Emergency Dental Care & Tooth Pain – Dental Q&A
Why are my teeth aching at night?
Teeth that ache at night are often caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), which most people do unconsciously during sleep. Other common causes include a cavity that has reached the nerve, a cracked tooth, a dental abscess, or sinus pressure referring pain to the upper teeth. Nighttime toothache that prevents sleep requires a dental evaluation.
What causes a toothache?
A toothache can be caused by tooth decay, a cracked tooth, an abscess (infection), gum disease, a damaged filling, teeth grinding, or an impacted tooth. Pain can also be referred from a sinus infection or jaw muscle tension. The location, type, and triggers of the pain all help your dentist identify the cause.
How do I relieve tooth pain at home?
Temporary home relief for a toothache includes taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed, applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek, rinsing with warm salt water, and applying a small amount of clove oil (eugenol) to the area. These methods ease pain temporarily but do not treat the underlying cause.
Why can't I sleep because of tooth pain?
Tooth pain often worsens at night because when you lie down, blood flow to the inflamed tooth increases, intensifying pressure and throbbing. There are also fewer distractions from pain at night. Teeth-grinding during sleep can also flare up existing dental sensitivity. Keeping your head elevated and taking ibuprofen before bed may help temporarily.
What is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation requiring immediate care to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or prevent a life-threatening infection. Common dental emergencies include a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache or abscess, cracked or fractured tooth, lost crown or filling that causes pain, soft tissue injuries, and facial swelling.
When should I go to the emergency room for tooth pain?
Go to the emergency room for dental pain if you have facial swelling that is spreading to your neck or eye, difficulty swallowing or breathing, high fever with tooth pain, or swelling that is causing your airway to feel restricted. These signs indicate a spreading infection that can be life-threatening. ERs cannot fix dental problems but can prescribe antibiotics and manage the airway.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum. Get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes — time is critical for saving the tooth.
What should I do if I crack a tooth?
If you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain medication. Call your dentist as soon as possible — even if pain is mild. Cracks can deepen with continued chewing and reach the nerve, potentially turning a simple crown into a root canal or extraction.
What are the signs of a tooth infection or abscess?
Signs of a dental abscess include severe, persistent throbbing toothache, sensitivity to pressure, a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, swollen face or cheek, fever, tender lymph nodes in the neck, and a foul taste or smell in the mouth. An abscess is a bacterial infection and requires prompt dental treatment.
Can a tooth infection spread to other parts of the body?
Yes. A tooth infection left untreated can spread to the jaw, neck, and other areas of the head, and in severe cases into the bloodstream (sepsis). Spreading infections can cause airway obstruction, which is life-threatening. Any visible facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing accompanying tooth pain is a medical emergency.
Why is my tooth sensitive to hot and cold?
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold is usually caused by exposed dentin — the inner layer of the tooth beneath enamel. Common causes include enamel erosion from acidic foods, gum recession, teeth grinding, a cracked tooth, or a cavity. If sensitivity lingers more than a few seconds after the hot or cold stimulus is removed, it may indicate nerve involvement.
What does a throbbing toothache mean?
A throbbing toothache — pain that pulses in rhythm with your heartbeat — typically indicates infection or inflammation inside or around the tooth. Pulpitis (inflamed pulp) and dental abscesses are the most common causes. Throbbing tooth pain that is constant and severe warrants same-day dental attention.
Is it a dental emergency if I lose a filling?
A lost filling is not always a severe emergency, but it should be treated within a few days. Once a filling is gone, the exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to further decay and sensitivity. If pain is significant, call your dentist the same day. Use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy to cover the area until your appointment.
Can I take ibuprofen for tooth pain?
Yes. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is one of the most effective over-the-counter options for dental pain because it reduces both pain and inflammation. The typical adult dose is 400mg every 6 to 8 hours with food. Some dentists recommend alternating ibuprofen with acetaminophen (Tylenol) for stronger pain management.
Can a sinus infection cause tooth pain?
Yes. The roots of your upper back teeth are located very close to the maxillary sinuses. When sinuses are infected and inflamed, pressure and referred pain can feel exactly like a toothache in multiple upper teeth. Sinus tooth pain usually affects several upper teeth at once rather than a single tooth.