5 Signs That You Need to See Your Dentist for Your Toothache
Posted on: 25 April 2022
One of the earliest warning signs that you have a problem with a tooth is pain or a toothache. Sometimes, toothaches go away without any intervention. But sometimes, a toothache is a sign of something more serious. If you have a toothache and are unsure whether you need to see a dentist or not, then check for the following signs.
1. Discoloration
The first thing you should do when you feel tooth pain is examine the affected tooth. A healthy tooth should be white or yellowish if there is some staining. But if you see any dark discoloration on the tooth, then the cause of the pain is probably tooth decay. Make sure you check between your teeth too because cavities sometimes form between two teeth and can be difficult to spot.
2. Visible damage
The enamel layer of teeth helps to protect the sensitive nerve inside a tooth. This nerve transmits pain and pressure signals to the brain. If your tooth is damaged, this reduces the enamel layer, which could irritate the nerve and cause tooth pain. So, check your tooth for signs of damage.
If you are unsure of how the damage occurred, then you may need to check that you are not grinding your teeth at night.
3. Sensitivity
Healthy teeth do transmit some sensations to the brain when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. But if you are experiencing extreme sensitivity, then your tooth may have suffered damage somewhere. When a tooth is damaged, hot and cold sensations give even stronger sensitivity responses. You may need to see your dentist to have a filling placed on your tooth.
4. An abscess
One of the clearest indications that you have a serious issue with a tooth is an abscess. However, early abscesses can be difficult to spot, especially if they affect teeth in the back of the mouth. Check the gum below your painful tooth and look for something that looks like a pimple with a white head This is an abscess and indicates that you have a tooth infection. You will need a root canal.
5. Prolonged pain
Sometimes, when a tooth is infected, the pain continues for days or even weeks. This pain will continue until the nerve inside the tooth dies. An abscess will soon follow the death of a tooth. If the pain doesn't go away, your tooth is infected and you need root canal treatment soon before an abscess forms.
For more information, contact a company like Queen Street Dental.
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