Toothaches are an important sign that there is a problem
If a tooth has been bothering you, and you are finding it hard to convince yourself that its time to visit the dentist, this article is for you. Most of us believe that toothache is not anything serious unless it becomes debilitating and makes it hard for you to eat and go about your daily life. The truth is that toothache that persists or worsens with time is a sign of an underlying problem and must be examined by a dentist. Here are some common types of tooth pain that you should not ignore:
- Shooting or throbbing pain: If you are experiencing throbbing or shooting pain in a localized area in the mouth, it could be a sign of an ignored cavity that has become infected.
- Swollen, sore or bleeding gums: Sore or bloody gums, when ignored, can lead to serious jawbone problems and even tooth loss.
- Jaw pain: Jaw pain in the rear of mouth can indicate a problem with wisdom tooth.
- Temperature sensitivity: If your tooth has become extra sensitive to hot and cold foods, it could be due to inflamed pulp resulting from physical trauma or serious tooth decay.
- Pain when chewing: If you experience a sharp tooth pain every time you chew on something, you could be suffering from a cracked tooth that has led to pulp damage.
- Unexplained headaches: Damaged pulp does not just affect your tooth, but it can also cause neck pain, ear pain and even headaches.
Why you should not ignore any toothache?
It is important not to ignore any kind of toothache as it can lead to more serious problems that are harder and more expensive to treat. Some top reasons why tooth pain should be diagnosed and treated by a dentist are:
- Cavities: The most common cause of toothache is a cavity. They are not always serious and cause of immediate concern, but when left ignored for a long time, they can have serious effects on not just the affected tooth but the surrounding teeth as well. It is not a risk worth taking.
- Tooth infection: Tooth can become infected and when left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause dental decay, tooth loss and even gum disease. Moreover, in worse and rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread infection to other parts of the body. So, any kind of tooth infection should be diagnosed and treated immediately.
- Gum disease: Gum disease is not something that you will develop overnight, there are signs and symptoms that you should watch out for. Swelling, pain and bleeding gums are the most common signs of gum disease. In fact, sometimes the gum pain may feel as if you are experiencing tooth pain. The pain actually comes from inflamed gums or sores in and around the mouth. Delaying treatment can make the condition worse.
- Enamel erosion: Enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects it from infection and harm. If you are experiencing consistent pain, pain when biting or when eating hot or cold things, it could be a sign of enamel erosion. Ignoring the pain would not be of any help and you will continue to suffer unless you get the right treatment.
Won’t the toothache go on its own?
Unfortunately, toothache does not normally resolve on its own. In fact, it tends to get worse if left untreated. At the initial stages of the problem, a simple filling may solve the problem, but once the pulp is infected or an abscess is formed, you will need more complex treatment such as a Root Canal Treatment and antibiotics to save the tooth. In worse cases, an extraction may be necessary.
If you are suffering from toothache of any sort, make sure not to ignore it and have it examined by a dentist. Regular dental checkups can help identify the problem in its initial stages and prevent it from getting worse.
