Has a once asymptomatic tooth suddenly become painful? Are you experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold foods? Is there an odor on your breath even after you’ve completed your oral hygiene routine? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you may have an infection in your mouth. Before you dismiss this news entirely, it is important to remember that even something as simple as a toothache can potentially turn into a trip to the emergency room. To learn more about the dangers of an untreated infection and how your dentist can help, read on!
The Dangers of Ignoring a Toothache
Whether you struggle with dental-related anxiety or believe your schedule is too jam-packed to accommodate a trip to the dentist, it is important to remember that a toothache cannot heal on its own. In fact, neglecting to seek treatment can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Not only can the infection lead to bleeding gums and tooth loss, but the harmful bacteria can spread to your vital organs and even become fatal. So, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist for treatment when the symptoms of a toothache first arise.
5 Signs The Infection Has Spread
The most common symptom associated with a toothache is pain. However, there are symptoms that arise when the infection has spread from your mouth into the rest of your body, such as:
- You feel unwell (i.e., fatigue, headaches, etc.).
- You run a fever
- Your face swells (particularly if the inflammation makes it difficult to fully open your mouth or swallow)
- You become dehydrated
- You encounter stomach pain
If you begin to experience any of the above, do your best not to panic. After all, these symptoms could be the result of something other than an infection. Instead, contact your dental team immediately, share your concerns, and schedule a same-day appointment for treatment.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Whether you’ve been struggling with tooth pain for a couple of days or multiple years, your dentist is your oral health’s greatest ally. Instead of passing judgment, they will begin your appointment with a thorough dental exam. From there, they can access the damage and determine which treatment option is best for your unique dental needs. Maybe a simple filling will do the trick or a more intensive procedure, like root canal therapy, is necessary. Either way, they will quickly intervene to prevent further damage and restore your pain-free smile.
About the Practice
At Prime Dentistry, patients and their smiles can benefit from a highly-experienced team, convenient hours, flexible payment options, and a friendly atmosphere. Whether you recently started experiencing a tinge of pain stemming from your mouth or have been struggling with a painful toothache for months, Dr. Dhiren Ahir will use his extensive experience, clinical expertise, and the latest technology to restore the function and aesthetic of your teeth. To schedule your appointment, visit their website or give them a call at 940-514-0333.