Toothaches can happen for a wide range of reasons, and some of them are much more serious than others. For example, one person’s toothache may be resolved by a thorough flossing session while another’s may require intensive restorative dental care. However, you may not be aware of how the infection that causes a toothache may spread to other parts of the body. Here’s a brief guide to the consequences of ignoring severe dental pain and how your emergency dentist can help.
What Causes Toothache?
The type and severity of your toothache depends on what is causing it. A few possibilities include:
- Something stuck between the teeth: Having a large stubborn object caught between the teeth can cause persistent discomfort.
- Recent trauma: A mild blow to the mouth or biting too hard into something may leave the tissues that support a tooth stressed and achy.
- Worn enamel: If the enamel has become thin due to grinding, chipping, or acid exposure, your teeth may become unusually sensitive to hot and cold.
- Dental infection: If the bacteria causing a cavity breach the outer layers of a tooth and infect the enamel, you will probably experience the rapid onset of severe and miserable pain that requires immediate attention from a dentist.
How Can a Toothache Be Life-Threatening?
Some research suggests that leaving a toothache caused by infection untreated can allow germs to spread from the oral tissues to the rest of the body. This may lead to a range of serious health issues like pneumonia and sepsis. These conditions can be life-threatening, and a person who ignores their toothache for too long may eventually require a trip to the emergency room.
How Do I Know if I Need to See My Emergency Dentist?
Your toothache may not be a major problem depending on what causes it. If the pain is caused by an object stuck in your teeth, you should be able to resolve it with careful flossing, and you may be able to reduce dental sensitivity by using a desensitizing toothpaste. However, contact your emergency dentist if your dental pain persists after a day or two or if the pained tooth has a visible cavity.
Don’t let your toothache become a life-threatening disaster. Seeking help from your emergency dentist in a timely manner can help you avoid tooth loss as well as a plethora of overall health problems.
About the Practice
BridgeMill Dental Care offers the finest oral health services available in Indian Land. Led by Drs. James Candon, Daniel Carver, and Phil Squatrito, the staff ensures that each patient receives outstanding customer service alongside genuine compassion and the utmost courtesy. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are experiencing a severe toothache, dial (803) 650-3925. For more information, contact the office online.