Toothaches can seem like a simple and common problem, but more often than not, they’re a sign that something is seriously wrong with your oral health. The fact of the matter is that your teeth can’t fight off infection and disease on their own like other parts of your body. If you ignore a toothache for weeks or months, the problem will only get worse – potentially even dire.
Keep reading to learn more about this dental emergency and why it’s so important to investigate tooth pain as soon as possible!
Toothache Causes
There are many potential causes for a toothache. It could be that a cavity has penetrated your enamel and is aggravating the more sensitive dentin or nerves. Maybe you sustained an injury, in which case a chip, crack, or fracture can also leave the tender parts of your tooth exposed. Or perhaps you simply grind your teeth at night and exert uneven pressure on your dental lineup.
These examples are problematic enough on their own, but the toothache culprit that can be truly deadly is an infection. Without treatment, the infection will spread. Over time, you might develop a pimple-like bump near your gumline called an abscess, and if you experience symptoms of fever or swelling, you’ll want to call your emergency dentist right away!
The Danger of a Spreading Infection
An untreated dental infection won’t be confined to your mouth. Weeks or months of unrestrained growth will eventually spread affects to the rest of your body, and could result in:
- Sepsis
- Difficulties breathing and swallowing
- Suffocation due to severe swelling
- Brain abscess
- Heart inflammation
- Pneumonia
These can be life-threatening complications, which is why you shouldn’t ignore a toothache! Call your emergency dentist instead so the problem can be taken care of ASAP.
What Should I Do About My Toothache?
Even if the underlying issue isn’t as serious as a tooth infection, it’s better to be on the safe side and contact your emergency dentist. Plus, other oral conditions can still cause unpleasant problems that should be treated sooner than later.
Now, if you do have an infection, your dentist might recommend a root canal treatment. Don’t let that scare you! Root canals have a bad reputation that’s undeserved. Nowadays, a local anesthetic is often enough to numb you completely. Plus, once your dentist gets inside your tooth to clean out the infection, you’ll be healthier and in less pain. Entrust your toothache to their care in a timely fashion, and you’ll avoid far scarier alternatives.
About the Dentist
Dr. Tavi Henry earned his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry. His gentle touch and laid-back nature help patients feel comfortable and safe, even during a dental emergency.
If you have a toothache that needs to be investigated and checked for infection, Dr. Henry will give you his full attention and help get your oral health back on track. For questions, concerns, or to request a same-day emergency appointment, call his office at 303-984-1400.