A toothache is one of the most common dental problems that people experience. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2015 to 2018, 25.9% of adults aged 20 to 44 had untreated dental problems. And although it’s often not a serious problem, it can be quite painful and annoying. Moreover, if you don’t take care of it in a timely manner, it can lead to more severe problems.
However, many people are still nonchalant when it comes to their oral health. They dismiss the toothache as something temporary and unimportant and, thus, don’t seek treatment for it. This is a huge mistake! Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t ignore your toothache.
It can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Most toothaches are harmless. In fact, some are just caused by a new toothbrush or overly hot or cold food and drinks. There are also times when the pain goes away on its own after a few days. This can let people believe that what they experienced was just tooth sensitivity flaring up or a one-time pain they have to endure.
Although a toothache is indeed often not a serious problem, it can be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection. Infections may arise from a number of sources, including cavities, gum disease, and even a sinus infection. Suppose you are experiencing a toothache that does not go away after a few days. In that case, it’s essential to see your dentist so that the underlying cause can be identified and treated.
If you have an infection, they will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. This is important because if you don’t get the proper medication, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and become quite dangerous. This is even more important for children as their immune system is not as developed as adults, making them more susceptible to infections.
It can interfere with your daily life.
A toothache can definitely interfere with your daily life. It can make it difficult to eat, sleep, and concentrate on work or school. Moreover, the pain can be so severe that it prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities. For example, suppose you love playing sports but can’t because of a toothache. In that case, that might be a sign that the pain you’re experiencing is already incapacitating.
Eating can also be affected by toothache, and nutrition can also be diminished. This is because people who are in pain often don’t have an appetite. When you don’t eat, your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to function correctly. This can lead to other problems, such as fatigue, weakness, and even weight loss.
Finally, your mood and social interaction can also be affected. A toothache can make you feel irritable, anxious, and depressed. It can also affect your social life as you may not be able to participate in activities with your friends or family.
The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can get back to your regular routine. So, if you’re experiencing a toothache, don’t wait too long to see your dentist.
It can become more serious if left untreated.
Even if a toothache is not a sign of a more severe problem, it can still become more serious if left untreated. For instance, a cavity will only get larger and cause more pain if you don’t have it filled by a dentist.
If you wait too long to see a dentist, the problem will likely require more extensive (and expensive) treatment than if you had seen the dentist at the first sign of trouble. For instance, a simple filling may turn into a root canal if the problem is not treated promptly. Likewise, gum disease may progress to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Some conditions might even require dental surgery, which involves more intricate procedures and a longer recovery time. So, if you don’t want to deal with more serious dental problems, it’s best to not wait until the pain becomes unbearable before you seek treatment. By then, the problem may have already become too serious.
Ultimately, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your teeth and dental health. If you have even the slightest suspicion that something may be wrong, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to determine whether or not there is actually anything wrong and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
