Why You Should Take Your Toothache Seriously

Not every toothache may seem serious. However, if your tooth is just slightly sensitive and you mistake it as a temporary nuisance, then you might neglect to have it checked out, allowing it to grow worse over time. Because a toothache almost always means that your tooth (or surrounding tissues) is in trouble, ignoring it is never a preferable option. In fact, your dentist warns that you should take every toothache seriously and schedule an examination as soon as you notice that your tooth is sensitive.

What Could a Toothache Mean?
A toothache isn’t exactly a condition, but rather a symptom that could indicate a wide variety of conditions. As such, treating a toothache relies on treating whatever is causing it. For example, common reasons behind toothaches can include:

A cracked tooth
A cavity
Thin tooth enamel
Excessive tooth wear
A loose tooth
Gingivitis
And more

What Happens if You Ignore It?
Because the common causes of toothaches involve progressive dental issues, ignoring the symptom could allow the condition (and your discomfort) grow worse over time. A cracked tooth might have a piece break off completely. A cavity can keep progressing until root canal treatment is needed. In the case of gingivitis, inaction could lead to gum disease and increased risks of tooth loss. Regardless of the exact nature of your toothache, seeking treatment as soon as possible is the only way to stop it from becoming an even more severe issue.

Learn More About Your Toothache
If you experience a toothache, then you should take it seriously and visit your dentist as soon as possible to treat it. To schedule a consultation, call Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, CA, today at (805) 604-9999. We also proudly serve patients from in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moore Park, and all surrounding communities.