Have you developed a toothache but are unsure whether you require an emergency dental visit? After all, there are many potential causes behind sensitivity or tenderness, and some are more serious than others. For example, eating less acidic foods or switching to a desensitizing toothpaste can sometimes help.
However, it’s usually best to contact your dentist so they can identify and treat the underlying issues before they progress. Otherwise, it could worsen and potentially spread to other areas of your mouth or body. Continue reading to learn how to avoid potentially fatal health concerns by addressing your toothache immediately!
Why Do I Have a Toothache?
It’s natural to wonder what’s behind the throbbing you’ve noticed, and while there are many options, decay and disease are among the most common. Bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can erode your enamel, allowing them to penetrate the tender pulp inside your teeth. This often results in an infection that causes swelling and soreness that will likely worsen the longer it remains unaddressed.
Can Ignoring a Toothache Be Fatal?
Many patients mistakenly assume that they should wait and see whether their discomfort subsides before contacting their dentist. You might be safe to hold off a day or two, but typically, it’s better to call them sooner rather than later. Dental problems don’t usually fix themselves, so your condition will likely continue to deteriorate until your dentist can treat the root problem.
For example, an infection in one tooth can spread to neighboring pearly whites, your connective tissues, and your jawbone. Sometimes, it can even enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body to wreak havoc on your general health. Unfortunately, this has been known to contribute to sometimes deadly conditions, such as sepsis, meningitis, or other respiratory issues that make it difficult to breathe.
How Do I Know if I Have a Tooth Infection?
Knowing the signs of an oral infection can help you get help as soon as you notice an issue. Some potential symptoms include:
- Persistent pain. You might notice a sharp or throbbing ache that can radiate to your jaw, ear, or head.
- Inflammation. Swelling in the gums, face, and lymph nodes often occurs as part of your body’s natural immune response when it’s fighting infection.
- Darkening. If your enamel or connective tissues around the tender tooth look darker than normal, you may have a problem.
- Bad breath. Flourishing bacteria in your mouth also cause an unpleasant scent that you might not be able to brush or floss away.
- Fever. You might also feel flush or develop chills.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing. You should head to the ER immediately if you’re unable to breathe or swallow comfortably.
In many cases, your dentist can provide an emergency root canal to alleviate the infection. However, in more severe cases, extraction and replacement might be the best way to protect and preserve your oral and overall health.
Meet the Author
Dr. Christopher Cannady is passionate about helping families in Clearwater improve their lives by helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in topics like cosmetics, dental implants, and root canals. Today, he offers same-day emergency appointments and multiple types of dental sedation so if you’re hurting, you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (727) 441-3523.