Having a dental emergency? Most dental emergencies are nowhere near the severity of other medical emergencies.

In most cases, it’s the potential of extreme pain that is the issue, not health. You should still call your dentist right away.

In this article, we’ll address the issue of what to do if you are in pain while you are eating. This is a sign that something is amiss and should be addressed ASAP.

What Causes Tooth Pain While Eating?

• It could mean your tooth is cracked. If you catch this early, the sooner you crown it, the less likelihood there will be a root canal or loss of the tooth because you’re stopping the cracking from progressing by stabilizing it with a crown.
• It could also mean it’s not tooth pain, but muscle pain when you bite, caused by night time or daytime grinding. These aren’t emergencies, so book an appointment within the month.
• It could also be a tooth abscess

What to Do

• Make an appointment to see your dentist.
  Don’t chew on that tooth because the next chew or bite could result in loss of the tooth with a crack that goes all the way through the tooth.

With most dental emergencies, severe pain may be a factor. If you can’t manage the pain without painkillers you might consider Panadol and/or ibuprofen – but only if you have no previous allergies or medications that can interact with these painkillers. You can check with your doctor and pharmacy but these two painkillers are the most commonly used to curb dental pain. Codeine or tramadol can be added in extreme cases but you will need a prescription for this.

If you have a dental emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to give you guidance and support.

This article was reviewed and approved by Dr. Furlan. Dr. Camelia Furlan is practicing dentist, mother, wife, entrepreneur, health educator, life coach and author. Over the past 23 years, Dr Furlan has discovered the many secrets to being successful in all other aspects of life…relationships, health, wealth, and career. Read her full bio