Why You Should Not Ignore a Toothache

Sometimes, toothaches can lead to severe discomfort. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but they won’t be able to provide long-term relief.

A sore tooth is often an indication of an oral health problem. Regardless of the type or intensity, seeing your dentist about it so they can rule out potential causes and help you feel better as soon as possible is wise.

No matter how hectic your schedule gets, don’t ignore a toothache. Here are some reasons why an oral examination is necessary.

• Keep tooth decay from progressing. It’s possible for anyone to develop cavities. But certain factors can make individuals more vulnerable. A sugary diet and poor oral hygiene are common causes of cavities. The affected tooth can feel sore when debris builds up in the hole, as do harmful bacteria. Fissures and holes serve as nesting grounds for food deposits that eventually turn into plaque and tartar. Without proper treatment, tooth decay can progress and result in tooth loss.

• Treat dental abscesses immediately. A dental abscess can cause pain as harmful bacteria invade the tooth and gums. An infection doesn’t heal on its own and can spread to other mouth areas. It can also reach the bloodstream and affect other body parts. It isn’t unheard of for severe infections to cause fever and become life-threatening. So, if you can help it, don’t delay seeing a dentist, even if it’s only a minor toothache.

• Diagnose and address gum disease. Gum disease is often due to poor dental care habits. But other factors can also contribute to it, such as medications and genetics. Either way, if the cause of the toothache is related to gum disease, this can indicate that the infection has already advanced. The early stages of gum disease don’t show visible signs, which is why routine dental checkups are beneficial in identifying risks.

• Fix a fractured tooth or broken filling. Damaged teeth and dental fillings can also result in pain. Sometimes, the cracks or fissures are hard to spot. Still, they can lead to discomfort. Through oral evaluations, your dentist will be able to assess the extent of the chip or fracture, recommend appropriate procedures to fix it, and keep the toothaches from recurring.

Home Remedies for Toothaches

While waiting to see the dentist, you may rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help disinfect the area and ease discomfort. You may also apply a cold compress against the cheek where the sore tooth is.

Note that these are only temporary remedies and aren’t a substitute for a proper checkup and diagnosis at the dental office.

See a Dentist in Downtown Calgary, AB, to Get Your Sore Teeth Checked

Have you been thinking about booking a dental consultation in downtown Calgary, AB?

Whether it’s about a sore tooth or any dental-related concern, please feel free to reach out to us at Centennial Smiles Dental.

No one has to endure toothaches. Let’s help you address them for good.