Why Treating a Toothache Right Away Can Protect Your Overall Health

Do you have a nagging toothache that won’t go away? It may be getting in the way of your everyday life, as it may hurt to eat your favorite foods or have a hot coffee in the morning. While you may be tempted to wait it out, this discomfort could be putting your overall health at greater risk. This may be especially true if you have an infected tooth. Keep reading to learn why you should call your emergency dentist right away.

What’s Causing My Toothache?

There are many reasons why someone might have a toothache, ranging from sinus pressure to a tooth infection. The latter is often caused by poor oral hygiene, decay, dry mouth, or dental damage. These all allow bacteria to linger on your teeth and give them more opportunities to reach the inner pulp. If you have this oral health issue, then some common symptoms include sensitivity to hot or cold things, persistent bad breath, and a fever, to name a few.

So, Can My Toothache Become Fatal?

While this is a rare occurrence, a toothache can become fatal. In the 1600s, in London, a tooth infection was the fifth or sixth leading cause of death. Fast forward up to 1908, and these oral health issues still resulted in 10% to 40% of the time.

Thankfully, advancements in modern dentistry have now made it extremely unlikely. It’s still possible for the infection to spread to the rest of your body and cause diseases, such as sepsis, Ludwig’s Angina, and meningitis. However, there are some signs that show your infected tooth is spreading, you may experience:

• Headache, fatigue, dizziness
• Chills
• Fever
• Swelling in your face
• Dehydration
• Stomach pain
• Faster breathing and increased heart rate

How Will My Dentist Treat My Toothache?

The good news is that your emergency dentist is here to help! By visiting them right away when your toothache starts, they can find the root of the problem and fix it before it becomes a bigger headache. If they find a tooth infection, they will likely recommend a root canal for you. In this treatment, they will create a small hole in your tooth and remove the affected pulp inside. After cleaning and disinfecting it, they seal it and let you save your natural dental structure!

A toothache can be frustrating to deal with, but it’s important not to put your smile at risk by not treating it! To help keep your oral and overall health the best they can be, call your emergency dentist right away and get back to a pain-free grin.

About the Practice

At DeMartino Dental Group, you benefit from the compassionate care of a husband-and-wife dentist duo. We are here to help you through any dental emergency that you may be experiencing, including a persistent toothache. With same-day appointments and state-of-the-art technology, you can find relief from it as soon as possible. If you have a tooth that’s causing you some trouble, schedule an appointment or call our office at (908) 859-5260.