Toothaches are a miserable experience characterized by sharp, throbbing pain, but some people stubbornly refuse to see the dentist about it. Perhaps they are anxious about the dentist’s office, or the toothache seems to have gone away on its own. The bad news is that an untreated toothache can lead to serious long-term consequences such as tooth loss, blood poisoning, or death. Read on to learn just how serious your toothache can be and why you should see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
What Causes a Toothache?
Tooth decay, which is one of the most common causes of toothaches, begins with dental cavities, which are bacterial infections that do not get better on their own. If left untreated, a cavity will breach the tooth’s hard enamel and dentin layers until it reaches the pulp underneath. When bacteria infect the pulp, the tissue within becomes inflamed, irritating the nerve endings within. The nerves send a distress signal to the brain, causing the patient to feel pain.
Toothaches can also be caused by dental injury, receding gums, and food being wedged between teeth. A toothache that began in one of these ways is extremely unlikely to develop into anything life-threatening.
How Can a Toothache Be Fatal?
Tooth decay will not heal without professional intervention, and if allowed to progress, the infection will result in tooth loss and may spread to other teeth. To make matters worse, the infection can also spread to other parts of the body. A tooth’s pulp contains blood vessels that can carry bacteria throughout the body to cause secondary infections. This can cause all sorts of issues, including those that have the potential to become life-threatening such as sepsis and heart disease. A patient who refuses to see a dentist for a toothache will hopefully be taken to an emergency room before that point.
What Should I Do When I Have a Toothache?
If you have a toothache, you should schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible. If the cause of the issue is extensive decay, your dentist will most likely be able to treat the problem with a root canal, during which the infected tissue will be removed and the tooth will be sanitized, sealed, and protected with a crown. If a dentist is not immediately available, you can go to an emergency room. They will probably give you antibiotics and pain relievers to tide you over until you can get to the dentist’s office. You might also try applying a drop of clove oil to the affected tooth.
Toothaches are bad news, but your dentist is fully equipped to stop the pain and make your teeth as good as new. If you are suffering from sharp, throbbing pain in your tooth, getting to the dentist as soon as possible can help keep your smile and the rest of your body healthy for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Teresa Knott earned her dental doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and has almost two decades of experience as a general dentist. She has pursued continuing education at the Texas Dental Study Club and at classes offered by SPEAR Education. Her practice offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you have a toothache and need help, contact her office in Garland, TX online or dial (972) 530-5200.