At some point, you might get a toothache, which can range from a small ache due to a cavity to more serious pain. While some toothaches can be fixed easily with a filling, others might mean there’s a bigger problem. But can ignoring these serious toothaches ever be dangerous enough to be life-threatening? Let’s look into whether toothaches can cause serious problems and how your dentist can help fix them.
Potentially Fatal Tooth Pain
Deep inside your tooth, there are nerves tucked away in a part called the pulp. When cavities, cracks, or wearing away of the enamel expose these sensitive layers, it can make them irritated. If tooth decay or big injuries aren’t treated and the irritation reaches the pulp, it can get infected. This infection can lead to a dental abscess, where pus builds up inside the tooth.
Unlike infections in other parts of the body, dental infections don’t go away by themselves or with antibiotics. That’s why it’s really important to get help from a dentist quickly.
If you don’t get treatment, your mouth could swell a lot, making it hard to breathe and swallow. Also, bacteria could get into your bloodstream, which might cause a serious condition called sepsis. Sepsis can harm important organs like your kidneys, lungs, or heart, and it can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s really important to get help as soon as you can.
5 Symptoms of a Dental Abscess
When you have a toothache, it’s important to watch out for signs that might mean you have a dental abscess. Some common signs include:
- Pus, swelling, or duscharge coming out around the hurting tooth
- A little bump near the hurting tooth on your gums
- Feeling a sharp pain when you chew or bite
- The tooth getting darker or feeling loose
- The tooth pain suddenly going away
What to Do If Your Tooth Hurts
If you have a toothache, it’s really important to call your emergency dentist right away. When you talk to them, make sure to tell them how the pain feels and anything else worrying about the tooth. Your dentist will set up a time for you to come in and teach you how to deal with the toothache for now. They might suggest rinsing with warm salt water or mouthwash to get rid of bacteria around the sore tooth.
You can ease the pain and swelling by putting an ice pack on the sore area. Taking over-the-counter pain medicine can also help until your dentist can check your tooth. If you see a bump on your gums, it’s best not to touch it and wait for your dentist to examine it to figure out what the issue is.
While not all toothaches mean something serious, they can sometimes be a sign of a really bad oral health problem. So, it’s really important to tell your dentist right away if you have any of the symptoms we talked about. That way, they can give you treatment that works quickly and well.
About the Practice
Looking for a dental clinic in Peebles and Waverly that can take care of all your dental needs might seem tough. But don’t worry, because CP Family Dentistry is here for you. They’re experts in everything from small cavities to big reconstructive treatments. If you have a toothache, their really good team can figure out what’s wrong and fix it fast, so you can get back to smiling without pain. For more info or to make an appointment, you can visit CP Family Dentistry’s website for the contact details for their two convenient offices.