MEDICAL INSIDER – DR RHODA ENTERO
A person holding the jaw may mean that there is something wrong, which could
be a toothache.
Toothache is something most of us will experience at least once in a lifetime.
Most of us would massage the part where the toothache is located. Toothache is
something that indicates a problem with the tooth that may require the attention of a
dentist.
Most often, toothache is caused by tooth decay or worsening gum disease. The
pain serves as an alarm bell that may indicate there is a lack of good oral health habit.
The pain may indicate that the tooth is inflamed or irritated. The pulp may also be
irritated. The pulp is in the inside of the tooth where the nerves and tissues are located.
The dentist will make a thorough oral examination to find out why the tooth is
aching. There could be a number of reasons there is a tooth ache. Toothache may
include tooth grinding, tooth trauma, abnormal bite, and tooth eruption which happens to
school-aged children.
People should pay attention to any pain in the mouth especially the tooth.
Toothache may include the presence of abscess, which means there is pus
present that is collected around the tooth. It is possible that there is a bacterial infection
which may come with bleeding gums, inflammation, or worse, bone loss around the
tooth. For this instance, it is best to see your dentist immediately.
The presence of abscess may require one to see a dentist, but certain situations
may be considered as an emergency especially when there is pain when one makes a
bite, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, foul-tasting discharge, and
continuous pain in the tooth.
Never overlook toothaches as it may lead to worse situations. The pain may also
be an indication that the body is overreacting and may be fighting a bacterial infection.
Sepsis may develop if a toothache is not treated and may lead to death. It is not
good to bet against the possibility that an infection will not develop to life-threatening
sepsis.
Not all toothaches may be related to tooth health. It is possible that the pain is
caused by stress, prior traumas, heart conditions, and some form of cancer, which may
be a reason for the ache.
Colds and sinus infections may also cause tooth pain. The dentist can help you
find the right solution if the pain is caused by another reason.
The most important thing one has to remember about the toothache is something
that a dentist can find out. The toothache is not just causing discomfort but it can
threaten the health or may lead to death.