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Unlike other issues, toothaches can seriously disrupt your quality of life. Besides making it harder to eat and speak, dental pain can escalate easily into a full-blown headache, disabling you from conducting your daily life activities. When this happens, visiting the dental office in Nashville, TN, is crucial to restore the health of your smile.  

Nevertheless, if you successfully ask yourself and answer these five questions, your emergency dentist can pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort.  

5 Must-Ask Questions Before an Emergency Dental Appointment

1. Where Is the Pain Located? 

Sometimes, locating the exact source of discomfort in the mouth can be tricky. Carefully press around the suspected area using your tongue or a clean finger. 

Tap lightly on each tooth with your fingernail or the end of a toothbrush handle. Increased pain when tapping may help isolate the problem. 

2. Are You Sensitive to Cold and Hot Temperatures? 

Several factors can cause tooth pain, so identifying potential pain triggers can help us determine the problem area more effectively. 

Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks may indicate nerve involvement, often seen in teeth needing root canal treatment. Similarly, discomfort when eating sugar or acids may point to early decay or enamel erosion. 

On the other hand, pressure when chewing is a key indicator of a cracked or abscessed tooth.

3. Are the Gums Surrounding the Area Inflamed? 

Along with your toothache, have you recently noticed that your gums seem inflamed or bleed when you floss? You might suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, a common oral health condition. Studies have shown that 75% of adults over 35 in the US have some form of gum disease, but many are unaware that they have it. 

Untreated gum disease can have adverse effects on your general health, such as heart and respiratory conditions, strokes, and pregnancy complications. Make sure to visit the dentist if you’re noticing gum inflammation!

4. Are You Grinding Your Teeth While You Sleep? 

Do you wake up with jaw pain or headaches? If so, you might be experiencing teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. 

A misaligned bite, stress, medication, or a sleep disorder are some causes of this problem. Visit a dentist to examine bruxism as soon as possible because, if untreated, it can result in broken teeth, muscle soreness, and other issues.

5. When Was Your Last Dental Check-Up? 

The American Dental Association advises that you schedule a routine examination with your dentist every six months. If you have been in pain from your teeth and have not visited the dentist in a long time, it might be time to make an appointment. 

Your dentist will examine you in detail and take precautions to ensure you don’t experience this kind of dental pain again.

Visit a Dental Office in Nashville, TN, and Say Goodbye to Discomfort 

Dental infection, decay, trauma, or tooth loss are some causes of tooth pain. Dentists employ diagnostic instruments such as dental X-rays to determine the source of excruciating tooth pain. 

However, your explanation of the symptoms also offers us key insights into where the problem may lie, helping us determine the best course of treatment. If you have successfully asked yourself these questions and are ready to explore available solutions, contact Greenwood Local Dentistry today!