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Tooth Pain: How To Tell When A Toothache Is Serious

Updated: Nov 6, 2023


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A toothache might seem like a common discomfort, often dismissed as a minor inconvenience. However, manageable tooth pain can be a subtle messenger, signaling various underlying issues within our oral health. Understanding the degrees of different toothaches is essential because it can mean the difference between a fleeting discomfort and a serious dental problem.

Check out the few ways or symptoms that distinguish a routine ache from a serious dental emergency and help determine whether a toothache is severe.

How To Know If Toothache Is Serious

Tooth pain is one of the common dental problems people face. But it can be different for everyone. Here is the breakdown of varying toothache symptoms and how they can help assess the seriousness of your tooth pain –


1 . Dull but chronic toothache

A persistent, dull ache in your tooth that lingers for days or even weeks. Chronic toothaches might be a sign of an underlying infection, decay, or even gum disease. While it may not cause severe pain, it signals an issue that requires professional dental attention. Ignoring it could lead to more significant problems.


2. Severe or sharp toothache

Intense, sharp, or stabbing pain in your tooth that is sudden and severe. Severe toothaches are often linked to advanced tooth decay, abscesses, or an infected pulp. This type of pain clearly indicates a serious dental issue and demands immediate attention from a dentist.


3. Thumping and throbbing pain

A rhythmic, pulsating pain in your tooth, especially when chewing or biting down. Throbbing pain often arises from a cracked tooth. When you chew, the pressure aggravates the crack, leading to intense throbbing. A cracked tooth can expose sensitive nerve endings, causing significant discomfort. Seeking prompt dental care is vital to prevent further damage.


4. Sensitivity with the pain

Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold stimuli, is accompanied by sharp pain. Sensitivity and pain can signify issues such as tooth cavities, worn enamel, or exposed tooth roots. It could also be a sign of a deteriorating filling or dental crown. Addressing the sensitivity early can prevent the condition from worsening.


5. Toothache accompanied by other issues

Toothache accompanied by fever, earache, or pain while opening your mouth wide. These symptoms often indicate a dental abscess, a severe infection that can spread to surrounding tissues. Dental abscesses are dental emergencies requiring immediate medical attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to life-threatening complications, making it essential to seek urgent dental care.


Understanding these varied signs is crucial in gauging the seriousness of tooth pain and seeking the proper dental care assistance before it leads to irreparable damage.


Get Quick Relief From Toothache With The Best Emergency Dental Care.

When a toothache strikes, DentUrgent is your reliable partner in pain relief. Our highly experienced Dentist opens on Saturday and emergency dental care services ensure you receive prompt attention, personalized treatment, and lasting comfort.


Dial 4692499017 to Schedule An Appointment anytime to experience expert care at its best.


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