If you currently have a toothache, your primary concern is probably the pain that you’re experiencing on a daily basis. But could the problem be even worse than that? Could a toothache that isn’t treated in time actually put your life at risk? To make sure you understand the importance of calling your emergency dentist as soon as possible, here’s a look at why ignoring the pain in your tooth could be dangerous.
What Causes a Toothache?
There are actually multiple potential causes of a toothache, but in many cases, the issue is the result of an infection. If your tooth is damaged or decayed, harmful bacteria can get past the enamel and attack the pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. Infected dental pulp can result in significant pain; it can also make the tooth unusually sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
How Can Ignoring a Toothache Be Life-Threatening?
Choosing to ignore a toothache means allowing the infection to grow worse and potentially spread to other areas via the bloodstream. It could eventually result in sepsis, which is an extreme reaction from the body in an effort to fight the infection. Sepsis can cause serious damage to vital organs and can often be fatal.
On top of that, an infected tooth could potentially lead to meningitis, which is when the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. Meningitis can be a very dangerous condition, with a death rate as high as 70%.
Finally, it should be noted that the bacteria causing a tooth infection could travel to your lungs if you breathe them in. This can result in respiratory illnesses that could easily put your life in danger.
What Should You Do About a Toothache?
The best thing to do when you have a toothache is to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. They can take an X-ray of your tooth and figure out what the source of the pain is; then they can explain what treatment options are available and help you put together a plan to stop your discomfort and restore your oral health.
If your toothache is caused by an infection, a root canal treatment may be recommended. This procedure involves removing the pulp of the tooth so that the infection doesn’t have a chance to spread any further. However, if the tooth has passed the point of no return, your dentist may need to extract it.
No matter what’s causing your toothache, it’s essential to act quickly. The sooner the issue is treated by a professional, the more likely you’ll be to avoid a worst-case scenario.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Salvaggio has more than two decades of dental experience. He graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, and he regularly attends the Kois Dental Education Centre for continuing education. At his Brampton practice, Salvaggio Dentistry, he offers same-day appointments for patients with severe toothaches and other oral health issues that require immediate attention. To schedule an emergency visit with Dr. Salvaggio, visit his website or call (289) 569-0721.