A toothache might be minor; however, it could have severe implications when ignored. If you have always been one of those who ignored the pangs of sharp pains or those dull vibrations in the mouth, then you could risk more than discomfort.

A toothache is not an issue of pain but sometimes can be a sign that something is going wrong from the inside. Your body is screaming for help, which, upon being noticed, may spare you from bigger damage.

Ignoring toothaches may result in infections, tooth loss, and other problems outside your mouth. One might miss the golden opportunity to treat the problem early by dismissing a toothache. One could be opening oneself to expensive treatments or lifelong health problems.

The pain can be due to an abscess, gum disease, a cavity, or even a cracked tooth- all conditions needing timely attention. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of ignoring a toothache and the signs you need an emergency dentist.

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5 Reasons You Should Never Ignore a Toothache

Dental problems do not resolve themselves; they worsen with time. If a toothache goes too long without treatment, what was initially an easy situation to handle may soon become a dental emergency. 

So, continue reading to understand why you should never ignore a toothache.

1. Toothache Can Signal an Infection

A toothache can indicate infection. If bacteria break through to the inner layers of your tooth, that may mean inflammation and extreme pain. If left untreated, such an infection can spread to other body parts, including your jaw, face, and even your bloodstream. It could become severe enough to be life-threatening if the infection spreads and turns into sepsis.

If you feel swelling, fever, or persistent pain, it’s time to act. In this regard, an emergency dentist can diagnose your condition and offer the proper treatment to help cease the growth of an infection. Early treatment will prevent serious complications and maintain good health in general.

That said, Marvel Dental can be a good option for you. They offer comprehensive oral health care for individuals and families at two convenient locations in Fort Wayne and Huntington, Indiana. Their skilled team delivers top-quality preventive, general, cosmetic, pediatric, and emergency dental services, ensuring patients of all ages receive personalized care for healthy and confident smiles.

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2. Untreated Tooth Pain Can Lead to Tooth Loss

Having a toothache means that if you neglect it for a long time, it can take the entire tooth away. A toothache is generally due to decay or other damage. Prolonging treatment tends to worsen the condition. 

Cavity holes not filled would continue to be more profound, and the crack in your tooth would spread with time. At some point, your tooth may not get salvaged anymore.

3. Dental Problems Get More Expensive Over Time

Silencing the toothache does not mean you will spend less; rather, it means you will spend more. In time, what should have been a small cavity might develop into a root canal, a crown, or an extraction. All these procedures are relatively costlier than general fillings or simple preventative measures.

4. Tooth Pain Can Disrupt Your Daily Life

A toothache is not only distressing to the mouth itself but might make your whole life miserable. It could affect the ability to concentrate on work, enjoy eating, or get a good night’s sleep. Over-the-counter pain relievers may temporarily ease the problem, but they do not resolve it.

5. Can Lead to Systemic Health Issues

Your oral health can affect your overall health. A bacterial infection or periodontal disease that causes a toothache can become systemic if left untreated. Bacteria from your mouth will be released into your bloodstream and spread to other body parts. This elevates your risk factors for heart disease, diabetic complications, and other severe health conditions. To help prevent this, incorporating oral probiotics from Amazon.com into your daily routine can promote a balanced oral microbiome, reducing harmful bacteria and supporting both your oral and overall health.

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When to See an Emergency Dentist?

Not all toothaches are emergencies, but some symptoms will show you that these are what you need to see immediately. Awareness of what they are will help you take the proper steps toward protecting your health.

1. Pain Is Severe or Worsening

Pain severe enough to keep you awake at night, concentrate badly, or even fail to respond to over-the-counter medications. It is time to begin searching for help as it’s a warning that something’s wrong, like an abscess or exposed nerves.

An emergency dentist can immediately alleviate the situation and help decide on the best action. The more you delay, the greater your pain; swift moves shall save you from unnecessary suffering.

2. If You Notice Swelling or Redness

Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw is a warning sign that something is wrong. This could indicate an infection that requires urgent attention. An abscess, infection of the gum, or dental trauma is often characterized by redness and swelling.

3. When You Experience Fever or Other Symptoms

A fever with aching of the tooth is one surefire warning of an infection. Other symptoms include chills, nausea, or a bad taste in the mouth. These will show that such an infection could spread, and prompt treatment must be sought.

4. If You Have a Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

Dental injuries require immediate attention, especially if you’ve broken or knocked out a tooth. A broken tooth can expose the inner layers, leading to pain and infection. A knocked-out tooth has the best odds of being saved if you visit a dentist within an hour.

5. When Over-the-Counter Remedies Don’t Work

If you’ve tried home remedies or over-the-counter pain relievers and nothing seems to help, it’s time to see an emergency dentist. Persistent pain or discomfort often signals a deeper problem that won’t go away.

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Conclusion

It would be best if you never ignored a toothache. What starts as a mild inconvenience can quickly become a severe health issue if left untreated. 

Pain, swelling, and other symptoms are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. By acting quickly, you can prevent complications, save your teeth, and protect your overall health.

Knowing when to see an emergency dentist is just as important. Severe pain, swelling, fever, and dental injuries all require immediate attention. 

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse before you seek help. Taking action early ensures you get the necessary care and avoid unnecessary suffering.