Are you suffering from a persistent toothache that comes and goes at random intervals? Many people believe that getting a minor toothache from time to time is normal. Therefore, they simply take some painkillers and wait for the pain to ease. Unfortunately, a toothache is anything but normal, especially if it keeps on recurring. Painkillers and at-home treatments will only offer temporary relief and mask the underlying problem. Therefore, take note of these dangers that may arise if you fail to see a dentist.
Severe dental infection
One of the major causes of chronic toothaches is dental infection. Infections occur when harmful bacteria invade the dental pulp, the innermost part of a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invade the pulp, they infect it, leading to inflammation. One common sign of a bacterial infection is a toothache. Other symptoms include:
Painkillers can provide temporary relief from the pain caused by dental infections. However, the toothache and other symptoms will continue to recur until you seek treatment. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread to the body's organs and cause life-threatening complications.
Possible tooth loss
If you have a toothache that is not caused by an injury, you may be suffering from tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria wear out the enamel. Severe tooth decay can cause an infection. Over time, the bacteria spread to the gum and infect it. This causes gum recession, inflammation and bleeding gums. Receded gums are unable to support the teeth properly, which can cause tooth loss. Also, if the tooth gets severely decayed, you may have to pull it out.
Chronic bad breath
Chronic bad breath occurs because of poor oral hygiene. However, it can also be caused by tooth decay and dental infections. Decayed teeth have cavities that trap small food particles. As bacteria break down the food particles, they release a foul gas that causes bad breath. Continued bacterial action causes further wear to the enamel. If you have a toothache and are experiencing chronic bad breath, you need to get checked and treated for cavities.
Expensive dental treatment
Using painkillers and at-home remedies to manage toothaches only provides temporary relief. It increases the risk of developing infections, gum disease and severe tooth decay. If you have a cavity, you may need to undergo root canal treatment. Tooth loss may force you to use dental prosthetics, such as dentures and implants. Therefore, failure to treat a minor toothache can lead to costly dental treatment.
Proper treatment of toothaches is essential to preserve natural teeth and maintain oral health. Avoid these dangers by visiting your dentist immediately for a checkup and treatment.
Share19 April 2022
As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.
