True or False: A Toothache Is Considered a Dental Emergency

A toothache may not seem that serious. After all, it’s just a tiny little tooth, right? But the truth is, if your tooth is hurting for more than 24 hours, that is considered a dental emergency, and you should be seen by your dentist as soon as possible. Here’s why you should never take dental pain lightly, and what you should do when it occurs.

Possible Causes of Dental Pain

There are plenty of reasons you can develop a toothache, but no matter the reason, it’s imperative that you address it quickly, as ignoring it can cause it to worsen or spread. Here are a few common reasons your tooth might hurt for more than 24 hours:

• Tooth infection
• Cavity
• Dental abscess
• Sensitivity from gum disease
• Impacted wisdom tooth
• Trauma or blow to the tooth

While not all of these reasons may seem urgent, it is imperative that you treat them as soon as possible to avoid them worsening or spreading. Thus, if you notice dental pain for any reason, contact your dentist if it lasts longer than a day and schedule an emergency appointment.

How to Manage Dental Pain

Once you have made your emergency dental appointment, here are a few things you can do while you wait to make your tooth feel more comfortable:

• Manage pain with OTC pain reliever
• Maintain proper oral hygiene (brush teeth twice a day, floss once a day)
• Avoid making popping or clicking noises that could aggravate your toothache
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel against your cheek or tooth in 20-minute intervals

Preventing Dental Pain

Now that you know what to do if you are experiencing dental pain, you may be wondering how you can prevent it from happening in the future. Here are a few tips for avoiding this going forward:

• Brush and floss regularly
• Visit your dentist twice a year for your semi-annual exam and cleaning
• Only use your teeth to chew food, never as tools
• Wear proper mouth protection when playing sports
• Wear a bite guard if you grind your teeth

Remember, there are many reasons why you could be experiencing a toothache, but no matter the cause, be sure to take all pain seriously and contact your dentist if it lasts longer than 24 hours.

About Dr. Gaitsgory

For Dr. Marianna Gaitsgory, patient comfort is essential to providing quality dental care. After all, if you’re afraid of pain or concerned that there is no cure for your discomfort, you are less likely to visit the dentist or take care of urgent oral health problems.

Toothaches can happen to anyone, at any time. That’s why, at Framingham Premier Dental Dr. Gaitsgory and her team offer emergency dental services that can help put your tooth (and your mind) at ease. If you’re experiencing an urgent oral health problem, please schedule an appointment by visiting our website or calling us at 508-875-0900.