27.05.2024

3 Mistakes People Make When They Have A Toothache

Toothache? It may be because of sensitivity or cavities.

Mistake Number 1: IGNORING THE PAIN

Dental cavities are holes (or structural damage) in the teeth. Cavities refer to tooth decay, which occurs when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and its underlying layer, the dentin. These bacteria change foods, especially sugar and starch, into acids. Bacteria, acid, food pieces, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque.

Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating. If it is not removed, tooth decay will begin. Left untreated the decay can cause pain in the tooth leading to a loss of concentration and loss of sleep at night which can affect your performance at work and at school. The decay can also cause the tooth to get infection leading to an abscess formation. The infection can spread throughout your body causing flu like symptoms.

It is best not to ignore PAIN, even when it is fleeting or transient. Pain is a mechanism that your body uses to tell you that something is wrong. Do see your dentist at the earliest opportunity. The earlier the lesion, the easier it is to treat

Mistake Number 2: WAITING TOO LONG TO SEE THE DENTIST

The above picture shows the stages of tooth decay. A small cavity can be repaired with either an amalgam filling (composed of silver and other metals) or a tooth-colored resin material. But if the tooth has lost a lot of its structure, your dentist may need to do a crown. However, when the decay has reached to the pulp, it cannot be treated unless you do RCT (Root Canal Treatment) or do extraction of the tooth.

Obviously, the earlier the cavity or lesion, the easier (and cheaper) it is to treat. Nobody needs to wait till the tooth is too painful or go with missing teeth due to extractions if it can possibly be helped.

The symptoms of tooth decay can be seen by its three stages. The first stage is your tooth feels painful or has an achy feeling, after eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold . The second stage is when there are visible pits or holes in the teeth. The third stage is when you feel spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent causes. If you feel these symptoms, you are advised to see your dentist immediately.

Mistake Number 3: THINKING IT’S OK TO EXTRACT THE TOOTH IF ALL ELSE FAILS

Just ask your grandparents or anyone who has missing teeth, if they could turn back time, would they have avoided getting their teeth extracted? Yes, one or two missing teeth may not seem like a big thing, but do you know that these gaps will eventually change the structure or alignment of the remaining teeth in your mouth? Teeth next to the gap will tilt into the space, causing areas of food stagnation and increased risks of further tooth decay. Upper or lower teeth may overerupt, causing eventual pain in those teeth and eventual further extraction.

IN SHORT, take care of your teeth the longest that they can be in your mouth without causing pain or infection. They are truly precious pearls that are only missed once they’re gone.

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3 Mistakes People Make When They Have A Toothache