Should I Ignore a Toothache?

March 26, 2018

tooth acheYou start to experience a dull, aching pain that’s only mildly relieved by over-the-counter painkillers and numbing gel — but you’re busy. Squeezing a dental appointment into your schedule to address this toothache just doesn’t seem to be in the cards. Should you ignore your toothache, hoping it will just go away? The answer is a big, huge, resounding no!

What Is a Toothache?

Toothaches are typically a clear sign that something is afoot. Whether it’s an incoming wisdom tooth, a cavity, or something more sinister, toothaches are your body’s cue to get into the dentist.

What Is My Toothache Telling Me?

So, you’ve got a toothache — what could be wrong? Some common causes of toothaches include:

A cavity: As previously mentioned, toothaches can be good indicators of cavities. As your tooth begins to decay, it irritates the tissues and nerves around your teeth, causing pain. Leaving a cavity unaddressed can cause serious problems down the road when the decay spreads into the rest of your mouth and other parts of your body.

Gum disease: Gum disease is nothing to ignore. Because untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, the faster you address the pain, the higher the chances are that you’ll save your teeth!

Wisdom teeth: If you or your teenager have yet to have your wisdom teeth removed, impacted wisdom teeth that are pressing against other teeth can be a source of major discomfort. If you’re experiencing severe pain in the four back corners of your mouth, wisdom teeth could be to blame.

The Bottom Line?

If you’re in pain, you need to be seen — and since we offer same-day appointments, there’s no need to wait. Call us today at (720) 439-2984 and let tooth pain be a thing of the past.