the inflammation that causes tooth pain.
When should you go to the dentist for a toothache?
The decision to seek out a dentist or medical attention can be tricky, especially if you think your toothache is not serious or these remedies work. but here are some signs that accompany the pain that you should strongly consider seeking a medical professional for:
- Abnormally red gums
- Bleeding from the gums or teeth
- Chest pain or tightness
- Chills and/or fever
- Difficulty in eating, opening your mouth, or speaking
- Ear or jaw pain
- Pus or foul-tasting discharge
- Severe pain that lasts more than one or two days
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
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Final words on toothache relief
Seeking medical attention is always the best remedy, especially for persistent pain and discomfort. How a dentist will treat your issue depends on the cause of your toothache.
If you have an abscess – a pocket of pus that forms in different parts of a tooth due to bacterial infection – the tooth may have to be extracted, a root canal may be needed, or antibiotics prescribed.
If there is tooth decay, it will most likely be removed and replaced with a filling.
If there is already a filling in the affected tooth, it may need to be replaced.
Finally, all you may need is a mouthguard if your toothache is a result of clenching or grinding your teeth.