Categories: Operations Update

Emergency Dentistry and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disease: When Is Tooth Pain Considered a Dental Emergency?

Like other health care issues, emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease are generating a lot of discussions. The virus is pervading life everywhere, rearranging routines and schedules. The pandemic has not halted oral health concerns. Still, dental offices are not currently doing routine exams and non-emergency appointments. If you are confused about whether tooth pain falls into the emergency category, learn more about what your dentist can do for this issue.

Understanding COVID-19

The coronavirus is a respiratory disease caused by a new virus. It started in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since spread worldwide. It has infected more than 1.5 million people, taking the lives of more than 150,000. It passes from one person to another through sneezing and coughing droplets. People can also get it by touching infected contact points and then touching their face. Symptoms include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.

The causes of tooth pain

Most people have suffered a toothache at some point in life. In many cases, the pain is fleeting and moderate. These situations should cause little concern. If the pain becomes more intense and long-lasting, the person should seek dental care.

A toothache usually indicates that the person has tooth decay. This occurs when the patient develops poor oral health habits such as not brushing or flossing enough. Eating excessive amounts of sugar can also cause this discomfort. Other sources of tooth pain include an injury to a tooth from a blow to the face.

Emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease: when to get care for a toothache

Due to current restrictions on receiving dental care, patients should be cautious about making appointments. Not all toothaches are emergencies. However, there are some clues to help people know whether to go to the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the pain is continuous and continues to get worse, it is an emergency. Also, patients should pay attention to whether they have a swollen jaw or inflamed gums. A sure indication that emergency care is required is if the tooth pain is so intense that the person cannot accomplish basic tasks.

When to wait

People should understand emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease issues and why staying home is important. Patients should avoid unnecessary travel, even for some types of dental care. If a person’s toothache only shows up infrequently, it is probably not an emergency. Also, be aware of the severity of the discomfort. If the pain is slowly going away, a visit to the dentist’s office can probably wait a few more weeks or longer.

Your dentist knows

If you are still confused about what you should do for your toothache, call your dentist. Emergency dentistry and the Coronavirus COVID-19 disease will continue to be at the forefront of your dentist’s mind. If you have urgent needs, do not procrastinate getting care. At the same time, if your toothache is moderate and does not affect your ability to eat, it is not likely an emergency. Take care of your oral health when emergency needs arise. Also, be mindful of the risks during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Related Posts

Your Dental Practice Explains The Correct Way To Floss

Flossing is an essential oral hygiene habit, and your dental practice can show you the right way to do it. The process can dislodge bits of plaque and food stuck between the teeth. That reduces the plaque and bacteria buildup, preventing cavities and decay. Many people brush the teeth, but flossing is not as common.…

Reasons To Visit A Dental Practice Regularly

Visiting a dental practice is an important way of protecting your teeth from decay and cavities. Many people have oral health conditions and do not get regular care. But dental practice visits are crucial in finding issues with the teeth early on so that treatment can begin. Keep reading to learn more about why you…

Can Gum Disease Treatment Restore My Oral Health?

Gum disease treatment plays a powerful role in restoring oral health and protecting the foundation of the teeth. When plaque and tartar accumulate along the gumline, the supporting tissues begin to weaken, leading to bleeding, swelling, and eventually bone loss. Left unaddressed, gum disease increases the risk of tooth loss and can affect overall health.…

Inna Goykman-Amir DDS

Share
Published by
Inna Goykman-Amir DDS

Recent Posts

Your Dental Practice Explains the Correct Way to Floss

Flossing is an essential oral hygiene habit, and your dental practice can show you the…

1 week ago

Reasons to Visit a Dental Practice Regularly

Visiting a dental practice is an important way of protecting your teeth from decay and…

3 weeks ago

Can Gum Disease Treatment Restore My Oral Health?

Gum disease treatment plays a powerful role in restoring oral health and protecting the foundation…

3 weeks ago

How a Dental Practice Catches Early Oral Issues

Patients should keep on top of dental practice visits to prevent common oral issues. Gum…

4 weeks ago

Healthy Gum Care From a Dental Practice

Patients’ health depends on having healthy gums, so many dental practices have tips on that.…

1 month ago

Top 5 Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

A dental implant is a worthwhile tooth replacement option because of its longevity, ability to…

1 month ago