When your body is experiencing any kind of pain, it’s usually its way of telling you that something's wrong. And the mouth is an area that is constantly being used to consume food, which leaves behind particles and allows bacteria to thrive. We know that visiting the dentist can sometimes feel like an inconvenient hassle, but ignoring pain inside your mouth (even when it's minor) can quickly escalate into something more serious without the proper care. So when you have a minor toothache, don’t ignore it!
Tooth Decay
Your mouth contains billions of bacteria which eat away at your tooth enamel. Eventually, without proper care (and with a diet that’s high in sugars, carbs, and starches) that bacteria can thrive and begin to cause decay, which can leave holes in your teeth. If this is left ignored, over time, it can cause severe pain as it begins to impact the root and nerve in the tooth.
Wisdom Teeth
There are four extra teeth underneath the gums in the back of your mouth that complete the full set of your adult teeth. Everyone has them, but not everyone will have theirs grow in. But, when wisdom teeth do begin to emerge, they can often grow in incorrectly, which can cause pain around the back of the jaw. This is another common cause of minor toothaches. This can cause infection and swell over time. So it’s important to visit your dentist for a checkup if you notice pain in this area of your mouth and haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed yet.
Infected Gums
Without properly brushing and flossing each day, plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth and gum line. When this happens, that sticky mineral substance can allow bacteria to grow and infect the gums. If this happens and it’s left untreated, it can lead to a range of problems like gum disease, tooth loss and jawbone loss, which can require your teeth to be removed.
These are just a few examples of what can cause pain in or around the mouth. And often, these issues can begin as a minor toothache. So don’t ignore it! If you’ve been noticing a throbbing sensation, shooting pain or a mild ache, whatever the case may be, have it seen to prevent any infections and damage from developing immediately. Catching problems in the early stages can dramatically reduce the likelihood of needing serious treatment. Contact us at Carlingwood Dental to set up your next appointment.
