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Given the pandemic that we are currently enduring, there have been calls for a strict observance of proper hygiene. The use of face masks, keeping social distance, washing of hands regularly, and even the regular disinfecting of establishments are all measures that the health community champion fiercely, and they are right to do so.
But this should not be perceived as a reason to overlook the other aspects of hygiene. And while it’s true that a toothache might not seem as serious as something like a flu, ignoring a toothache can cause a situation that might also be life-threatening. This is ironic, considering the fact that proper treatment of several life-threatening conditions that start off as toothache requires early detection and intervention.
What Kind Of Toothache Should I Watch Out For?
A toothache, like all pain indicators, is a signal that something isn’t right in the body. However, it should be noted that not all pain is bad. For example, soreness in your muscles after rigorous physical activity is to be expected. However, when a particular pain is sharp, incessant, and it lasts for more than a day, it should be considered an indication of dangerous damage to your body.
So, with that out of the way, these are some of the things you need to look for if your toothache lasts for more than a day.
Tooth Decay
Everytime we eat, the food residue becomes plaque. This is a stick bacteria that clings to teeth and produces an acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel. If left uncleaned for too long, the plaque will eventually destroy the enamel, thus creating an ingress point through which bacteria can enter your body. This will often lead to tooth and gum infection.
Infection
An infection occurs when a pathogen enters the body, either through a break in the skin, or by ingesting the pathogen (as is the case with COVID-19 droplets). The worst characteristic of an infection is that it spreads throughout the body, thus causing damage to important organs and systems.
Tooth Abscesses
As if an infection wasn’t bad enough on its own, when left untreated, it will eventually cause the area surrounding it to swell. This swelling leaks pus at the root. As disgusting as this sounds, the pus accumulating in the mouth is not the most dangerous aspect of a tooth abscess, but rather, it is the risk that the infection might spread directly to the brain. As we all know, when an infection reaches the brain, it will cause irreversible damage, or worse, it may even result in death.
Prevention
As with most medical conditions, these circumstances can be avoided by practicing proper dental hygiene. Should you experience toothaches that last for more than a day, it’s highly recommended to have it checked by your dentist, even amidst a pandemic. Many dental clinics are open and some even have professionals who are some of the best in restorative dental work.
Again, a toothache is insidious. It may seem like a trivial matter, but like all pains, it’s important to take due care, especially when it lasts for more than a day. So, the next time you experience a toothache, consider these possibilities. It could save your life.
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