COVID-19 hasn’t stopped many of life’s stresses. Kids still need to be cared for and bills still need to be paid. So when you have a toothache, it can add stress to an already difficult time. If a toothache is severe and interrupts your ability to function, then you need to call your emergency dentist in Burlington right away. However, if your toothache is only mild, it can be hard to tell if it truly requires urgent care. Here are the signs you should look out for to determine if a toothache is a true dental emergency.
Signs of A True Dental Emergency
You should get treatment as soon as possible if you see any of these signs when you have a toothache.
- Cracked teeth or crowns: Openings in the exterior structure of your tooth may have allowed bacteria to attack the sensitive nerves and blood vessels inside it.
- Bleeding gums: If your gums are bleeding for a prolonged period of time, it’s a sign that you may be suffering from advanced gum disease. This can lead to the loss of your teeth.
- Swollen areas: A large bump near your tooth is known as an abscess. It is an indication of a serious infection that’s damaging your tooth.
- Metallic taste: If you have an older metal filling your mouth, this is a sign that it may have broken apart and exposed your tooth to further damage.
Ways You Can Minimize The Pain
Whether your toothache requires emergency care or not, there are steps you can take to minimize the pain it causes. Some remedies you can try include:
- Clove oil: Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and place it directly on the injured tooth.
- Table salt: Rinse your mouth out with a glass of salt water for 30 seconds.
- Vanilla extract: Place a couple of drops on your finger and gently dab the painful are with it.
- Ice: Wrap a few pieces in a paper towel or cloth and rest it against the side of your mouth with the injured tooth to dull the pain.
- Peppermint leaves: Boil a teaspoon of leaves in one cup of water for 20 minutes and then rinse your mouth with the resulting solution.
- Over-the-counter medication: There are multiple products available at your local pharmacy that can help dull the pain of a toothache.
Toothaches are going to happen to everyone at some point in their lives. When they do, it’s important to stay calm. Ask yourself if you have the signs of a true dental emergency. If you do, call your emergency dentist in Burlington for help. Whether or not the situation is an emergency, use these tips to make the entire experience more tolerable.
About the Author
Dr. James Kostas graduated magna cum laude from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He and his team have implemented new safety protocols to keep patients safe while they receive care during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re worried that your toothache might be something more serious, you can contact him through his website or at 781-272-0441.
