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Things you should NOT ignore if your tooth hurts

Things you should NOT ignore if your tooth hurts

Have you been struggling with tooth pain? Are you looking for dental care?


When your teeth are hurting, it’s not easy to try to push past it. We're all prone to ignoring pain when it comes to toothaches. But it likely won’t just go away, and distracting yourself may only make things more challenging to resolve. Let's go over some of the most important things you should keep in mind if your teeth hurt.

Why is doing a monthly dental checkup important?


In order to maintain healthy teeth, seeing a dentist at least once every six months is important. Checkups can identify problems early and prevent them from getting worse.

If any of your teeth hurt, see a dentist in Didsbury as soon as possible, or visit a specialist if the pain is severe, and also have x-rays taken if the pain persists. X-rays can indicate the presence of many oral issues. For example, an abnormality on an x-ray can mean that teeth may be prematurely failing because of decay or an abscess, leading to jaw pain and tightness and even tooth loss if not treated quickly. Diagnosis and treatment of dental problems can be more successful when caught early.

Major problems of ignoring tooth pain


If you're experiencing tooth pain, there are a few things you should not ignore. 

If a tooth feels loose or hurts when you touch it, you should address it as soon as possible. Major problems can lead to serious dental issues, such as perforations in the tooth that can lead to infection and loss of the tooth.

Frequent checking of the blood vessels at the base of your lower front teeth by a dentist will also give you an early warning when they become inflamed. Inflammation often causes toothaches and trouble eating food.

Don't hesitate to call your dentist if you notice any changes in your oral health status. 

Changes may include:

  • How your teeth feel or look

  • An increase in bleeding in your mouth/gums

  • Unusual dental plaque formation

  • Sudden changes in your appetite or thirst


If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth properly, don't hesitate to ask your Didsbury dentist.

Reasons you shouldn't ignore tooth pain


Tooth pain can be a sign that something is wrong with your teeth. If you ignore the pain, it could permanently damage your teeth. 

Here are five reasons why you should not ignore tooth pain:

  1. Tooth decay is the most common cause of tooth pain, and it can progress very quickly. If you ignore tooth pain, you may not be able to identify the problem early enough, and it can lead to irreversible damage.

  2. If you ignore tooth pain, the bacteria may eventually grow strong enough to destroy your tooth. Tooth pain may also signify a systemic problem, such as heart disease or diabetes. In these cases, taking care of the underlying problem may help relieve tooth pain.

  3. Missing or porcelain-filled teeth are much more vulnerable to dental damage. If you ignore tooth pain, the structural defects in your teeth may eventually lead to their collapse.

  4. Tooth pain may be a sign of an infection. If you don't take action to treat the infection, it may spread to other parts of your body and cause more severe problems.


If you have any questions about what's causing your toothache, see a dentist as soon as possible. It’s never safe to ignore the signs when it comes to your teeth!

Consequences of tooth pain


Here are some consequences of tooth pain:

First, if the tooth hurts when you chew or suck on a straw, it likely needs to be examined by a dental professional. There could be a cavity or a problem with the tooth. If the pain is severe enough, the dentist may extract the tooth.

If the pain isn't severe but persists after several treatments from a dentist, it may be due to an infection. If the infection is treated early, most people will only experience mild discomfort and no lasting damage. However, if left untreated, an infection can lead to permanent damage to the tooth and even missing teeth.

Another thing to avoid is drinking alcohol and sugary drinks. These drinks can cause tooth decay and discoloration of teeth. Large chunks of food can also get stuck in between your teeth and cause more pain and discomfort. 

Toothache can signify a more serious issue, like gum disease or a dental abscess. If tooth pain lasts for more than two weeks, see a doctor. Toothache that persists for more than two weeks may signal a problem with your jaw or teeth. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the issue.

Toothache can stem from various causes, but some of the most common are TMJ disorders, decay, pain from an infection, and abscessed teeth. 

Symptoms of tooth pain


If you are experiencing tooth pain, it’s essential to know the symptoms to seek medical help immediately.

When a tooth becomes infected, pain is usually the first sign. The pain can also come from a cavity, a loose tooth, or an abscess.

If your tooth hurts and there is no apparent cause, you should see your dentist. If the pain is due to a rotting tooth, the infection may have spread to other parts of your mouth, and you will need antibiotics.

If the pain is in one or two teeth only and they don’t appear to be infected, try an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the pain continues after taking these medications, go to a dentist.

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, it's also important to see a dentist right away: 

  • Difficulty eating or drinking

  • Severe pain when biting down

  • Severe pain when chewing

  • Swelling around the tooth or neck 


Treatment of tooth pain


If you’re having tooth pain, there are some things you should consider doing to treat it. Here are some of the most effective treatments for toothache:

- Apply an ice pack to your mouth for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. It can help reduce any swelling and pain in your teeth.

- Take ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by your doctor. These medications will help take the edge off of your pain and help you sleep comfortably.

- You should also try to drink plenty of water and fluids and eat nutritious foods.

- See your dentist for a consultation and examination. They can identify the root cause of your toothache and recommend the best treatment strategy.

Schedule an appointment with a professional dentist at Didsbury Smiles Dental


If you have a toothache, it's important to see a professional dentist. A toothache could be caused by various problems, from a misaligned jaw to a cavity. In some cases, the pain is a warning sign that something is wrong and requires attention. If you can't get the toothache to go away on your own, schedule an appointment with a professional dental practitioner like Didsbury Smiles Dental. We can evaluate the problem and provide you with a treatment plan to relieve your pain. Do you need emergency dental care, book your emergency dentist in Didsbury appointment with Didsbury smiles dental.

Toothaches can be incredibly frustrating, to the point where you might do anything to get rid of them. If you're experiencing tooth pain, there are a few things you should definitely not ignore. First and foremost, don't brush your teeth if the pain is severe — doing so will only cause more damage to your tooth and further increase your chances of experiencing pain. Secondly, avoid drinking sugary drinks while you have toothache as they will exacerbate the problem. Finally, if you can't take the pain anymore or it's been happening for an extended period of time, Dental care for tooth pain , go see a dentist to get it checked out.

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