Toothaches can interfere with your daily life, even if they appear minor. Sometimes they last only a few hours, but at times they may last for days. Recognizing that pain does not minimize is often a sign of worry for a more significant reason.
Getting help quickly is vital; Emergency Dentistry Near You in Devon has the services to care for you and offer relief before the issue worsens.
What Causes Minor Tooth Pain?
Minor tooth pain can be caused by a few different sources. Some are temporary, while some may require treatment from a dentist. Common sources of tooth pain can include:
- Food stuck between teeth.
- Increased gum irritation after brushing or flossing.
- Sensitivity to hot/cold drinks.
- A small cavity, or cavities, just beginning to form.
- Grinding your teeth while you sleep.
Understanding the source of your minor tooth pain will help you understand whether the pain will clear in a few hours or whether you have to seek dental care.
How Long Should Minor Tooth Pain Last?
In most cases, minor pain should improve within a few hours to a couple of days. For example:
- Food stuck between teeth: Pain subsides as soon as it’s cleaned out.
- Minor sensitivity: Pain may last a few hours after eating food or drinking something cold or hot.
- Early cavity: Pain may have a longer-lasting effect until dental treatment.
If the pain lasts longer than 48 hours, it is best to make an appointment with a dentist.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Not every toothache is a pain, but when you experience that the pain is getting worse, something is wrong and might require dental attention.
A dental clinic near you can help assess your teeth for cavities, gum disease or chipped teeth.
It is advised to visit a dental clinic when:
- Pain persists beyond 2 days
- There is swelling at the tooth site
- You have difficulty chewing
- You are unable to sleep at night because of the pain
Can Minor Tooth Pain Become Serious?
Yes, ignoring a minor toothache may result in additional issues. For instance, cavities can progress, possibly resulting in infection of the gums and/or continued destruction of the tooth.
In others, delaying for too long could involve needing Emergency Dentistry Near Me in Devon to prevent excruciating pain.
How to Minimize Minor Toothaches at Home?
When at home, you would wish to use home care treatment options while waiting to visit the dentist:
- Rinse the area with warm salt water
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as labelled
- Avoid eating from the sore side of your mouth
- Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods
These will help alleviate minor tooth pain but should not be relied upon as a substitute for care by a dental professional.
How Do I Prevent It?
At best, prevention of minor tooth pain requires proper care for your teeth and gums to keep them healthy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove food particles
- Visit the dentist in Devon regularly.
- If indicated, consider wearing a custom night guard for teeth grinding.
Taking these steps can minimize your chances of experiencing minor tooth pain and dental emergencies.
Don’t Ignore Your Tooth Pain
Minor tooth pain may not feel serious, but if it grows or persists, it should be an indicator that something more serious could be happening.
At Devon Dental Associates, we offer gentle dental care and treatment for tooth pain, from mild to urgent pain.
The sooner the action is taken for pain recognition, the more likely your smile remains the same and healthy, preventing more serious dental problems.