I’ve been a dentist for more than 20 years, so I’ve heard patients relate all sorts of ideas about toothaches. Sadly, the most common ones are based on rumors and gossip rather than actual fact. Such assumptions can lead to serious smile problems over time. Yet, sorting through all the misinformation isn’t easy.
One of my roles as a dentist is to help people understand the truth about toothaches. Here are four misconceptions that that I frequently have to debunk:
#1. Toothaches Are “Normal”
I often hear the notion that tooth pain is “normal,” a harmless feeling that isn’t worthy of concern, something that can be ignored. Unfortunately, it isn’t right.
A toothache is your body’s way of alerting you to issues that deserve attention, whether they’re widespread or not. Indeed, they’re an important signal that shows your smile is in real trouble. Your discomfort could indicate a cavity, a tooth infection, gum disease, or a similar condition. When your oral health is at stake, downplaying the pain is the worst thing to do. You should see a dentist for a diagnosis sooner rather than later.
#2. It’s Safe to Wait Toothaches Out
I’ll sometimes hear patients say that you can simply wait for a toothache to go away. Needless to say, this claim is another myth.
It’s risky to ignore a toothache, even if the pain fades over time. Teeth cannot heal themselves, so ignoring a toothache usually makes your dental problems worse. A cavity may spread deeper and cause an infection, or gum disease could let harmful bacteria cause serious damage to your jawbone and systemic health. These scenarios show that you mustn’t wait out a toothache; you should call your dentist, describe your symptoms, and get treatment as soon as you reasonably can.
#3. Home Remedies “Cure” Toothaches
While home remedies are helpful for managing discomfort, they can’t “cure” toothaches. That is a false rumor that puts your smile at risk.
Home remedies only offer temporary relief until you can get proper treatment for your tooth. That applies to any remedy you might try on your own, whether it’s over-the-counter pain medicine, clove oil, salt water, or so on. None of the DIY methods address the underlying cause of toothaches; only professional dental treatment does.
#4. Toothaches Aren’t Worth a Dental Visit
Perhaps the worst misconception about toothaches is that they are not worth a dental visit. Ignoring the need for care usually costs patients a lot, both in terms of lost health and in money spent.
Dental treatment for a toothache is well worth the price and any inconvenience you might experience. It not only ends your pain, but also reduces the risk of worse problems that would require expensive care later. Examples of the latter include tooth infections and even tooth loss, which you can only fix through costly root canal therapy or prosthetic tooth replacements. No doubt you would agree that it is better to avoid such situations if possible.
At this point, you can see these misconceptions for what they truly are. Respond properly to toothaches so you don’t end up in trouble with your smile!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Steven Kendrick is an Oklahoma native with extensive experience in various aspects of his profession. He and our team strive to provide a comfortable environment and high-quality treatment. We are often able to see emergency patients on a same-day basis. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our office in Midwest City at 405-732-0431.