Brushing and flossing twice daily strengthens your teeth and gums so you can better resist common problems like cavities, gum disease, and injuries. However, there’s no guarantee that you won’t ever have a dental emergency.

For example, you might develop a throbbing tooth out of the blue. If one or more of your pearly whites hurts, it’s natural to wonder whether you should contact your emergency dentist or if it can wait. Continue reading to learn more about three different toothaches and their potential causes so you know when to get help!