Tooth pain of any kind can be unbearable. It can make eating, drinking, and sleeping miserable, disrupting your daily routine.
You may think the best course of action is to wait it out and make an appointment with your dentist. However, sometimes toothaches indicate a severe health issue and require immediate medical attention.
When You Need to Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Injury
Sometimes a toothache is a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Other times, it may be the first sign of an infection that can affect other parts of your body and quickly. It’s better to be safe than sorry and head to the nearest emergency room in these situations.
If a fever of 101 or greater accompanies your tooth pain, you could have an abscessed tooth. This infection can lead to severe consequences and needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Sometimes tooth pain can signify a heart attack or other cardiac condition, especially if the pain radiates from your teeth to your neck and jaw.
Should you experience uncontrollable bleeding and swelling due to trauma to your face, don’t delay emergency care. Or, if you have a toothache accompanied by trouble swallowing or breathing, you need to be evaluated as soon as possible.
Home Remedies for Toothaches
If you are in excruciating pain, you can take some specific measures to minimize it until you are seen by a medical professional.
Taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease a toothache. You might also find holding a warm compress against your face soothing. If your mouth is bleeding, apply some pressure using gauze or a warm cloth. Swishing with warm salt water or using an analgesic gel may also help. While these steps won’t make the pain disappear, they might make it more bearable until you get to the emergency room.
Preventing Injury to Your Teeth
While you cannot avoid all dental injuries, there are specific steps you can take to prevent tooth pain, including:
- Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
- Seeing your dentist regularly
- Protecting your teeth by using a mouthguard if you engage in sports activities
- Not chewing on ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels that can crack your teeth
- Drink lots of water
- Avoid eating lots of sugary foods.
Don’t take any chances when it comes to a dental injury or pain. It could be the first sign that there is a more serious health issue is brewing.
After any trip to the emergency room for a toothache or other dental injury, it’s a good idea to follow up with your dentist afterward to receive a thorough exam.
Community First ER is here for you
If you need emergency care for a dental issue, Community First Emergency Room will be here for you. No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are accepted. Our team has access to sophisticated imaging equipment, including X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound, with fast same-day results so we can quickly evaluate the extent of your dental emergency. You will experience little to no wait times to receive our personalized, compassionate, and concierge-level services. Our board-certified physicians and registered nurses will treat you or your loved one like family, making your health and peace of mind a top priority. We are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
About Community First ER
Emergency health care is a critical resource. Our commitment is to provide a personal, transparent, and concierge-driven emergency health care experience to our community members. Locally owned and operated by health care providers and partners we trust; we strive to support and create meaningful relationships with those around us. We exist to put your health and wellness first. For more information, visit our website at https://communityfirster.com/ and engage with us on social media.