A toothache can be easy to ignore, especially if it fades away. However, while many people assume tooth pain is a low-level annoyance, it can actually be a sign of worse things to come. When a toothache lingers, it usually indicates an infection. If left untreated, that infection can spread beyond the tooth and even become life-threatening. So, if you’ve been putting off a dental visit, keep reading. You’ll learn why ignoring this dental emergency could be a dangerous mistake.
How Can a Small Toothache Be a Big Threat?
Most toothaches start with common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or cracked teeth. If treated early, there’s little room for complications. However, when enough bacteria enter your tooth’s inner layer, the pulp, they can cause an infection.
At this stage, you might experience persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold., but this is just the beginning.
Without treatment, the infection can form an abscess—a pocket of pus at the root of your tooth. Once formed, it can grow and spread, eventually reaching your bloodstream. There, it leads to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where your body’s immune system goes into overdrive.
Signs Your Toothache Is Becoming Dangerous
Not every toothache is an emergency, but certain symptoms can indicate a more serious problem, such as:
- Swelling in your face, jaw, or neck.
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- A bad taste in your mouth.
- A large lump or peaking pus around the afflicted tooth.
If you experience any of these warning signs, it could mean that the infection is getting worse. If left untreated, it could start to affect major organs like your heart or brain—leading to dire and unfortunate consequences.
What You Should Do to Protect Your Health
If you’ve got a toothache, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Here’s what to do:
- Call your dentist at the first sign of persistent pain.
- Manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. (Just don’t ignore the issue when the pain begins to fade).
- Avoid home remedies that don’t address the underlying infection like draining an abscess. This can often make matters much worse as the bacteria are released into your body.
- Go to the ER if you have severe swelling, fever, or trouble breathing.
As you can see, while a toothache might seem like a minor issue, ignoring it can have serious consequences. The sooner you see your dentist for this dental emergency, the easier (and safer) it is to treat. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, don’t take a gamble—schedule an appointment to get professional care and protect your health!
About the Practice
At Dr. George Salem & Associates, PC of Braintree, we strive to help every patient improve their oral health for a better smile and a longer life. Whether you’re suffering from a toothache, severe decay, or a knocked-out tooth, our team has the technology and the knowledge to help you find relief fast. Call (781) 843-0660 to schedule a same-day emergency appointment with us or visit our website to explore a full menu of services.