While minor toothaches sometimes resolve on their own, persistent or severe pain is your body’s way of warning that something is wrong. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to tooth loss, infection, or more invasive dental treatment later on.

Here are key signs your toothache may require immediate attention from Dr. Dave or Dr. Shah.

1. The Pain Lasts More Than Two Days

If your toothache symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, it could mean there’s a deeper issue, such as dental decay or an infected tooth.

Why it matters: Prolonged pain often indicates the tooth pulp—the inner layer containing nerves and blood vessels—is inflamed or infected. Without treatment, this can spread to surrounding teeth or bone tissue.

Possible treatments:

• Dental filling for cavities
• Root canal therapy if the infection has reached the pulp
• Tooth extraction in extreme cases

2. The Pain Is Sharp, Throbbing, or Radiating

Sharp pain or throbbing pain when you bite down often signals a cracked tooth, damaged filling, or abscessed tooth. You might also experience chewing sensitivity or a bad taste in your mouth caused by a bacterial infection.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm water to remove food particles.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Avoid sugary foods and extreme temperatures.
• Call Pearland Dental Group for an emergency visit.

An infected pulp can’t heal on its own, and only professional root canal treatment can remove the infection while saving your tooth.

3. Swelling or Redness in the Gums

Swollen gums, bleeding gums, or pain around one tooth are major red flags for gum disease or an abscess. You might notice pus, an unpleasant taste, or even swelling in your cheek or jaw.

Why it’s serious: Untreated gum infections can spread into the jawbone and bloodstream, leading to serious medical complications.

Treatment may include:

• Draining the abscess
• Antibiotics to stop infection spread
• Root canal therapy or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved

4. Pain That Worsens When Lying Down

If your pain gets worse at night or when lying flat, it might indicate pressure from an abscessed tooth or fluid buildup inside the gums. You may also notice swelling near the tooth root or tenderness under the jaw.

This symptom requires urgent care—don’t wait for it to pass. The infection can quickly move from your tooth to other areas, causing life-threatening complications if left untreated.

5. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Doesn’t Fade

Occasional tooth sensitivity is common, especially after whitening or consuming cold foods. But if your sensitive teeth react strongly to temperature changes and the pain lingers, it could point to tooth decay, worn enamel, or exposed roots due to gum recession.

Preventive tips:

• Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid brushing too hard, which can cause gums to shrink.
• Limit sugary foods and acidic beverages.

If sensitivity persists, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dave or Dr. Shah for an evaluation.

6. Swelling or Pain Near Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth start to erupt, they often cause discomfort and swelling in the back of the mouth. If the pain becomes intense or your gums feel sore and inflamed, it may be due to impacted wisdom teeth or infection around the tooth root.

Possible solutions:

• Cleaning trapped food particles around the gums
• Antibiotic treatment for infection
• Wisdom tooth extraction for relief and long-term oral health protection

7. Jaw or Ear Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Persistent jaw pain or ear pain may stem from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or pressure from an infected tooth. Some patients describe a dull ache that spreads across the face or head.

When to worry:
If the discomfort affects your ability to chew or open your mouth fully, or if it’s accompanied by swelling, seek emergency dental care. You may need X-rays to rule out tooth fracture, infection, or joint inflammation.

8. Visible Cracks, Breaks, or Loose Teeth

If you can feel or see a cracked tooth, broken tooth, or loose restoration, it’s crucial to get it repaired quickly. These conditions expose your dental pulp and sensitive nerves, leaving you vulnerable to infection and decay.

Depending on the damage, Dr. Dave or Dr. Shah may recommend:

• Bonding for small fractures
• Dental crowns for larger breaks
• Root canal therapy if the inner pulp is exposed