Visit an Emergency Room Instead of Urgent Care Clinic : Toothaches
Mouth pain can be caused by an infected tooth, but it could also indicate something much more serious like a stroke. Try to determine what’s causing your pain before you head over. If you’re going out on a date or to an important meeting, maybe wait until morning. But if your pain is moderate or severe and seems severe enough that it may be from something like a brain tumor, don’t hesitate to head straight for emergency care. It may save your life.
Even if you think you can handle it, make sure it’s a true toothache. A lot of pain comes from other sources and can be easily treated with over-the-counter medication. Toothaches that last longer than 3 hours or those accompanied by swelling or redness in your face should be treated immediately at a medical facility. Don’t ignore it!
A surprising number of people end up in an emergency room because they’re having toothaches. While you could try treating a toothache at home with over-the-counter painkillers, these might not get rid of your discomfort—and they could be harmful if used incorrectly. If you don’t want to take any chances, always head straight for an emergency room when your teeth start hurting. A dentist will likely be able to give you fast relief or, if necessary, treat whatever underlying problem may be causing your pain.
It is important to take a toothache seriously. You could have something serious going on, such as a dental abscess. An abscess is caused by an infection of tissue that surrounds one or more teeth. Left untreated, it can result in pus collection in your mouth and damage your gums and other nearby structures. If you think you may have an abscess, visit your dentist immediately—especially if there is fever along with pain or swelling in your face and neck.
