A toothache is something many of us attempt to disregard in the hopes that it will disappear on its own. Maybe it’s a dull ache or occasional throb, and we think it is not bad enough to schedule a dental visit. But ignoring a toothache can lead to much bigger problems down the road – problems that can affect not only your teeth but your overall health.

A toothache, either a dull pain or a stabbing pain, is your body’s way of informing you that something is wrong. In this blog, we will talk about why you should never disregard a toothache and what will happen if you let it continue without seeing a dentist.

Understand the Cause of a Toothache

A toothache is generally an indication of an underlying dental problem. It could be caused by something relatively trivial, like tooth decay, but it could also be a symptom of a more severe condition, like gum disease or infection. Following is a closer look at some of the most typical causes:

Tooth Decay: A cavity is one of the most common causes of a toothache. Decay will spread deeper into the tooth and even to the pulp if left untreated, causing an infection.

Gum Disease: Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a result of plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. It leads to inflamed, bleeding gums and, if not treated, will lead to the loss of a tooth.

Infection or Abscess: An infection by bacteria or an abscess, a pocket of pus, can be the result of a severe infection in the tooth or gums. This can be a serious health risk as the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Cracked or Broken Tooth: A toothache can be caused by an unnoticed crack or chip. These can worsen if left untreated and may require extensive dental work.

Paying no heed to these causes only allows them to grow and worsen over time, which is why early treatment is necessary.

The Risks of Failing to Treat a Toothache

As harmless as it appears, failing to treat a toothache can lead to a number of serious complications. Here’s why you should seek dental treatment immediately:

• More Pain and Discomfort: What starts as a dull ache can quickly become excruciating pain. Once the infection or decay spreads, it can make even normal activities such as eating and speaking very painful.
• Spread of Infection: If you don’t treat a tooth infection, it can spread beyond the tooth to the nearby gums, jawbone, or even your bloodstream. It can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis.
• Tooth Loss: If gum disease or a cavity goes untreated, the infected tooth can become so damaged that it cannot be saved. This can lead to tooth extraction, which might have been preventable with early treatment.
• Impact on Overall Health: Your dental health is directly linked to your overall health. Untreated dental problems have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Neglecting a toothache could put your entire body at risk.

Your safest bet is visiting a dentist near Auburn in the dental office of Discover Dental. 

Why You Should Not Wait to See a Dentist

When you have a toothache, it is simple to think that it will get better on its own. However, taking time before visiting a dentist will make things worse. Visiting a dentist near you will help make sure the issue does not escalate. Here is why you should seek online for a ‘dentist near me’ to make a difference:

• Early Detection: Dentists have the tools and the expertise to detect issues early. What may seem like a small problem can be the beginning of a much larger one. Getting checked early on spares you from complicated procedures down the line.
• Pain Relief: Dentists can eliminate pain right away with professional treatments. Filling a cavity, performing a root canal, or draining an abscess are all treatments that get you out of pain without suffering unnecessary discomfort.
• Better Long-Term Health: Regular dental checkups (twice a year), even when you’re not in pain, help keep your teeth and gums healthy. This can prevent the need for more extensive work later and help maintain your overall health.

If you are experiencing a toothache, don’t let it get worse. Letting the pain continue unchecked can lead to more severe issues and jeopardize your health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Auburn, schedule an appointment today with Discover Dental to avoid complications down the line.