4 Reasons You Should Never Ignore Tooth Pain
Pain is the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. When we ignore it, especially if it is coming from a highly sensitive area, like the mouth, we risk serious injury or illness. If you experience tooth pain, your body could be warning you of an oral health problem that needs to be addressed right away. We urge you to listen to your body because persistent tooth pain is not normal, and ignoring it could have serious consequences.
What Your Tooth Pain Could Be Telling You
Tooth pain is a general symptom and could mean a variety of things, from a particle of food stuck under the gums to a major infection. If the pain does not go away after flossing your teeth or becomes more severe with time, you could be dealing with a serious oral health problem that needs immediate intervention, such as:
Tooth Decay
A cavity is no minor matter. If it has gotten to the point where you feel pain, it means the decay has reached the sensitive inner part of the tooth. Once tooth decay gets that far, it can easily cause an infection.
Abscess
A tooth abscess occurs when pus from an infection accumulates in the soft tissue inside or around the tooth. It may be from an untreated cavity or the result of an injury to the tooth that allowed bacteria to enter the pulp — the nerves and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive.
Cracked Tooth
Tooth enamel is strong but not indestructible. It can become damaged from trauma to the mouth, excessive clenching and grinding, decay, or years of poor oral hygiene. A crack in the enamel will weaken the integrity of the tooth and allow bacteria to reach the inside layers, potentially causing an infection.
Root Infection
Poor oral hygiene, delaying needed treatment, or unhealthy gums can eventually lead to an infection that reaches deep inside the root of the tooth, causing pain and threatening your overall oral health.
Be Diligent with Your Oral Health
Pain in your mouth should never be dismissed. We want to help you avoid pain as much as possible. Your best defense against any of the oral health issues listed above is to brush and floss your teeth correctly every day and visit us at least twice a year for an oral hygiene examination and professional cleaning. Staying on top of your dental visits gives you the highest chance of catching tooth decay, gum disease, and other damage early, when it may only require minimal intervention, preventing infection or, in serious cases, tooth loss.
We want you to be able to enjoy your teeth for your entire life, and we are here to help you with any dental health concerns you may have now and in the future. If you are due for a check-up or have been experiencing any pain in your mouth, please contact our office located in Bowie, MD to request an appointment. Let us help you keep your smile healthy!