How long can you wait with a toothache? A toothache is easy to put off, especially when the pain is mild or comes and goes. You may think you can wait a few days and see if it gets better.
Sometimes that is reasonable. But a toothache can also be your first warning that something more serious is happening inside or around the tooth.
The important thing to understand is that tooth pain usually has a cause, even when the pain is temporary.
How Long Is It Safe to Wait With a Toothache?
There is no universal timeline because it depends on what is causing the pain.
A tooth that is mildly sensitive for a few seconds after drinking something cold may have a very different problem than a tooth that throbs constantly or hurts when you bite down.
In general, if tooth pain lasts more than a day or two, keeps returning, or is getting worse, it is a good idea to have it evaluated by a dentist.
Waiting longer does not necessarily mean the problem will become more serious, but some dental problems can progress without causing constant pain.
Why Does a Toothache Happen?
Tooth pain can have many causes, including:
- A cavity that has reached deeper into the tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- An infection
- An abscess
- A loose or damaged filling
- Gum disease
- Tooth sensitivity
- Problems with a dental crown
- Sinus pressure that is affecting the upper teeth
Sometimes the source of the pain is obvious. Other times, a tooth can look completely normal while a problem is developing underneath the surface.
What If the Toothache Goes Away?
This is one of the most misleading things about tooth pain.
If your tooth hurts for several days and then suddenly stops, that does not necessarily mean the problem has fixed itself. In some cases, pain can temporarily disappear because inflammation changes or because the nerve inside the tooth is no longer responding normally.
A cavity, crack, or infection can continue progressing even when the pain subsides.
That is why recurring tooth pain is worth taking seriously.
When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?
You should seek prompt dental care if tooth pain is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Swelling around the gums
- Fever
- A bad taste or drainage in your mouth
- Significant pain that is getting worse
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- A tooth that has been knocked out or severely damaged
Severe swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing can require emergency medical attention.
What Can You Do Until You See a Dentist?
If you are waiting for an appointment, keep the area clean and continue brushing and flossing gently. Avoid chewing on the painful side and avoid very hot or cold foods if they make the pain worse.
Over-the-counter pain medication may provide temporary relief when used according to the package directions and if it is safe for you to take.
Avoid putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. It can irritate or burn the tissue.
The Bottom Line
If you have a toothache that does not go away, keeps coming back, or is getting worse, it is better to find out what is causing it than to simply wait and hope it disappears.
A toothache can be caused by something relatively simple, but it can also be a sign of decay, a crack, infection, or another problem that becomes more difficult to treat when ignored.
If you are unsure whether your toothache can wait, having it evaluated is the safest way to know what you are dealing with.
At Kakaris Family Dentistry, Dr. Kakaris and Dr. Kakaris Porter will identify the source of your pain and recommend the best treatment to relieve your discomfort and protect your smile.