A toothache can range from a minor annoyance to debilitating pain that makes it impossible to eat, sleep, or concentrate. While some toothaches resolve on their own or can wait for a regular dental appointment, others require immediate attention from Dr. Rubel at Coral West Dental in Coralville. Understanding when your toothache becomes an emergency can prevent serious complications and unnecessary suffering.

Common Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches happen for many reasons:

• Tooth decay or cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth abscess or infection
• Damaged or cracked teeth
• Exposed tooth roots
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Sinus infections (can mimic dental pain)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Loose or broken fillings

The cause of your toothache determines whether you need emergency care or if it can wait.

Toothache Pain Relief at Home

While waiting to see Dr. Rubel, these remedies can provide temporary relief:

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) reduces both pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) helps with pain but not inflammation
• Follow dosage instructions carefully
• Never place aspirin directly on gums—it can burn tissue

Cold Compress

• Apply to the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes
• Reduces swelling and numbs pain
• Use a barrier between ice and skin

Salt Water Rinse

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water
• Swish gently for 30 seconds
• Helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria
• Repeat several times daily

Clove Oil

• Natural numbing agent with antibacterial properties
• Dab a small amount on the affected area with a cotton swab
• Don’t use excessively as it can irritate gums

Elevate Your Head

• Sleep with your head elevated on pillows
• Reduces blood flow to the area, minimizing throbbing pain

Avoid Triggers

• Stay away from very hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Don’t chew on the affected side
• Avoid alcohol and smoking

When a Toothache Is a Dental Emergency

While home remedies can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying cause. Call Coral West Dental immediately if you experience:

Severe, Persistent Pain

If pain is intense and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication, you need professional care. Severe pain often indicates a serious problem like an abscess or infected pulp.

Swelling

Swelling in your face, jaw, or gums signals infection. If accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that closes your eye or affects your neck, seek immediate medical attention—this can be life-threatening.

Signs of Infection

Watch for:

• Fever over 101°F
• Foul taste or odor in your mouth
• Pus or discharge from the gum
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck

Dental infections can spread to other parts of your body, including your brain or heart, if left untreated.

Pain Lasting More Than 1-2 Days

If your toothache persists beyond a day or two, even if it’s manageable, schedule an appointment. Ongoing pain indicates an issue that won’t resolve without professional treatment.

Sensitivity That Lingers

Brief sensitivity to hot or cold is normal. But if sensitivity lasts more than 30 seconds after the stimulus is removed, the tooth’s nerve may be damaged or dying.

Pain When Biting or Chewing

This can indicate:

• A cracked tooth
• Decay reaching the nerve
• An abscess at the root
• Problems with a filling or crown

Bleeding or Discharge

Bleeding gums, especially with pus, point to advanced gum disease or infection.

Trauma-Related Toothaches

If your toothache follows an injury, you should be seen promptly even if there’s no visible damage. Internal tooth fractures or nerve damage may not be immediately apparent.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Tooth Pain

Many people try to “tough out” a toothache, hoping it will go away. While pain may temporarily subside, the underlying problem almost never resolves without treatment. In fact, if pain suddenly stops after being severe, it might mean the tooth’s nerve has died—but the infection is still present and spreading.

Delaying treatment often means:

• More extensive and expensive procedures
• Greater risk of tooth loss
• Possible infection spreading to other areas
• More pain and discomfort in the long run

Trust Your Instincts

If your toothache is severe enough to disrupt your daily life, keep you awake at night, or cause significant concern, that’s reason enough to call. Dr. Rubel and the team at Coral West Dental would rather see you for a minor issue than have a small problem become a major emergency.

Experiencing toothache pain in Coralville? Don’t suffer needlessly. Contact Coral West Dental today for same-day emergency appointments and compassionate care from Dr. Rubel.