Tooth problems - just hearing these words can make you imagine the pain, can’t it? A toothache is one of the most common problems faced by people of all age groups, though the reasons behind it may vary.
Most of us assume that a toothache will disappear on its own or, at the max, take an over-the-counter painkiller to get rid of the pain. But many times the problem may not be as simple as it looks. Some toothaches are mild and short-lived, while others are signs of deeper dental issues that should never be ignored.
In this blog, let’s learn about the reasons for toothache, its symptoms, its effects when it is ignored, and the treatment available.
Understanding Toothache Reasons
Toothache is a clear sign that your mouth needs care. The causes of a toothache can be numerous, and many times they are not even painful at the beginning. That’s why people tend to ignore when the tooth hurts initially, but gradually, bacteria build up. Not maintaining oral hygiene and not getting regular dental checkups can worsen the condition.
Some of the common reasons for toothache include cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, infections, and abscesses. Each of these reasons can generate pain of various intensities and may require expert guidance if the problem is severe.
Common Toothache Symptoms To Watch For
The symptoms vary with the type of problem. For some, there might be a constant but mild pain, and some may experience a sharp pain while chewing or drinking hot/cold beverages.
Other symptoms include swelling in the face, especially the jaw line, inflammation in the gums, pain that extends up to the ear, persistent bad breath, and fever in case of infection. Paying attention to these signs in the early stages and taking proper action can help prevent further damage.
Why Ignoring a Toothache Can Be Risky
Ignoring can only worsen the condition of your tooth and may also infect other teeth and gums. The fact is that the pain will not go away by itself, and if the pain goes away suddenly, it does not necessarily mean that the tooth is healed; it may mean that the nerve in the tooth has died as a result of infection.
Spread of infections is one of the risks of neglecting to treat dental pain. A tiny cavity may escalate to a deep infection. A slightly sore tooth may develop into a very painful swelling. In some cases, the infection can reach the jawbone or nearby tissues, making the treatment more complicated.
Tooth loss is another result. When the tooth decay or infection is very severe, it becomes impossible to save the tooth. Root Canal Treatment (RCT) or tooth extraction is then the only option left. A missing tooth replacement would require additional procedures and incur extra costs.
Therefore, if you want to know what happens if your toothache is left untreated, the answer is that it can turn a dental problem that is easy to fix into a serious health issue.
How To Prevent Tooth Infections?
Tooth infections can be prevented by practising proper oral care habits. Many times, the major reason for the tooth being infected is that bacteria remain on the teeth and gums for a long time. So, brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps get rid of the plaque and food particles, the main cause of decay. Flossing is another way of maintaining oral hygiene. It helps clean the areas between the teeth where the brush cannot reach.
Keeping a watch on the intake of food also helps in preventing tooth problems. Limiting sugar-based foods, soft drinks, and hard objects like ice can help your teeth from damaging. Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth clean throughout the day.
If you are prone to teeth grinding or into sports, small cracks or injuries are likely to happen, and these damages allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection. So, wearing a mouth guard can be helpful to a large extent.
Common Home Remedies For Toothache
If your toothache is mild and you want temporary relief until you see a dentist, you can try the following home remedies:
- Saltwater Gargling: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps reduce bacterial growth and reduce inflammation of the gums.
- Clove Oil: Clove has pain-relieving properties; applying a small amount of oil to the affected area may ease the discomfort.
- Garlic: Placing crushed garlic on the infected area may help alleviate pain as it is packed with anti-bacterial properties.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (diluted): Rinsing with this diluted solution helps kill bacteria and reduce plaque.
When to See a Dentist for a Toothache?
You must book an appointment with your dentist when you have tooth pain for more than a day and it is accompanied by swelling and fever. Bleeding gums, constant sensitivity to hot and cold food, and pain while chewing are also some problems that need immediate attention.
Identifying the signs early and visiting the dentist on time can sabe your time, money, and the process would be simple, quick, and less painful. One must make it a habit of getting dental checkups done at least twice a year.
Act Early and Protect Your Teeth
Toothache is a condition that you should never tolerate or simply ignore It is a signal from your body that something requires attention. Knowing the causes of toothache, recognizing the symptoms of toothache, and being aware of the risks involved with leaving a toothache untreated are all factors that can help you in making wise decisions.
In case you experience dental pain, give it serious consideration. Taking early action will save your teeth, health, and peace of mind. If you are searching for a well-equipped dental clinic in Belagavi with experienced professionals, One Dentall is the ideal choice. Visit their website for more information and an appointment for dental treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a toothache go away on its own?
You may experience that the toothache is gone because it was mild, but it does not mean that the problem is gone forever. Many times, the pain reduces temporarily, but there might be underlying issues such as decay and infection. So, it is better to consult a dentist and prevent further damage.
2. Why has my tooth stopped hurting?
The reason why your tooth stopped hurting may be because the inflammation has subsided or the nerve inside the tooth is dead due to the infection. Get yourself checked to identify the root cause.
3. What's worse than a toothache?
Tooth problems are painful, but ignoring them may lead to complications like swelling in the face, abscess, sepsis, and infection in the brain, lungs, and heart.
4. Are toothaches common in children?
Due to poor brushing habits, eating sugary snacks, and cavities, children may have toothaches. Parents must pay attention to their behaviour, like constantly crying, not letting touch their teeth and taking them to the doctor immediately.
5. I am an expecting mother. How can I treat my toothache?
Expectant moms should not ignore a toothache, but do not self medicate. If the pain is mild, salt water gargling or a cold compress can be helpful. In case of severe pain, visit the dentist and let them know about your pregnancy so they can suggest safe treatments.
