When a lower molar tooth is affected, the pain can often feel like it's coming from the ear. Toothache in other upper teeth may feel like it's coming from the sinuses, the small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead.


How To Stop A Toothache And Get Out Of Pain Fast



What can be mistaken for toothache?

Here are some possible non-dental causes of tooth pain:
  • Nerve Disorders. A painful nerve condition called trigeminal neuralgia is often confused with a bad toothache. ...
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) ...
  • Ear Infection. ...
  • Sinus Condition. ...
  • Jaw Clenching/Teeth Grinding. ...
  • Other Non-Dental Causes of Tooth Pain.


Does a throbbing tooth mean infection?

Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess. A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses.

Will a tooth eventually stop hurting?

The discomfort occurs because the tooth's innermost layer has become damaged or infected, causing the tooth's nerve to send pain signals to your brain. If the pain suddenly stops, it does not mean the infection has gone away. Rather, it probably means that the nerve inside the tooth has died.


Is it OK to ignore a toothache?

Let's look at a few of the reasons why you shouldn't ever ignore a toothache. One of the most common causes of toothaches is a cavity. While they're not terribly serious, if you let them go untreated a cavity can have devastating effects on the health of its tooth and surrounding teeth.

Can tooth pain resolve itself?

While tooth pain can go away by itself in certain scenarios, it typically requires dental care. Bruxism, tooth decay, gum disease, and other causes of toothache need treatment. You should visit your dentist for an exam if tooth pain continues for longer than a few days.

What will the ER do for a tooth infection?

Dental Treatment in the Emergency Room

In the case of bacterial infections, they can provide antibiotics and will arrange for transfer to the hospital if necessary. They can also treat broken, dislodged, or fractured teeth and help to control severe pain.


How sick can an infected tooth make you?

If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell. In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

What are the symptoms of a jaw bone infection?

Osteomyelitis of the jaw can cause:
  • Fever.
  • Jaw pain.
  • Facial swelling.
  • Tenderness to the touch.
  • Jaw stiffness.
  • Sinus drainage.
  • Tooth loss.
  • Pus (thick, usually yellow-white fluid).


Does a toothache always mean infection?

A toothache is a common symptom of a cavity. But not all toothaches are the result of infection or decay. Ironically, not all early-stage cavities cause pain either. If you are experiencing discomfort, visit your dentist.


Will tooth pain go away with antibiotics?

Antibiotics will not cure toothache, they will only mask the problem until you have something done about the tooth itself. They may stop the pain for a few days, weeks or even months, but it will always come back with a vengeance!

How do you live with a toothache?

Self-care tips
  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  2. Use dental floss to remove any food particles or plaque wedged between your teeth.
  3. Consider taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to dull the ache, but don't place aspirin or another painkiller directly against your gums because it may burn your gum tissue.


Will a tooth hurt if it needs a root canal?

Symptoms That Indicate You May Need Root Canal Therapy

You may need a root canal if you experience: Pain when chewing, biting, or otherwise applying pressure to the tooth. Pain after encountering extreme temperatures, as with ice or hot coffee; the pain continues after the cause is removed.


Why does water help with tooth pain?

Once infected pulp dies, it can become gangrenous meaning it is releasing gasses. There's no exit for these gasses which is what is causing your pain. The cold water relieves that momentarily because it shrinks the gas for a short period of time.

When a nerve dies in a tooth?

A dead nerve in a tooth is sometimes referred to as a necrotic pulp or a pulpless tooth. Once this happens, the tooth will eventually fall out by itself. However, it can be dangerous to wait for this to occur, as the tooth can become infected and affect the jaw and other teeth.

Can a dentist pull an infected tooth?

If the affected tooth can't be saved, your dentist will pull (extract) the tooth and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection.


Does Listerine help with toothache?

The exposure of the dentin tubules can lead to those sharp pains in your teeth, but you can have 24-hour relief with continued use of LISTERINE® Sensitivity. * Relief in two weeks, with continued use.

What does a tooth infection taste like?

When the pus drains from your mouth is causes a bad taste (salty, metallic, or sour) and a foul odor in your mouth. The pain from a dental abscess shows itself in different forms.

Can a dentist tell which tooth is causing pain?

Only a dentist can properly diagnose the source of your tooth pain. Diagnosing the issue starts with a thorough and gentle examination. Your dentist may need to take x-rays or digital imaging to get the clearest look at what's happening in your mouth.


Why does my tooth hurt but no infection?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the inner layer of your tooth, known as dentin, becomes exposed. This type of toothache occurs even when there's no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there's a wearing away of enamel or gum recession.

What is cardiac toothache?

As the name suggests Cardiac Toothache refers to pain in the tooth or orofacial region which can be a symptom of Cardiac problem. Cardiac Tooth pain can be an accompanying symptoms of Cardiac pain where the pain radiates from left arm, shoulder, neck and face.