Whether it is dental anxiety or financial burden that keeps you from the dentist, there are some very good reasons not to put off dental pain. Many people will ignore dental pain until it simply becomes too unbearable and something must be done. Unfortunately, by this point the dental work you need may be greatly extended. Here are three reasons not to put off dental pain.
Dental Pain is Potential for Infection
Often when there is a cavity or other decay of a tooth, a bacterial infection will also be present. These infections can often be minor, but if left untreated they can become quite severe. Some bacterial infections can turn into abscesses that can cause the jaw or cheek to swell with a pocket of infection. Abscesses are much harder to treat, and they must be treated before the decay of the tooth can be addressed.
Depth of Decay
If you have tooth decay that is causing you pain, it is important to take heed and seek treatment as soon as you are able. Not only can decay of a tooth become deeper in the tooth, it can also spread through bacteria to surrounding teeth. Whereas you may only need one tooth filled when the pain first starts, you may have to have two teeth treated. Deep seated decay may result in a root canal or an extraction.
Nutrition
When you have dental pain, you are not going to be able to eat normally. When you can’t eat normally, your body doesn’t get the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that it needs to function properly. Many people who go years with dental pain eventually reach a point where they lose weight quickly and become sickly due to poor nutrition.
If you have dental pain, don’t wait until it becomes worse. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment.
