Toothache pain is never fun to deal with. It can be a minor nuisance or sharp, pounding pain that, at its worst, makes basic daily activities of eating or talking not well bearable. Whatever the level-severity of tooth pain, one thing is for sure: it is never okay to ignore it. We are concerned with any kind of pain or other dental problems that may present themselves to anyone living in Mt. Vernon, NY. We highly value this effort of taking care and asking for a helping hand from a proper professional, such as a Dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY. Aurora Smiles considers compassion in care to get to the root of the problem.
Painful teeth, if left unattended, not only risk greater discomfort but also serious complications including infections, and loss of teeth, among other systemic health problems. This paper discusses the reason one should never overlook a toothache and how timely dental treatment in Mt. Vernon, NY can save one from long-term problems.
Tooth Pain: Understanding the Causes
Pain in the tooth may emanate from various sources. To some people, pain will just go away, but it usually means something is wrong and needs attention. The most common causes of pain in the teeth include:
- Cavities: More usual causes of pain in the teeth are due to tooth decay. When bacteria dissolve the enamel, it produces cavities that expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
- Gum Diseases: Gingivitis and periodontitis are the bacterial infections of gums, which cause swollen gums and hurt your tooth and even bleed.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Usually, sensitivity in teeth takes place when hot or cold food and drinks come into contact, and this is due to enamel erosion of teeth, thereby exposing nerve endings and making one feel discomfort.
- Infections: Bacterial infections of the pulp of a tooth-abscesses-may present with very sharp pains and, if not treated, may pose serious risks to health.
- Fractured Teeth: Small cracks or chips in a tooth due to an injury or because of the biting of something hard. Pain can be experienced-especially if it is exposing the nerve of the tooth.
- Wisdom Teeth: Impaction and poor growth of wisdom teeth is very painful; mostly, such teeth have to be removed to relieve pain.
Each of these problems requires special dental treatments to prevent further destruction. If you are suffering from any type of toothache, then it is very important that you visit your Dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY to diagnose it and provide the necessary treatment before the condition gets out of hand.
The Dangers of Disregarding a Toothache
You may wish to grit your teeth and bear it, hoping that one day it will disappear. Well, the reality is, most likely, neglecting a toothache can result in very many serious complications, most of which could be avoided if they were caught early.
1. Loss of Tooth
Some of the major risks relating to the neglect of toothache concern tooth loss. In an instance where there is a cavity, gum infection, or abscess that is not treated, this may be the cause of the disintegration of the tooth. If the problem had been attended to in due time, filling or even root canal treatment might have sufficed in retaining the tooth. Often, in instances where one delays, there reaches a point at which the damage may become irreparable, and sometimes extraction may be the only option.
2. Spread of Infection
An infected tooth, if left untreated, will easily spread into other parts of the mouth or for that matter into other parts of your body. For example, such a tooth will lead to bacteria entering your bloodstream and eventually causing sepsis. It is a serious and dangerous health condition that will make you seriously ill. The part of this that started out initially as just a simple toothache will all of a sudden become serious, even a medical concern requiring a visit to the hospital.
3. Damage to Jaw and Bone
Chronic pain in the tooth usually results from infection or decay spiraling out of control to the infection of the jawbone. Diseases like periodontitis make the bones and tissues that support teeth break down, usually causing loose teeth or the complete loss of teeth. Furthermore, infection can weaken the bone structure around the teeth, which causes other dental procedures to be much more difficult and expensive.
4. Systemic Health Problems
There has been an improved understanding of the links between good oral health and general health. Poor oral hygiene and untreated oral conditions have been linked to such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Chronic oral inflammation, such as that caused by gum diseases, is extremely critical in playing a role in this process by spreading noxious bacteria to other parts of the body.
When to See a Dentist
If you have some aches in your teeth, here are the various symptoms that would tell you it is time to see your Dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY:
- Persistent Pain: If you find that your tooth aches persist for more than a day or two, then you will want to seek out professional assistance. Pain that just won’t go away is usually a sign that something is occurring that is not going to heal on its own.
- Swelling or Redness: Swollen, puffy gums or cheeks-especially those which could be related to pain in the tooth-may involve infection.
- Fever or Fatigue: If the pain in the tooth is accompanied by fever or feelings of exhaustion, one might be dealing with an infection that is more serious and hence needs urgent attention.
- Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing: Pain during the time of chewing or swallowing can indicate deep infection that could well be in the root of the tooth or within the soft tissues of the gum.
- Bleeding Gums: Sometimes bleeding in the gums may be initiated with the action of brushing or flossing. At times this may point to infection of the gums. Normally, this would not be considered serious, but if left untreated could lead to other more serious complications.
Conclusion
It is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Ignoring this signal can lead to serious complications that may, at times, be life-threatening. Prompt dental treatments in Mt. Vernon, NY, are essential to address the underlying causes of pain before they worsen, potentially saving you from more painful and costly treatments later on.
At Aurora Smiles, under the care of Dr. Amul Patel, we pride ourselves on being compassionate and professional in our approach to patient treatment. If you’re in Mt. Vernon, NY, and are experiencing any kind of tooth pain, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our goal is to ensure your smile remains healthy and pain-free for many years to come through comprehensive dental solutions.
Allow us to help you eliminate your toothache. Set an appointment today with Aurora Smiles, your trusted dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY.