Toothache is a fairly common problem and can sometimes go away on its own after a day or two. This causes the person to feel lucky and can often be right. Minor toothaches can sometimes be caused by a piece of food getting stuck between the teeth and pressing on soft tissues. However, a toothache that does not go away may be a sign that a much more serious dental problem is developing that will cause much more pain later on. So what should you do when you find yourself in such a situation?
As we mentioned above, toothache can be caused simply by having your lunch between your teeth, in which case brushing and flossing can easily solve the problem. However, another reason for the sudden cessation of toothache is that the nerve of the tooth is damaged.
When bacteria infect the outermost layer (enamel) of a tooth and form a whole, it is called a cavity. Left untreated, the bacteria can reach the tooth’s inner nerve called pulp, damage it and even kill the tooth. As a result, the pain stops, but the infection persists, meaning it can spread to nearby gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth, exacerbating the problem. Eventually this can lead to much more pain that seemingly comes out of nowhere. Typically, the best way to fix this type of problem is root canal treatment.
What Should You Do?
If one of your teeth starts to hurt and then the pain stops on its own, you should be careful. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your dentist immediately, as they indicate a potentially serious infection.
.Tooth discoloration
.If there is an obvious wear area
.If the gums near the tooth are red and swollen
.It feels different when you bite
How Can Your Dentist Help You?
For toothaches that last more than a day or two, it’s wise to go ahead and schedule your dental appointment, even if it goes away on its own. With a quick exam and X-ray, your dentist can determine what’s causing your pain and fix the problem before it gets worse. If the nerve of your tooth is infected, they may remove the tissue and clean the inside to stop the spread of bacteria and protect the rest of your mouth.
As a result, the pain will not return and the overall health of your smile will be maintained.
A passing toothache may seem like a blessing, but it can also be a harbinger of worse things to come. Contacting your dentist at the first sign of a problem is the best way to avoid being caught off guard in the future, so if you experience any unusual mouth symptoms, be sure to make an appointment with your dentist right away.
