Teeth are one of the most essential parts of our body because teeth help you masticate (the process of chewing food). Teeth also make you presentable by giving a good smile. Problems in teeth can be very irritating. Tooth pain is a very common problem encountered by people. Tooth pain can be severely distressing because the nerves for tooth signal conduction are also involved in other parts of our face, like the ear. Common causes encountered by people that cause tooth pain include infection due to certain microorganisms (bacteria or fungi), tooth decay which can be due to enamel erosion or any accidental physical damage, tooth fracture, abscessed tooth, and unsuccessful dental procedures. Prolonged use of unprescribed medical products can also lead to dental damage-causing tooth pain. Wisdom teeth can also be very painful while growing. These can lead to severe tooth pain, which is very sharp and throbbing in nature. Tooth pain can, in some cases, only occur when there is application of pressure on the already damaged tooth. Tooth pain can be accompanied by swollen gums, a mild fever, severe headache, and in case of infection, certain secretions can also be found (like pus or blood). Moreover, involvement of ear pain in the process can also be present due to the common conduction nerves for teeth and ear signals. We encounter many dental patients who have severe pain in their teeth and ear regions and can't eat or sleep because of their tooth pain, which can be very tiring. Self-medication can be good for people who have problems related to physical damage, and the issue is not prolonged enough, but in cases of infections, self-medication is not the way to go.

Why Does Tooth Pain Come And Go? Toothaches are very common, and people of all ages can encounter tooth pain. There are many causes of the pain, and tooth pain is generally constant in nature, but in some cases, tooth pain can come and go. This type of pain is mostly faced in case of decay or damage to the teeth. Sometimes accidentally applying pressure to the damaged teeth can also result in sudden pain. Management can be done in these cases, but removal or treatment of damaged teeth is the only option. Infections of teeth are more severe and can cause constant pain in teeth due to their severity and damage to the area surrounding your teeth. Immediate medical attention is necessary for these infections because only a good antimicrobial therapy is the solution. What Happens If You Leave A Toothache Untreated? A decaying tooth, when left untreated, can cause complete tooth damage resulting in tooth removal. Tooth pain due to nerve damage, if not looked after, can cause permanent pain in your teeth until treated. The situations are severe, but not life-threatening. But, if you have a tooth infection, there is a whole other story. Our blood is sterile in nature, and there are no microorganisms in the blood. Certain pathological conditions can lead to microorganisms entering your blood which can prove to be lethal. Tooth pain caused by a bacterial infection can lead to exponential growth that causes pathogens to enter your blood. This condition is called septicemia, and these microorganisms can enter sterile regions of our body. If the pathogens enter the eyes, it can lead to permanent blindness. Microorganisms in the urinary tract can lead to UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), which can be very painful and can cause kidney damage. If the microorganisms cross into your spinal cord, they can result in meningitis which can eventually lead to death. When Should You See A Dentist For A Toothache? You can prevent almost all dental problems by using toothpaste with fluoride in it, flossing your teeth properly after you eat, and having at least two dental cleaning procedures in a year. You should see a dentist instantly if you have tooth pain that lasts more than 2 to 3 days, your pain is very severe and unbearable, or you experience any other symptoms like fever or ear pain along with tooth pain. You should also consult your dentist if you are experiencing any problem in opening your mouth or chewing your food so that you can be treated with painkillers and other required drugs for your condition. Consulting a dentist or medical professional is also important because if there is an infection, it might lead to many other complications like septicemia and can also be life-threatening.

How Can Tooth Pain Be Prevented? Certain hygienic measures should be utilized to prevent an issue like tooth pain or decay. Brushing your teeth before bed and after waking up is also very important to prevent tooth complications. Consumption of excessive sweets can also be a reason for tooth pain, so stay away from them. Smoking is also a major cause of tooth problems that can be prevented if you quit smoking. Seeing your dentist regularly can also keep you updated on what's happening with your teeth and what risks you have of certain tooth problems, and how they can be prevented. If you have any symptoms stated above, you should immediately book an appointment with your dentist and get yourself checked. How Is Tooth Pain Treated? Your dentist will examine your teeth and take some x-rays of your face and teeth to better understand the problem. Certain treatment options can be opted for, like a root canal, tooth removal, or antibacterial therapy in case of infections. The treatment can be instant or prolonged, where you might have to see your dentist for a number of appointments. Non-opioid painkillers can be used like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen for the treatment of tooth pain, but if not cured, medicines prescribed by a medical practitioner are the best option. Medicated toothpaste and mouthwash are available for the treatment of your issues and for prevention of these problems from happening again.