What Can Happen if I Ignore my Toothache?

Life for many people is busier than ever, which is why some do not get treatment for a toothache. Perhaps you work outside of the home, attend school, or run a household. With a lot of responsibility, it is easy to avoid visiting a dental clinic for a toothache. Rather than feeling tempted to put your oral health last, you need to make it one of your top priorities.

Is ignoring a toothache a big deal?

Even when someone has a mild toothache, it could be the first sign that a more serious problem is developing. By not getting the proper dental treatment, people could put all their teeth and gums at risk. What seems like a normal toothache could impact other parts of the body. The pain of a toothache is the body’s way to signal that a problem exists. So, it is never a good idea to ignore a toothache. When it comes to oral health, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Spreading decay

Decay damages the teeth by creating tiny holes known as cavities. Although cavities cannot spread to other teeth, decay can. As a result, additional cavities can impact other teeth. In some cases, an untreated cavity can lead to infection. That means an individual would develop a toothache in response to the cavity and the infection. Unfortunately, by ignoring the pain, the infection could spread to the surrounding teeth and gums or to other places within the body.

Gum disease

Here is another reason why it is never a good idea to ignore a toothache. Without proper treatment, an individual could end up with gum disease. Although it takes time to develop, this could lead to a devastating outcome. The longer a person ignores a toothache, the greater the risk of gum disease.

Hidden issues

Perhaps one of the more surprising reasons not to ignore a toothache is that the pain might not come from a tooth. To the individual, it feels as though the tooth is the site of the discomfort. In reality, it could be due to sores and swelling in other areas of the mouth. Most often, this relates to bacteria in the gums, which then cause oral disease.

Extractions and crowns

Not visiting a dental clinic to have a toothache investigated and treated could result in extraction or a crown. Depending on the patient’s situation, a dentist can offer to pull the affected tooth. The other option is to place a permanent crown on top of it after correcting the problem. An individual can avoid both simply by going to the dentist for a toothache.

Preventing toothaches

Keeping teeth safe from pain is a top priority. This can happen through simple practices. Seeing the dentist for routine dental checks can clean teeth with professional devices and products. The dentist can also perform a fluoride treatment to add a strong, protective layer. Any cavity will receive fillings before each one becomes bigger and deeper.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can strengthen the body’s immune system. This will enable the body to fight off any forming infection in the teeth and gums. Removing processed foods from the grocery list can help cut down the sugars that bacteria feed on. This will lower a person’s risk for infections and tooth pain.

Regular flossing and brushing can remove food particles and plaque from teeth. Flossing can clean the difficult areas between teeth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can help clean teeth without harming dental surfaces. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can remove leftover bacteria and food particles from brushing or flossing.

Wearing a mouthguard and helmet during outdoor adventures or contact sports can protect teeth from trauma. The impact of this type of injury can be superficial in the form of thin cracks. It can also give way to deeper damage that can lead to pulp infection. Dental cracks, chips, and fractures can cause pain. The dentist can repair the injured tooth with a crown or root canal treatment. Severe cases may need an extraction.

Avoid getting a toothache

Seeing a dentist instead of ignoring a toothache is the right decision. Along with avoiding all the potential health-related issues, this allows you to maintain a beautiful smile. Remember to follow a good daily hygiene routine. Also, schedule a visit to a dental clinic every six months for an oral exam. In the long run, these actions will save you a lot of trouble.

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