If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know from experience how painful and uncomfortable it can be. Whether it’s a persistent dull ache in your jaw or it happened after biting down on something crunchy, one thing is for sure – you don’t want to ignore it. Failing to seek treatment may cause your condition to worsen, leading to potentially fatal consequences. Read on to learn how your emergency dentist in Mesquite can save you time, money, and discomfort.
How Can a Toothache Affect Your Overall Health?
Patients with a minor toothache may simply need a filling, dental crown, or another procedure. However, ignoring the pain can cause the tooth in question to become infected. If you fail to seek treatment for the infection, it can spread to the rest of your body, leading to dangerous consequences.
In fact, tooth infection is the highest cause of hospitalization in the United States with all classes of people under this category. It can contribute to serious conditions like sepsis, meningitis, difficulty breathing, and respiratory issues.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
An untreated tooth infection is potentially life-threatening. For that reason, you should keep an eye out for warning signs that indicate something’s amiss. Here are a few symptoms to look out for:
- Throbbing pain in a tooth, jaw, or ear
- Fever
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Sensitivity to pressure, heat, and cold
- Swelling
Ignoring these symptoms may cause the infection to spread throughout the body. You should seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing a high fever accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, mental confusion, or seizures.
Tips for Preventing Toothaches
While tooth infections can be fatal, there are several ways you can lower your risk of one! Some of the ways to keep your smile happy and healthy include:
- Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash)
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
- Avoid poor habits like smoking, biting fingernails, using teeth as tools, and chewing on leftover ice
Do you think you may have a tooth infection? Contact your emergency dentist in Mesquite and schedule an appointment right away. With their help, you can get your oral health back on the right track in no time!
About the Practice
At TrueCare Dentistry, we are passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain their very best smiles. Our team uses the latest technologies and techniques to ensure you get the quality care you deserve. If you have a persistent toothache, don’t hesitate to reach out for treatment. We’ll identify the issue and relieve your pain quickly! You can schedule an emergency appointment via our website or call (469) 399-7288.