What Does It Mean When a Toothache Comes and Goes
It's very common for someone to develop a toothache, and after a day or two, it just goes away on its own. Understandably, this makes the person feel like they are lucky, and oftentimes, they're right! Minor dental pain can sometimes stem from a piece of food just being stuck between the teeth and putting pressure on the soft tissues. However, a vanishing toothache can also be a sign that a much more serious dental problem is brewing, one that will result in much more pain later. If you find yourself in this situation, what should you do? What is the best way to handle a "disappearing" toothache in El Reno? What causes this to happen in the first place?
Why a Toothache May Go Away on Its Own
Like we touched on above, a toothache may simply be the result of your lunch lingering between your teeth, in which case brushing and flossing can easily resolve the problem. But, another reason a toothache might suddenly stop is because the nerve of the tooth has been damaged.
When bacteria infects and creates a whole in the outermost layer of a tooth (the enamel), this is called a cavity. Left untreated, the bacteria can actually reach the interior nerve of the tooth called the pulp, harming or even killing it. As a result, the pain stops, but the infection continues, meaning it can spread to the nearby gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth, compounding the problem. Eventually, this can lead to much more pain that seemingly comes out of nowhere. Typically, the best way to solve this type of problem is with root canal therapy.
What You Should Do
If one of your teeth starts hurting and then stops on its own, you should take a close look at it. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your dentist immediately, because they point toward a potentially serious infection:
- The tooth is discolored
- There is a noticeable area of decay
- The gums near the tooth are red and swollen
- Your bite feels different
- There is a bump on the gums near the tooth
How Your Dentist Can Help
For toothaches that last for more than a day or two, it's wise to go ahead and schedule a dental appointment even if it goes away on its own. With a quick exam and some X-rays, your dentist can determine what is causing your pain and address it before the problem becomes worse. If the nerve of your tooth is infected, they can remove the tissue and clean the interior to stop the spread of bacteria and protect the rest of your mouth. As a result, the pain won't come back, and your smile's overall health will be preserved.
A toothache that disappears might seem like a blessing, but it could be a sign of worse things to come. Contacting your dentist at the earliest sign of a problem is the best way to prevent being caught off guard in the future, so be sure to schedule an appointment right away if you ever experience any out of the ordinary oral symptoms. Your future self will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Adam Cohlmia is proud to be a true Oklahoma dentist, having been born, raised, and educated here at the OU College of Dentistry. He and his team offer several treatments that can quickly take care of dental infections, and for patients in pain, he's also a highly-trained emergency dentist in El Reno who offers same-day appointments. Do you currently have a toothache? Did one go away, but it looks like something is wrong with the tooth? To get the answers and care you need, contact El Reno Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.
What Does It Mean When a Toothache Comes and Goes
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