Tooth Pain: When You Should Call Your Dentist

A toothache can be easy to ignore when it first starts, especially if the pain comes and goes. However, tooth pain is often your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention. Scheduling a dental evaluation early may help prevent a minor concern from becoming a more complicated problem.Tooth pain can have many possible causes. Cavities may cause sensitivity or aching as decay progresses. A cracked or damaged tooth can hurt when biting or chewing, while gum problems may cause tenderness around the teeth. Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages can have several causes as well. In some cases, persistent or severe pain may be related to an infection that requires prompt treatment.Pay attention to how your tooth feels and whether symptoms are changing. Swelling, persistent sensitivity, pain while chewing, or tooth pain that wakes you up at night are all reasons to contact your dentist. Increasing pain, facial swelling, fever, or other signs of infection should be addressed