Toothaches are tempting to shrug off, especially when life is busy. Maybe the pain comes and goes, or you assume it’ll just work itself out. But the truth is, ignoring a toothache can have serious consequences. In rare cases, it can even be life-threatening. If you’ve been toughing it out with persistent tooth pain, here’s why it’s time to take it seriously.
What’s Causing Your Pain?
Toothaches often stem from untreated cavities, cracked teeth, or gum infections. When bacteria get into the inner layers of your tooth, they can cause inflammation and infection. This kind of invasion doesn’t stay small for long, especially if it spreads to the surrounding gum tissue or teeth.
Once an infection sets in, it can create swelling, abscesses (pockets of pus), and even begin to affect your jawbone or nearby nerves.
When a Toothache Can Turn Dangerous
If left untreated, a dental infection can spread beyond your mouth. In extreme cases, it can even reach:
- Your bloodstream (causing sepsis)
- Your brain (causing meningitis or brain abscesses)
- Your heart (leading to infective endocarditis)
- Your throat or chest (causing difficulty breathing)
While these complications are rare, they are very real, and they get worse quickly. If you experience symptoms like fever, swelling in your face or neck, difficulty swallowing, or persistent bad taste in your mouth, find emergency dental care immediately.
Waiting to Get Treatment Can Cost You
Even if your toothache doesn’t become life-threatening, putting it off can lead to bigger problems and more expensive treatments. Think root canals, extractions, and replacement prosthetics. The earlier your dentist treats the problem, the better the outcome and the less it will cost you in the long run.
Tooth pain is your body’s way of saying, “Something’s not right.” And while taking a painkiller may provide temporary relief, it’s no substitute for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If you’ve been ignoring a toothache, don’t wait any longer. Call your dentist and get ahead of the issue to keep your smile and the rest of your body whole and healthy.
About the Practice
At Meadowbrook Dentistry, Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr. and Dr. Bryan Tamburro take toothaches seriously because they understand how quickly a small issue can turn into something more severe. Our team aims to find and fix problems early, relieve discomfort, and protect your overall health. Call (516) 346-5655 to schedule an emergency appointment with our team or visit our website to see a full menu of services.