If you’ve ever had a toothache before, you likely know that getting relief can feel like an urgent situation. But how do you know when that tooth pain is actually an emergency, and when it’s safe to wait? If you’re suffering from a dental dilemma, here are some important indicators that it may be time to see the dentist, and what you should do before your appointment.
The 24-Hour Rule
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that if you are experiencing dental pain for more than 24 hours straight that you reach out to your dentist for an urgent appointment. This type of discomfort can be caused by many things, from an emerging tooth such as a wisdom tooth, to an infection, cavity, or crack. Because so much goes on without you being able to see it for yourself, you may not be able to determine the exact source on your own, which will require a visit to the dentist to diagnose.
Unfortunately, when it comes to dental pain in many cases if left untreated it will only get worse. Thus, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
How to Treat Dental Pain
Treating dental pain depends on the cause, however if you want to ease discomfort before your appointment, you can take over-the-counter pain medicine, apply a cold compress over the area, and avoid chewing with the affected side of your mouth. For more specific instructions, speak to your dentist about your symptoms.
If you need to brush your teeth, brush the area gently. You can also rinse frequently with room-temperature water, which will keep the area clean and can be quite soothing for a tooth in distress.
When is Dental Pain Not an Emergency?
When it comes to dental pain, not everything requires an urgent appointment with the dentist. Here are a few examples of discomfort that should dissipate on its own:
- Food stuck between the teeth. If this happens, try flossing or irrigating with a water flosser before scheduling a visit. It hopefully will come out on its own, but if not call your dentist for help.
- Gums that bleed when switching to a new toothbrush or beginning a flossing regimen. This should clear up in a few days, but if not, schedule an appointment.
- Sensitivity following a whitening procedure or the use of an OTC whitening product. This should go away after a few days of stopping treatment.
Remember, dental emergencies should not be ignored. If you are experiencing tooth or gum pain that lasts more than 24 hours, contact your dentist for the next steps to help alleviate discomfort and protect your teeth from further injury.
About Our Practice
The team at Lake Oconee Dentistry prides itself on providing high quality oral health care in a safe and compassionate setting. We know that it can be scary to visit the dentist, so we go out of our way to make each of our patients feel comfortable. No matter your age, we want to make protecting your teeth and gums a positive experience. Whether you need an urgent appointment, a regular cleaning and exam, or a restorative procedure, we’re here to help get you through it and bring back that beautiful smile!
To schedule an emergency visit, please schedule an appointment on our website or by calling 706-453-1333.