Holiday-Related Toothaches: When To Get Help

Eating candy on the holidays is a common tradition that both adults and children can enjoy. Unfortunately, too much sugar could lead to toothache, which may be a more serious problem than it seems at first. As a result, it is critical to take this problem seriously and visit a dentist under specific circumstances. Doing so might just save the tooth from total loss.

When to Get Help for a Toothache

It's not uncommon to suffer a toothache when eating sugary foods during the holidays, such as the many delicious meals available on Easter. However, a persistent toothache after a reasonable period (a couple of hours) may be a cause for alarm because there could be a more serious dental issue.

For example, extra sugar might cause decay in a tooth that could expose its nerves and lead to potential problems. Furthermore, that extra sugar could convert into plaque and affect a tooth's overall health.

It is important to seriously consider visiting a dentist during the holiday seasons when:

  • The Pain Worsens: When light pain becomes more severe with time, there may be more problematic and lingering decay throughout the tooth that could worsen and lead to infections.
  • The Tooth Loosens: If a painful tooth feels loose in the gums or wiggles at the touch, it is important to see a dentist right away. The tooth may fall out if it is allowed to worsen and decay further.
  • The Gums Get Affected: When pain spreads to the gums or seems to worsen into infections around the tooth, the toothache may be more severe and need a dentist to properly manage.
  • The Mouth Gets Inflamed: Inflammation or swelling throughout the mouth near the toothache may be a serious problem that could lead to long-term tooth decay in other areas of the mouth.

These problems may worsen when more sugar is added to the mouth and could even lead to sensitivity to temperature changes. Dentists can help with these symptoms by doing a deep cleaning of the affected area and inspecting it for signs of serious decay and plaque.

Getting Help for a Toothache

When a toothache becomes severe enough, it may be possible to get emergency dental care without an appointment. People interested in using emergency dental care may need to talk with their dentist about what kind of toothache treatment options are available. Doing so can help prepare them for various treatments, including drilling the tooth and inserting a filling to protect its interior from damage.


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