If you’ve ever had toothache, you’ll know it’s not something that’s easy to ignore. It can start as a mild twinge, then suddenly become the only thing you can think about. Whether it’s keeping you awake at night or making it painful to eat or drink, toothache is your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention.
One of the questions we’re asked most often is:
“Should I wait to see if it settles down, or do I need to see a dentist?”
The honest answer is that it depends on what’s causing the pain—but in most cases, it’s better not to leave it too long.
What causes toothache?
Toothache isn’t a problem in itself—it’s a sign that something else is going on. Some of the most common causes include:
- Tooth decay
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A lost filling or crown
- Gum disease
- A dental abscess
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Wisdom teeth causing problems
The good news is that many of these problems are much easier (and often less expensive) to treat if they’re caught early.
When should you contact a dentist urgently?
Some types of toothache need prompt attention. You should contact your dentist as soon as possible if you have:
- Severe or constant pain
- Swelling around your face or gums
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken tooth after an accident
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
These symptoms can be signs of an infection or injury that shouldn’t be ignored.
What can you do while you’re waiting to be seen?
If you have an appointment booked, there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself comfortable:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Keep the area as clean as possible by brushing and flossing carefully.
- Take pain relief as directed on the packet.
- Try not to chew on the painful side.
- Avoid placing aspirin directly onto the gum, as it can burn the tissue.
These measures may help ease the symptoms, but they won’t treat the underlying cause
Don’t wait for the pain to disappear
One of the biggest misconceptions about toothache is that if the pain goes away, the problem has fixed itself.
Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
Pain often settles because the nerve inside the tooth is becoming damaged—not because the tooth has healed. Left untreated, what starts as a simple filling can eventually become a root canal treatment or even require extraction.
Getting things checked sooner rather than later usually means simpler treatment, less discomfort and a better outcome.
We’re here to help
If you’re suffering with toothache, don’t put up with it.
We’ll take the time to find the cause of the problem, explain everything clearly and help you choose the treatment that’s right for you.
Whether you’re already one of our patients or you’re looking for a dentist in Chester, we’re always happy to help.
If you’re in pain, give us a call today. The sooner we see you, the sooner we can get you smiling comfortably again.