Toothaches are the #1 reason people see an emergency dentist in Great Falls.

But when should you seek urgent dental care for a toothache? What happens if you don’t have tooth pain treated? Are toothaches preventable?

Here’s what you should know about tooth pain and when it is a dental emergency.

When Is a Toothache an Emergency?

A toothache can be a sign of a minor dental issue, though it can also be an indicator of a severe concern. It’s crucial to know when to seek urgent dental care to prevent complications.

You should seek immediate dental attention if you experience intense and / or persistent pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter pain relievers. Severe pain could indicate a deep cavity or an abscess, which require prompt treatment to avoid further damage.

Swelling on one side of your face or jaw or in your gums, especially if accompanied by fever, is another critical indicator for urgent care. This swelling might signify an infection spreading, which can lead to complications if left untreated.

Additionally, any toothache that results from trauma, such as a fall or accident, warrants immediate dental evaluation to check for fractures or internal damage.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as a foul taste in your mouth, pus, or difficulty swallowing with your tooth pain, these can indicate a serious infection or abscess that needs urgent attention. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complications, including systemic infections affecting your overall health.

What Are the Risks of Ignoring Tooth Pain?

Untreated tooth pain can escalate from a minor nuisance to a severe health threat, emphasizing the importance of timely dental care to address and resolve the underlying issues.

Ignoring a painful tooth can lead to a host of dental and general health problems. Initially, it is often due to decay that has reached a tooth’s inner layers, causing inflammation and discomfort. Without treatment, this decay can progress, leading to a cavity that grows larger and deeper, potentially reaching the pulp and nerve of the tooth.

If the infection reaches the pulp, it can cause a dental abscess. If it spreads past the tooth, it can lead to more significant dental issues and even the loss of the tooth.

The consequences of untreated tooth pain aren’t confined to the mouth. Infections that start in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body, which may lead to issues such as heart disease and even sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.

Chronic pain and infection can also impact your overall well-being, causing sleep disturbances, difficulty eating, and decreased quality of life.

How Can You Avoid an Emergency Dentist in Great Falls and Prevent Toothaches?

Toothaches are largely preventable with good oral hygiene practices and regular dental care. The foundation of preventing toothaches is maintaining a routine of brushing and flossing twice a day at a minimum. This helps prevent issues like gum disease and tooth decay, the most common causes of toothaches.

Regular dental check-ups, typically every six months, are crucial for prevention of dental issues, as well as early detection of potential problems such as cavities and gum disease before they are more challenging to treat.

Professional cleanings during these visits also help remove tartar that isn’t eliminated through regular brushing and flossing.

Diet plays a significant role in preventing toothaches. Limit foods and drinks high in sugar to reduce your risk of cavities.

Other preventive measures include using fluoride toothpaste, which strengthens teeth and helps make them resistant to decay, and avoiding tobacco products, which can exacerbate gum disease and other dental problems.

Get to the Root Cause of Your Issue and Achieve a Pain-Free Smile at Perfect Smiles of Reston

When seeking the best emergency dentist in Great Falls, turn to nearby Reston! At Perfect Smiles of Reston, Dr. Aramesh Darvishian and team are here to promptly address all of your dental concerns, including tooth pain.

Call us today at 703-982-7355 for quick same-day care in the event of a dental emergency!