Having a toothache is very annoying. The next second you are holding your breath and wondering what just happened. You might feel a slow ache that starts to bother you while you are eating or it might come on quickly and make you stop what you are doing. It is difficult to think of anything else once the pain starts.
As anyone who has had one knows, it can make a normal day completely different. In Adelaide, knowing what to do and where to go when it happens is helpful. Actually, tooth pain doesn’t wait for a good time. It comes up in the middle of the night, right before a big meeting or while you’re just trying to relax on the weekend.
What should you do when the pain comes on? We want to make it very easy to understand and get right to the point. If you ever face a dental emergency in Adelaide, it’s important to act fast and get proper care. That’s exactly what we provide at Walsh Dental. Whether it’s a cracked tooth, sudden swelling or unbearable pain, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. At Walsh Dental, we are here for those moments when you need fast expert care because toothaches don’t follow a schedule.
What Actually Counts as a Dental Emergency
Not every little twinge in your tooth is a full-blown emergency. Sometimes it’s something minor that just needs a bit of care. But there are certain signs you really shouldn’t ignore.
Here’s when you should stop what you’re doing and take it seriously:
- Your tooth is pounding and the pain is not letting up
- Your face or jaw is swollen, and it looks like something’s off
- Your gums are bleeding, and it won’t stop
- A tooth has chipped, cracked or popped right out
- You feel sharp pain when you eat or drink anything hot or cold
- You’ve got pus, a nasty taste in your mouth, or a fever
If any of that sounds like what you are feeling, don’t brush it off. That’s your body throwing up a red flag. And when it comes to your teeth, ignoring things often makes it worse later.
Why Toothaches Happen in the First Place
Tooth pain always has a reason. At first, it might not seem like there is anything going on, but there is. What might be causing the pain can help you decide what to do next. As usual, here are the suspects:
Cavities
One reason that happens a lot is tooth loss. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while and plaque has been building up, it can cause holes in your teeth. The pain starts when it touches a nerve.
Bad gums
Do your gums hurt, swell, or bleed? That could mean you’re getting gum disease. Sometimes the gums are the real source of pain, even though it feels like tooth pain.
Infection or abscess in the tooth
This is an important one. If bacteria get in and make a pus pocket near the root, the pain can get very bad very quickly. You may also have a fever or notice that your face is swollen.
Teeth that are broken or cracked
When you bite into something too hard, out pops a crack you didn’t even notice at first. But that crack can hurt after a while, especially when you chew or drink something cold.
Tooth pain after dental work
Have you recently had a filling or crown put on? You should expect to feel sensitive after that. But if things keep getting worse, you might need to change something.
Sore sinuses
It is true that sinus diseases can hurt your top teeth. It can feel like you have a toothache because the pressure from your lungs is putting pressure on your tooth roots.
What You Can Do Right Now to Ease the Pain
When tooth pain hits, you need relief fast. Here are a few easy things you can try at home before you can see a dentist.
Warm salty water rinse
Mix a bit of salt in warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. This helps clean the area and can bring down swelling. It won’t fix the problem but it can soothe things for a while.
Painkiller
Ibuprofen or paracetamol are both good options for toothache. Just follow the instructions on the box. And no don’t crush the tablet and put it on your tooth. That’s an old myth and it can actually burn your gums.
Cold compress
Got swelling? Grab a clean cloth, wrap it around some ice or a bag of frozen peas, and hold it against your cheek. It helps numb the area and calm things down.
Avoid anything too hot or cold
Skip the steaming tea or ice-cold juice for now. Same goes for sugary treats. Soft, room-temperature foods are your best friend until you are feeling better.
Keep your head elevated
Lying flat can sometimes make the pain throb even more. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow if you’re trying to rest. These tips won’t solve the root cause but they’ll make the situation a bit more bearable while you figure out what to do next.
When It’s Time to Call a Dentist
If the pain is mild and goes away in a day or so, it might not be an emergency. But if it sticks around, gets worse, or you see any of those serious signs we talked about earlier, don’t wait.
You should see a dentist in Adelaide quickly if:
- The pain keeps you up at night or ruins your day
- Your face is puffing up and you can’t open your mouth properly
- You have a high fever or feel generally sick
- You can’t chew, speak, or concentrate
- A tooth has broken or come out
- There’s ongoing bleeding in your mouth
Getting treatment early can save you a lot of time, pain, and money in the long run. It’s always better to deal with it now than to wait and need something major later.
What Happens at the Emergency Appointment
Going to the dentist when you’re in pain can be a bit scary, but knowing what to expect helps a lot.
Here’s how it usually goes:
First, the dentist will have a good look around and ask what’s been going on. They might take an X-ray to see what’s happening beneath the surface. Once they’ve figured out the cause, they’ll talk you through your options and explain what needs to happen.
You might need:
- A filling if there’s a cavity
- A root canal if the nerve is infected
- An extraction if the tooth can’t be saved
- Antibiotics if there’s an infection
- A temporary fix to reduce the pain before coming back for full treatment
The goal is to get you out of pain first, then sort out the rest in a follow-up appointment if needed.
How to Avoid Future Toothaches and Emergencies
While not every emergency can be avoided, many of them can. Keeping your mouth healthy really does help you steer clear of painful surprises.
Here are a few habits that go a long way:
- Brush your teeth morning and night with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day to get in between those hard-to-reach spots
- Go for regular checkups even if everything feels fine
- Avoid biting down on hard things like ice, popcorn kernels or pen lids
- Use a mouthguard if you play sports
- Don’t use your teeth to open packets or bottles
- Cut back on soft drinks, lollies and other sugary snacks
A little bit of daily care can save you from a lot of pain and panic later. At Walsh Dental, they are all about helping you stay ahead of problems before they turn into emergencies. They will keep an eye on your oral health and catch issues early, which can mean simpler and less expensive treatment.
Get Yourself Prepared Just in Case
Nobody plans to have a dental emergency, but it’s smart to be ready in case something goes wrong.
Here’s how you can be prepared:
- Keep some pain relief and salt at home
- Have a small clean container ready in case a tooth gets knocked out
- Store gauze and a clean cloth in your first aid kit
- Save the contact details of your local dentist so you’re not scrambling if you need help fast
- Let your family know what to do if someone in the house has a dental accident
Preparation doesn’t cost much, but it can make a stressful moment a whole lot easier.
Final Thoughts
On the surface, a toothache may not seem to be a major cause for worry; but, if it persists or becomes worse over time, it may indicate that there is a problem. There is a possibility that being prepared for a dental emergency and knowing what to do might make all the difference. Do not sit around and wait for the discomfort to go away if you are experiencing pain at this very now. As soon as you are able to, get the assistance that you need. You have a chance of preserving a tooth or losing it if you take prompt action.
If you are looking for someone who is able to understand you, who can explain things to you in simple terms, and who really cares about you, the team at Walsh Dental is readily available to help you. Even when you are in excruciating pain, they are compassionate, they provide attentive listening, and they have the ability to put you at rest. Get in contact with us if you are experiencing discomfort from that tooth or if things does not seem to be on the proper track. If you decide to take action fast, you will feel better.