Painful toothaches can be very annoying and can make it hard to focus on anything else. Still, between busy schedules, fear of the dental chair, and even financial constraints, some people ignore this discomfort and hope it eventually goes away. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to dental emergencies, there’s no “healing thyself,” so any damage must be treated by a dentist. In fact, if left untreated, it could eventually cost you your tooth, and worse yet, in some situations, your life. Here’s why ignoring a toothache is such a dangerous idea, and what you should do if you get one!
How to Spot a Tooth Infection
Although there are many reasons why you might have a toothache, painful infections are a common cause. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms in addition to pain, contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Facial Swelling
- Headache
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Red, swollen gums
- Throbbing pain in the tooth
How Ignoring a Toothache Could Be Fatal
The good news is that in most cases, stopping dental pain and preventing worsening infection is easy. Simply contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing a toothache that lasts longer than 24 hours. However, no matter what you do, don’t rely on the pain simply going away on its own, as teeth cannot self-repair and must be treated by a dentist.
Failing to stop a painful dental infection could allow it to spread to your nearby teeth, putting them at risk for extraction. It can also enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, causing a potentially fatal infection. It is also important to note that if you do have a lengthy toothache that suddenly disappears, this does not mean it has gone away; in most cases it happens because the nerve in your tooth has died, and the infection may now move on to the rest of your mouth and body!
Other Risks of Toothache
In addition to causing a potentially fatal infection in the body, untreated toothaches can also result in the following painful complications:
- Permanent tooth loss
- Respiratory issues
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Ludwig’s angina
How to Treat a Toothache
For painful toothaches that last longer than 24 hours, contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible. They will make room in their schedule for a same-day appointment to control the infection and alleviate your pain. If they cannot complete the entire restorative treatment at your initial visit, you may be scheduled to return later; however, you can rest assured that they will complete the necessary steps to protect you and your smile until the final procedure is possible.
Remember, painful toothaches may not seem like more than just an annoyance, but the truth is, if they aren’t treated promptly, they could cost you more than just your smile. Thus, if you’re experiencing dental discomfort that lasts longer than 24 hours, contact your emergency dentist at once and get the relief you need without delay!
About Dr. Kham
Dr. Sai Kham earned his dental degree at the renowned University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and his residency at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Einstein Hospital Medical Center. He currently pursues continuing education in a variety of topics through Spear Education, and is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Alliance of Independent Dentists, and the District of Columbia Dental Society. If you are experiencing a painful toothache, please call Washington DC Dentistry directly at 202-677-0456 for an emergency appointment.