7 Toothache Symptoms That You Should Never Ignore

Toothaches are irritating, inconvenient, and often times quite puzzling! But there are also varying degrees of tooth pain, and sometimes it’s difficult to tell if your pain is serious enough to warrant a trip to your emergency dentist. Keep reading to learn more about seven different tooth pain symptoms that you should never ignore, as they might indicate a serious problem.

1. Sharp Pain

Pain is often the first sign that something’s not quite right inside of your mouth. Throbbing pain is often associated with cavities, but it can sometimes be the result of other issues like abscessed teeth or a severe gum infection.

2. Hypersensitivity

Throbbing pain is also usually accompanied by hypersensitivity; however, increased sensitivity can also be caused by other things. One common cause is bruxism, which is the clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually while a patient is asleep. Cavities can also cause increased sensitivity, as they’re extra sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and high amounts of sugar.

3. Bleeding Gums

It’s normal for your gums to bleed and swell up every once in a while, but if it’s happening often and is accompanied by tooth pain, there might be an underlying problem. This could be indicative of early gum disease, which can manifest into other severe problems if left untreated, including tooth loss!

4. Swollen Glands

If you’re noticing that your jawline and neck appear swollen, it might indicate that the initial problem is beginning to spread beyond your mouth! In some cases, a severe oral infection can exit the mouth, enter the bloodstream, and even make its way around the rest of your body and put your major organs at risk.

5. Bad Breath

An infected or abscessed tooth is inherently a little gross; often, the tooth itself is emitting toxins that create a foul taste inside of your mouth, accompanied by some seriously rancid breath! The tooth needs to be treated in order to eliminate this odor and make conversation pleasant again for you and those around you.

6. Odd Discoloration

Over time, your teeth will naturally darken due to certain foods and drinks that contain staining agents, along with the simple daily wear-and-tear on your enamel. But if they’re turning from white to yellow to an odd shade of dark brown or gray, you should seek professional treatment promptly.

7. Loose Teeth

If your teeth are loose in addition to hurting, it might be a sign of advanced gum disease. This is not something that will clear up on its own; and if left untreated, your very teeth are at risk of being lost forever!

If you’re experiencing any of these toothache symptoms, it isn’t something that you should ignore or needlessly endure! Don’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist to get your smile the urgent care it needs.

About the Author

Dr. Henry Lu received his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one is suffering from severe tooth pain, don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment: (469) 998-9822.