A toothache is something most people experience at some point in their lives. Often, it is a temporary discomfort caused by something simple, like sensitivity to hot or cold food. However, there are times when tooth pain is a sign of something more serious—something that should not be ignored. Recognising the difference between a minor issue and a dental emergency can make all the difference in protecting your teeth and your overall health.
In this blog, we’ll explore the types of tooth pain that should prompt an urgent visit to your dentist, common causes, and what you should do if you think you are facing a dental emergency.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency involves any problem with your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention. It could be due to severe pain, infection, trauma, or a sudden worsening of an existing condition. Ignoring emergency symptoms can lead to complications, more expensive treatment, and even permanent damage.
Key signs of a dental emergency include:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Swelling in the face or gums
- Bleeding that will not stop
- A tooth that has been knocked out or broken
- Signs of infection, such as a bad taste, fever, or difficulty swallowing
When in doubt, it’s always better to call your dentist, and Purley Dental Care will provide immediate advice on emergency care and appointments for urgent cases.
Types of Tooth Pain That Indicate an Emergency
Not all toothaches are the same. Here are the types of pain that should never be ignored:
1. Sharp, Intense Pain When Biting or Chewing
If you feel a sudden sharp pain when biting down, it could be a sign of a cracked tooth, a damaged filling, or a serious cavity. Cracks can allow bacteria to reach the inner layers of the tooth, leading to infection. Without treatment, a crack can worsen and may result in tooth loss.
2. Throbbing Pain That Will Not Go Away
A constant throbbing pain is often a sign of infection, such as an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, usually near the root of the tooth or in the gums. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
Symptoms of an abscess may include:
- Severe pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or ear
- Swelling in the face or cheek
- Fever
- Sensitivity to pressure
- A foul taste in the mouth if the abscess bursts
Immediate dental treatment is essential to drain the infection and prevent serious complications.
3. Severe Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Mild sensitivity is common and can often be managed with toothpaste for sensitive teeth. However, if you experience sharp, lingering pain after eating or drinking something hot or cold, it may signal exposed tooth roots, a deep cavity, or enamel erosion.
Severe sensitivity may indicate that the nerve inside the tooth is affected, requiring root canal treatment to save the tooth.
4. Pain Accompanied by Swelling
Swelling inside the mouth, along the jawline, or even in the face is a red flag for infection or trauma. Swelling can interfere with breathing, swallowing, and speaking, making it a genuine emergency.
Swelling accompanied by pain typically needs prompt treatment with antibiotics and possibly drainage of any infection.
5. Pain After an Injury
If you have had a blow to the face, a fall, or a sports injury, and your tooth hurts afterwards, it is important to seek dental advice immediately. Even if the tooth looks intact, internal damage may have occurred.
Cracks, fractures, or nerve injuries can develop complications if not addressed quickly.
6. Loose Teeth in Adults
Adult teeth should never feel loose. If you notice mobility in one or more teeth, it could be a sign of trauma, infection, or advanced gum disease. Any looseness should be treated urgently to prevent tooth loss.
Common Causes of Emergency Tooth Pain
Understanding the common causes of emergency toothache can help you know when to seek help. These include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Dental abscess
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Gum infections (periodontal abscess)
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Injuries from accidents or contact sports
Preventive dental care, such as regular check-ups and good oral hygiene, plays a big role in reducing your risk of these emergencies.
What to Do If You Experience Severe Tooth Pain
If you think you have a dental emergency, follow these steps:
- Call your dentist immediately. Many practices keep emergency slots available during working hours.
- Describe your symptoms clearly, including when the pain started, where it is located, and any other signs like swelling or fever.
- Manage pain at home until your appointment by taking over-the-counter pain relief, using a cold compress on the cheek, and rinsing with warm salt water to ease inflammation.
- Do not apply aspirin directly to the tooth. This is an old myth and can actually cause burns to the gum tissue.
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks which might aggravate the pain.
If your dental practice is closed and you are unable to manage your pain, you may need to seek urgent care services or contact NHS 111 for advice.
Prevention: The Best Cure
While accidents can happen, many causes of dental emergencies can be prevented with good oral care and regular dental check-ups. Tips include:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports
- Not using teeth to open packaging or bottles
- Attending dental check-ups as recommended by your dentist
Identifying and treating minor dental issues early reduces the risk of them turning into painful emergencies later.
Final Thoughts
Tooth pain is never pleasant, but recognising the signs of a dental emergency could save you from much worse problems down the line. If you experience a sharp, throbbing, or persistent toothache, especially when it is accompanied by swelling, injury, or signs of infection, do not delay seeking help.
Fast action can often mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth, and it protects your health overall. If you are ever unsure whether your toothache is serious, it is always safer to call your dentist and get professional advice. Your smile and your health are too important to ignore.
